In the 1930's there were well over 2000 health resorts built around cold or hot springs. Once the benefits of spending time at a spa had become well known many people made plans to spend at least some of their vacation time soaking up the healthful waters found in the naturally occurring springs that are found in many places right here in the U.S. Also called balneotherapy, the health filled therapy found in 中野市 温泉 (even cold springs) draw crowds of people seeking a way to feel better, perhaps to heal sore muscles or over stressed bones. Doctors recommend spa time to their patients who suffer from joint diseases like rheumatism and arthritis because they know of the benefits to be found in those magic waters. But there actually is no magic to the springs, they are part of nature and a natural method of healing the sore and unhealthy.
Greeks and Romans first learned the benefits of natural spring waters
Since Greeks first discovered that bathing in certain waters made them feel significantly better, followed by Romans who turned the art of the bath into something spectacular, bathing in natural spring waters or tidal pools has earned the right to claim its healthy claims. Ancient Greek bath houses first found benefit in the natural mud found in and around hot springs and literally covered themselves with the dark viscous material, hoping to feel better while eliminating those aches and pains associated with bone and joint discomfort. According to Greek mythology, certain tidal pools and natural springs had been blessed by the gods and would cure diseases. The then established facilities for bathing purposes with the intention of healing and those who desired the help could go there and spend time, soaking in the healing waters.
Modern spas may be palatial or sparsely appointed
As the popularity of spas rose so did the price of a spa day. There were traditional baths using the waters from hot springs that were located in areas such as Hot Springs in Arkansas. The states of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are also famous for their cold and hot springs. Saratoga Springs as well as Ballston Spa and Kinderhood are noted spas in New York while Pennsylvania has its own Bristol, Yellow, and Bath Springs. Virginia's White Sulphur Springs, Hot Springs, and Warm Springs beckon to all who come near. Those who travel to such locations are treated to a luxurious spa day and that means all the amenities that comfort allows. They can exercise, practice a healthful diet, and enjoy the healthy benefits found in the soothing waters.
Bath houses could be found everywhere
For those who could not or would not wish to travel far from home, the bath house could substitute as they emulated the healthful benefits of naturally occurring springs by adding salts and various ingredients into warm pools of water and allowing guests to soak in their soothing properties. Bath houses gained a bad reputation yet remain popular in many large cities due to their healthy warm waters and the use of mud therapy, exercise equipment, and a combination including manicures, pedicures, facial and body massages to help relieve the aches and pains of everyday living. Today enjoying a day at the spa remains a popular and healthy activity for all.
With a population fewer than 40,000 Hot Springs, Arkansas has much more to offer than you would expect from a small town. Museums, parks, lakes, concerts, hiking trails, art galleries, antique shops, an amazing botanical garden on Lake Hamilton, and numerous outstanding restaurants make a trip to the hot water city relaxing and memorable.
Hot Springs is the only city in the United States that encompasses a national park. Within Hot Springs National Park alone you can visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor's Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Gangster Museum of America and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Before leaving the park stroll past bathhouse row and up to the Grand Promenade where you can see many of the 43 thermal springs including several that are uncovered and flowing 143º F water. If you happen to be a phycologist you are in for a treat as Trelease's Blue-green Algae can be found near several of these open springs. This is the only place in the United States it has been found so take a long look. Want 25 more miles of Hot Springs National Park? Great, then get back to nature hiking marked trails where you can make your way to Gulpha Gorge Campground for a night or two of camping. Finish the park with a scenic drive up Hot Springs Mountain and then to West Mountain for outstanding views of the city, lakes, and national forest.
