For the western world the earliest proponent of the spa for
therapeutic purposes was Hippocrates (460-370 BC). Before
that time bathing was used mainly for cleansing and
hygienic reasons. However Hippocrates put forth the idea
that the cause of all diseases centered around an imbalance
of bodily fluids. Considered the "Father of Medicine,"
suggested perspiration, walking, massage and bathing
important to maintain balance in ones physical body.
Consequently, baths were often combined with sports and
education. If he were alive today the doctors of the world
would be hogging all his time but in fact he more likely
would be at home as a fitness guru selling health club
memberships.
It was this influence of the Greeks that caused the Romans
to build thermal baths at mineral and natural hot springs.
These spas were used for the recuperation of injured
soldiers as well as recreation centers. Differing from
their Greek predecessors the Romans felt that the baths
themselves were more important than the gymnasiums. Whereas
the Greeks liked to partake of the spa after a vigorous
workout, the Romans focused on the relaxation, socializing
and medical treatments. I like to think that the reason the
Romans lasted as long as they did was because of they
placed such importance on the spa.
More than just coming clean, the Romans made the spa
experience a part of their society for medical treatment,
worship and social gathering. Asclepiades, a Greek
physician who worked in Rome, prescribed hydrotherapy for
both therapeutic and preventative purposes. There were
others that attributed healing and health to taking the
waters such as Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) and Galen
(131-201 AD). Galen preferred cold water in his treatment
of diseases so as Americans we would consider his therapy
sessions, "fun impaired."
From Rome we have three separate types of bath. Baths at
home (balnea), Private Baths (balnea privata), and state
funded public baths (balnea publica). The aqueducts
provided enough water so that every person in Rome could
use 1400 liters per day. At the height of the Roman bathing
culture these public bathing facilities grew into huge
complexes with the capacity for thousands of people.
This focus of the bath was such an important part of the
Roman society that everywhere the legions went they built
their own in every land they conquered. We can find
examples all over Europe as a testament to value they gave
water therapy.
Eventually the Romans became more focused on the bath for
relaxation and pleasure. Not that pleasure is a bad thing
but if you don't get out of the spa once and a while to
take care of business we know from history that it could
lead to the collapse of your empire.
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