History of the Aquatic Therapy Environment

Human beings have, since the beginning, enjoyed bathing as a means of relaxation, social interaction and healing.

Swiss cultural historian Sigfried Giedion states, "The bath and its purposes have held different meanings for different ages. The manner in which a civilization integrates bathing within its life, as well as the type of bathing it prefers, yields searching insights into the inner nature of the period...The role that bathing plays within a culture reveals the culture's attitude toward human relaxation. It is a measure of how far individual well-being is regarded as an indispensable part of community life.

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that social bathing was a critical component of overall health and vigor as well as stimulated the mind. Both Greek and Roman baths included gymnasiums, hot water baths, cold water plunges and relaxation areas in addition to multipurpose meeting and ceremonial halls, shaded parks, promenades, small theaters and occasionally sports stadiums.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, grand healing pools were built around thermal springs in Italy, England, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. These sites have served European medicine for centuries, and even today many are part of standard traditional health care practice.

Native Americans also have a lengthy history of aquatic tradition. The sweat lodge employs both hot air and cold plunge baths which served both medical and religious purposes. Colonists built stone huts and wooden tubs near wilderness healing springs frequented by Native Americans. Even Thomas Jefferson studied healing mineral springs and pools, he used ancient Roman drawings to design Sweet Springs spa in West Virginia.

Modern times afford us the luxury of enjoying these healing waters in the comfort and privacy of our homes. We can experience relaxation, stress relief, romance, interaction with family and friends and relief of many chronic and often painful conditions in our own backyard.

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Excerpts from Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy, Authors Andrew J. Cole, M.D. & Bruce E. Becker, M.D. Atera

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