balneotherapy

[bal-nee-oh-ther-uh-pee]

noun

1. the treatment of diseases, injuries, and other physical ailments with baths and bathing, especially in natural mineral waters.

balneotherapy

/ ˌbælnɪəˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

1. the treatment of disease by bathing, esp to improve limb mobility in arthritic and neuromuscular disorders

Word History and Origins

Origin of balneotherapy¹

1880–85; balne- ( balneal ) + -o- + therapy

Example Sentences

After World War I, the empire collapsed, and the balneotherapy industry — natural healing based on therapies like cold and warm baths — eventually went out of fashion.

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Trends were inspired by the likes of Sebastian Kneipp, a Bavarian priest who believed in balneotherapy; walking barefoot on stones, dewy grass and snow; and keeping a mostly vegetarian diet.

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One study even showed that balneotherapy – or bathing in mineral springs, usually at a spa – treated anxiety better than a prescription medication.

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Also known as hydrotherapy, balneotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, and it dates as far back as 1700 B.C.

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Proponents of the therapy cite findings that water might boost people’s immune systems, though research on balneotherapy’s effectiveness remains inconclusive.

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