What is "balneotherapy"

balneotherapy \bal`ne*o*ther"a*py\, n. [L. balneum bath + Gr. qerapey`ein to heal.] The treatment of disease by baths.

n. The treatment of disease by bathing.

Balneotherapy ( "bath") is the treatment of disease by bathing, usually practiced at spas. While it is considered distinct from hydrotherapy, there are some overlaps in practice and in underlying principles. Balneotherapy may involve hot or cold water, massage through moving water, relaxation, or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular minerals such as silica, sulfur, selenium, and radium. Medicinal clays are also widely used, which practice is known as 'fangotherapy'.