Hot springs soaking has well established place in indigenous traditions, with indigenous tribes considering hot springs across the continent to be 'power spots' in nature. Native cultures have universally utilised mineral waters for healing, purification ceremonies, sacred gatherings and tribal meetings.

Balneology is the scientific study of the therapeutic benefits of naturally occurring mineral waters. Balneotherapists affirm that trace minerals in hot springs and the stimulating benefits of highly mineralised waters combine to stimulate and promote health and wellness.

Australian therapists are increasingly turning to mineral water spas combined with massage for work related illnesses such as stress, back-related injuries and tinosynovitus. Rehabilitation for operations, accidents and treatment for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, heart disease and infertility has also benefited from hot springs bathing regimes.

Thermal therapy research by European doctors has demonstrated that hydrostatic pressure in the body is increased when bathing in thermal hot springs. Bathing invigorates blood circulation and cell oxygenation, stimulating the body and enhancing its capacity to detoxify and improving digestion. Committing regularly to bathing can normalise the endocrine glands and invigorate the automatic nervous system.

Throughout Europe and Japan, balneology and hot springs therapy has been incorporated within routine medical care treatments, and we are gradually applying this holistic approach to Australian treatments. Licensed doctors have come to recognise the value of prescribing bathing in mineral waters as part of a preventative approach to illness.