Our mission is to empower natural mineral water communities and stewards with research, education, and resources to promote therapeutic uses that enhance health and well-being.
Balneo “to bathe” -ology “study of” Verb (Medieval Latin)
Pronounced: (bal nee OL uh jee)
Balneology is the Science, Art and Culture of therapeutic mineral water use
The Core Pillars of Balneology
DRINKING
Drinking water from a free flowing source of concentrated minerals is beneficial for homeostasis by improving metabolic, digestive and urinary imbalances.
Water hydrates to quench thirst and to balance physical systems for activities like exercise and workouts.
There are many waters from around the world to choose from making this practice an enjoyable exploration in wellness.
SOAKING
Soaking/Bathing in mineral waters is the most recognized form of balneology.
By immersing in mineral waters one can receive multiple beneficial effects for body systems including: circulatory, immune, skeletal, nerves and the skin.
Timing rhythms in and out of the waters, including rest, make this a high quality practice towards wellness.
STEAMS & SAUNAS
Steams are gaseous mineral waters generated from thermal springs taken for inhalation therapy and to promote sweating for releasing toxins. Different mineral compounds effect the upper respiratory system impacting allergies, hearing loss, lung disease (COPD) and asthma which benefit from steams - a practice widely used in Europe.
Wet and dry saunas promote sweating to calm nerves, release impurities and to reinvigorate body systems.
MUDS
Heated muds, otherwise known as peleotherapy provide naturally sourced matured earth from geochemical, biological, and geological processes that consist of clay and other minerals, various microorganisms, gases, and different chemical composites hydrated with mineral waters for therapeutic effects.
A wellness practice from antiquity, the application of muds benefits vascular and neuromuscular systems, balance skin conditions and calm nerves.
Launching in summer 2026
The BANA certification course aims to assist member sites in communicating the benefits of the thermal category as a complementary and traditional medicine category through (HSA) health savings accounts, (FSA) flexible spending accounts and medical necessity templates.
The BANA Water Registry & Certification bridges the gap between traditional mineral water knowledge and modern Lifestyle Medicine by turning soaking into a structured therapeutic practice rather than a passive experience.
Upcoming Live Community Zoom Presentations + Q&A
Live ZOOM Link HERE
The Art and Craft of Hosting a Fine Water Tasting
Join us for an inspiring BANA Continental Call where we share the art of hosting a memorable water tasting. Mineral water is the foundation of the healing arts. By treating water with the same reverence we offer a fine wine, we can elevate a standard visit into an unforgettable sensory experience. Whether you are operating a spa, managing a natural spring, or planning a holiday party or special event, this straightforward guide will give you the exact tools you need to create a truly unique activation for your guests.
What We Will Explore…
In this warm and approachable session, we will share a step by step guide on how to plan, design, and activate a beautifully curated water tasting. We will walk you through the entire process, from curating a menu of local and international waters to designing a bright and alluring presentation table. You will also learn how to confidently guide your guests through the five structured steps of sensory tasting.
Meet Your Hosts…
Janet Abbott
Janet is the Board Vice President and Director of Mineral Water Language for BANA. As a Water Sommelière and geothermal springs consultant, she brings a fascinating geological perspective to what lies beneath the earth's surface. Her extensive international research into natural mineral waters for both drinking and bathing blends beautifully with her background in integrative health, guiding our community toward the transformational benefits of water.
Anistacia Dawn Barber
Anistacia is the Director of Drinking Waters for BANA and a Water Sommelière. Her expertise has been featured in publications like Bon Appétit, Food and Wine, and The Washington Post. She is the author of the pocket guide and journal, Water Tasting Notes, and brings a deep passion for bridging the gap between the therapeutic waters we soak in and the natural mineral waters we drink.
Join us…
Grab a glass of your favorite mineral water and join us for this interactive journey on Zoom. We will also be sharing some of our favorite resources for sourcing unique waters and building your tasting vocabulary.
We cannot wait to share this beautiful daily sensory ritual with you all.
Wednesday, November 18th, 2026
11 AM Pacific Standard Time
North American times
10:00 AM AKST / Yukon Time
11:00 AM PT
12:00 PM MT
1:00 PM CT
2:00 PM ET
3:00 PM AT
European Times
7:00 PM WET / GMT
8:00 PM CET
9:00 PM EET
10:00 PM FET
Please double-check your local time zone against the call time so you don’t miss the start of the session.
Join Our Live Community Zoom Presentations + Q&A
Learn from community experts and share your knowledge in our Q&A sessions every third Wednesday of the month at 11am PST. The live community calls are free to join, so please join our email list to get an invite to them.
Join our BANA community as we talk with Nevin Eckert, founder of TrueSpring Water Quality Solutions shares his experience of nearly 30 years exploring water’s vital role in our lives and the environment. Passionate about enhancing global water consciousness, he fosters a deeper connection with nature. Growing up near the Sequoia National Forest, Nevin developed a strong bond with nature early on. He protected forests and wildlife, planted trees, and built trails across the country.
Discovering Viktor Schauberger’s work transformed Nevin’s approach to water systems, which he discusses in this presentation. Today, he offers cutting-edge water technologies, creating custom drinking water systems and consulting on environmental restoration projects.
Nevin believes that living water is essential for life and well-being, emphasizing its role in health and vitality. Join him to learn about the science of living water and its implications on hot springs operations and therapeutic experiences.
Please support our community by becoming a member, so we can continue to host learning opportunities with incredible speakers. Watch more replays of our Live Community Presentation Archive HERE!
Balneology is a science, art and culture that embraces the climatology, temperatures and hydrogeology of geothermal locations, and is backed by significant research that proves the health benefits for people who seek the waters for wellness.
Our leadership team brings years of experience to guide the strategic application of the TRIQUETRA which identifies and integrates the Ten Domains, Cultural Best Practices and the BANA Flow Formula at Site-Specific-Sources.
BANA Best Practices
Are You a Hot Spring Owner or Water Steward?
Hot spring owners and water stewards can benefit from joining BANA’s national registry for therapeutic mineral waters to stand united as a community in the face of state and federal guidelines that impact the use of our therapeutic waters. Join our coalition of water sources registered with BANA to proactively address regulations affecting the operation of hot springs across North America.
Janet Abbott and the Language of Mineral Waters
Insider’s Guide to Spas —
by Mary Bemis
Janet Abbott is a passionate advocate for the transformative health and wellness benefits of natural mineral waters. As the co-founder of the Balneology Association of North America (BANA), where she serves as Vice President and Director of Mineral Water Language, Janet inspires others to “discover the art of water through mindful, creative practices, as our ancestors have demonstrated throughout history.” She shares how water, with its timeless ability to both energize and soothe, can guide us to find our own balance of strength and serenity. Read more about Janet’s and BANA’s work in National Geographic.
“Spa Cultures already exist and have existed since the beginning of recorded history and now is a time to research, rediscover, relearn, and re-mainstream the arts, sciences and cultures of Balneology into the practices of mindfulness, wellness, health-care and therapies.”
— Dr. Jonathan Paul de Vierville, Director of Spa Cultures, Board Vice President