Hot Springs of America

Health and Wellness

Wooden bathing bucket and folded cloth on a rock at the edge of a hot spring

Balneology: It’s All About the Water

By Jessica Lynn

The science of studying the healing effects of bathing, drinking, steaming and inhaling natural mineral waters is known as balneology. In addition to promoting relaxation, science is discovering that soaking in hot springs has tangible health benefits.

Woman smiling in a steaming mineral pool ringed by white travertine rock

The Healing Benefits of Minerals in Hot Springs

By Jessica Lynn

Geothermal waters originate deep within the earth. While underground, the powerful geological forces of heat and pressure raise the temperature of the subterranean water and dissolve the minerals in the surrounding rock. As the superheated water travels to the surface,