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
BANA Virtual Roundtable
Facilitated by Prof. Jonathan Paul De Vierville & Anistacia Dawn Barber
Ancient Spa Cultures, Conscious Waters, and Contemporary Balneology
Join our upcoming community Zoom call for a thoughtful exploration into the roots of spa culture, leisure, and healing waters. Building on insights from Prof. Jonathan Paul De Vierville, this session invites us to look beyond modern commercial trends and examine the concept of conscious waters alongside the deeper historical and ecological dimensions of taking the waters.
What We Will Discuss
The civilizing role of water, tracing human settlements from ancient wetland geographies to modern society.
The foundational elements of authentic spa culture, focusing on time, temperature, and touch rather than just retail escapes.
The evolution of the spa industry and its necessary transition toward ecological sustainability and Earth stewardship in the Ecozoic Era.
Bring your reflections and questions as we gather to discuss how ancient traditions can inform our modern approach to wellness, community, and leisure.
Wednesday, October 21st, 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