Traditional Use Project
Welcome to the Balneology Association
of North America’s Traditional Use Project.
Below you are going to find out how your favorite natural mineral spring waters from around the world have been used throughout history in the treatment of a variety of ailments.
*This page is for education and information. BANA recommends you consult with your physician before using natural mineral waters to treat your symptoms.
Tradition and science have taught us that there are three major ways in which bathing in mineral waters can have an effect on the body.
The Heat of the Water, The Buoyancy of the Water, and the Minerality of the Water
all have special actions on the bather.
We are going to take a deeper look at how the minerals of your favorite spring have been used to treat illness throughout history.
This spring has a traditional designation as a Calcic Sulphated Spring. The high levels of calcium sulphate, calcium chloride and sodium sulphate provide this designation.
Traditionally these waters have been used for their therapeutic value in chronic rheumatic and arthritic illnesses. Due to the high sulphate concentration the waters were also used to treat chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Drinking the waters from the source was used traditionally to treat digestive disorders and issues of the liver and gallbladder.
Hot Springs,
North Carolina
The Mother Spring in Pagosa Springs has a traditional designation as an Alkaline Carbon Sulphated Spring. The high concentration of alkaline minerals, sulphur and lithium and the presence of gasses from the spring provide this designation. Traditionally these waters were used to treat chronic rheumatic and arthritic issues, including joint deformation from arthritis. Chronic eczema and psoriasis was also treated by this water. Digestive issues such as indigestion, and chronic diarrhea have traditionally been treated alongside kidney stones and other kidney complaints. The spring had been once known for treatment of certain manifestations of syphilis.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
The artesanal spring in Truth or Consequences has a Traditional designation as a Sodium Chloride Spring. The high concentrations of Salt (sodium chloride) alongside sulphur and silica provide this designation. These waters have been traditionally used to treat skin issues, chronic joint issues, chronic pain, nerve pain, and the treatment of exhaustion.
