balneotherapy

American  

[bal-nee-oh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌbæl ni oʊˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

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

---

balneotherapy British  

/ ˌbælnɪəˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of balneotherapy

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.

From New York Times

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.

From New York Times

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

From US News

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

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post