Though the first spa, as we know spas today, opened in Spa, Belgium in the year 1326, the use of mineral waters within legitimate, therapeutic establishments finally became more widespread and accepted during the 16th and 17th centuries when hydrotherapy was scientifically understood. An Austrian named Victor Preistnitz, was one of our premier water therapists. He discovered the curative effects of cold water on broken bones; his own broken bones. Preistnitz was a farmer who mangled his hand one day while working in the fields. Someone told him to put cold water packs on his hands. He did so and quickly gained their use. Shortly after, and incident with a runaway wagon caught him unaware and supposedly left him crippled. Though he was certainly having some bad luck, farmer Preistnitz remembered how the cold packs had worked on his hands and he made the same application to his body. Lo and behold, he recuperated quickly ! He began experimenting and practicing various forms of hydrotherapy and spa medicine such as diet and exercise on peasants in Austria. He also documented his findings.

In 1821 a frail and sickly lad named Sebastian Kneipp learned of Preistnitz and his water therapies. Kneipp wanted to become a priest but his studies were constantly being interrupted by illness. He felt he had little to lose by trying some of Preistnitz methods. So, in the middle of the Bavarian winter he would rouse himself every morning and take a plunge in the icy river. It didn’t take long for Kneipp to become well and remain vigorously healthy. He formed an entire system of healing referred to as Kneipp therapy that is still in use today, especially in Europe. You can try a little Kneipp therapy at home or in your spa. Just run cold water in your bathtub (at least ankle deep) and tread water for a few minutes every day. This little trick can keep you free from colds, decongest your head, warm your feet and just perk you up. Try it every day and, like exercise you’ll feel a little “off” if you miss your Kneipp therapy.

Though a lot has happened in Europe, the United States was not without its watering holes and cures. The American Indians were the first to recognize and utilize hydrotherapies. The Cheyenne would always have a morning swim in the local river and, if a natural vapor cave existed, they would use it too. Indian encampments were often established around thermal springs which were used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Juan Pone de Leon came to Florida in 1513 in search of the so-called Fountain of Youth”. Rumor had it that local Indians visited the mineral springs and were cured and rejuvenated from ailments, the elements, fatigue and aging. Settlers in New England were making pilgrimages to what is believed to be one of Americas’ first spas, Stafford Springs, Connecticut in the late 1600’s. By the mid 1800’s water cures were being practiced all over the United States and grand resorts and hotels were established around curative watering holes by the dozens. Not only were Americans visiting watering holes such as Spa City in Arkansas, Glenwood springs in Colorado, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia but water bottlers were also popular, making health claims and supplying local and municipal markets where people were drinking lots of bottled mineral waters.