became so popular that the it spread to the rest of the Roman people. The Roman baths are legendary, but did you know that around 50 AD there were hundreds of public baths in Rome? As the Roman civilization spread through Europe, so did the spa, with at least 1000 present at the peak of the Roman Empire.

Water has been utilized for its soothing, cleansing, and relaxing features for thousands of years. Civilizations including the Egyptians, Native American Indians, Greeks, and even Mesopotamians were all advocates of hydrotherapy. The Roman civilization brought the spa to its first fame. Natural mineral springs, where hot water, rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and sulfur, were found to have healing effects on the aches and pains of conquering Roman soldiers. It became so popular that the it spread to the rest of the Roman people. The Roman baths are legendary, but did you know that around 50 AD there were hundreds of public baths in Rome? As the Roman civilization spread through Europe, so did the spa, with at least 1000 present at the peak of the Roman Empire.

Just what did these public baths include? The buildings, which housed the public baths, could be extremely large, sometimes stretching up to half a mile. The ritual went something like this: the first stop would be the changing area (called the apodyterium). Next would be a room (the tepidarium) where the skin was cleansed, exfoliated or oiled. Then followed the hot and wet steam room (the caladarium). Bathers would linger here in loose clothing for long periods of time. This was the perfect venue for relaxation and socializing. You can envision Roman senators plotting and scheming while being rejuvenated in the steam room. Mixed bathing, incidentally, was uncommon in this era. Men and women frequented the baths at different times of the day. After the steam room, there might be a dry hot room (the laconicum), similar to the sauna of today. The experience would be concluded in the frigidarium, a cool area designed to close the pores. Here the sweat would be washed away and massages and oils would be applied. Similar to modern health clubs, a visit to the baths included a time of exercise, cleansing and socialization. Aesthetics were prioritized, with the finest marble composing the bath itself and walls decorated in soothing tones with mirrors or mosaics. You might even find a garden or a library!

Spas tended to fall into disuse during the middle ages, although a notable exception is to be found in the great Charlemagne. His love for the healing baths was legendary. One of the most famous of the transplanted Roman bath is to be found in Baath, England. Originally the Romans built a reservoir around an existing hot spring. The bath was revitalized centuries later by the monarchy. In the 16th and 17th century, hot springs and spas reached a new level of popularity. Spas were thought to be capable of curing almost anything, because the contemporary view of health was dominated by the four bodily fluid theory. Illnesses (physical and mental) were thought to be derived from an imbalance of the bodily fluids, therefore hydrotherapy was the first line of treatment. Hydrotherapy was used through various baths and massage, but also through drinking. A typical treatment might include drinking a gallon of water and then slowly walking as your body healed itself. Hydrotherapy was favored for the treatment of various skin, joint, intestinal and nervous maladies. The wealthy class throughout Europe considered spas to be a fashionable destination. Spas were at the peak of the medical and social interest once again. European bathers tended to be less modest than the Romans, with mixed or nude bathing being more the norm. The hot springs, due to their natural appeal, also became areas where other forms of entertainment were found. Casinos, theaters, and restaurants were often found in these resort towns.

The history of the spa in America, while not as extensive as in Europe, also dates back beyond what you may expect. Mohawk Indians in New York discovered the healing powers of a natural hot spring and named it Saratoga. Mineral water was used for various aches including what was likely rheumatism and arthritis. The “sweat lodge” was a Native American practice, where water was poured into a pit with hot stones, releasing heat and steam. The practice was used to detoxify the body and bring those using it to a more balanced and contemplative state. The modern sauna is based on similar principles.

The rise of rationalism and modern medicine tended to ignore the tried and true heritage of holistic healing, as well as the spa. However, the 20th century saw a rise in popularity of the spa once again. Modern hydrotherapy uses water in the form of jet massage, showers and mineral baths to promote increases in circulation, improved immunity and to decrease pain and stress. Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater to accomplish similar goals. Modern technology has allowed for the invention of personal hot tubs and saunas. Anyone who has one will testify to their therapeutic nature. The holistic idea of healing through water and other earth-based products while considering the state of the body, mind and spirit has been the theme of many day spas, destination spas, and health clubs. The medical community has also embraced the idea of full-body wellness more and more, with medical professionals staffing some full-service spas.

While this history is informative and increases appreciation for the heritage of spas and other forms of hydrotherapy, we strongly suggest you TRY IT FOR YOURSELF. EXPERIENCE THE POWERFULLY SOOTHING JETS OF A PIPER GLEN AND RAISE A TOAST TO THE ROMANS…….WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT YOU MIX THE USE OF ALCOHOLS AND HOTTUBS UNLESS YOU WANT A SERIOUS HEADACHE