A History of Spas

This weekend, for the first time at the age of 29, I went to a spa for the very first time. I baked in the saunas, I ducked my  head under the cold water in the baths. I was given a massage that felt like a wrestling match (in a good way). My other friend was telling me about all the other spas she’s been too and they all sound a little different so I was interested in the history of spas and how they have evolved. So where can we trace the beginning of these places we call spas? I read that it was the Ancient Egyptians, that Cleopatra herself would do mud wraps from the Dead Sea itself. 

Hippocrates promoted the idea of healing through mineral springs. The origins of the word “spa” is dated back to the village of spa which had mineral spas that wound soothe and heal wounded soldiers. Eventually spa resorts were built especially on the seaside. 

And of course we must not forget the Greek and Roman baths which date back to the 8th century and practiced healing through cleansing. In Medieval Europe, baths similar to the Romans were often associated with monasteries. I tell you i’d be much more likely to go to church if I got to soak in a hot tub after. In the Renaissance, spa towns were a luxury the wealthy could indulge in. By the 19th century the “water cure” was very popular along with hydrotherapy, rest and diet. These were an alternate to more extreme medical practices at the time. 

In the United States the first “mass- audience” spa was in Saratoga Springs, New York. I wonder if it’s still there because I would really love to see it. History and relaxation all at once. In 1910, the first spa was opened by Elizabeth Arden and in addition to baths it included things like manicures and facials which many spas offer today. In 2007, there were 71,762 baths in the United States. In 2015 there were 121, 595. The industry of spas has also risen. In 2007, it was $60 billion in USD. In 2015, it was 98.6 billion. 

Now spas can be more than just baths. Some are also deemed “wellness centers’ which could include yoga or fitness or meditation classes. The one I went to on Saturday offered yoga classes. It also had a Nap room. That one seemed more appealing. Some spas also  offer “more alternative medicine approaches from Ayurveda to traditional Chinese medicine and reiki. We’ve even seen spas partnering with medical professionals to offer services which aim to accomplish a more integrative lifestyle change.”

Now more spas are tailored to specific needs whether than be medically or mentally. Other spas are finding ways to incorporate nature into their spas through tree houses (now that that would be fun!) or gardens or the ocean. I would love to have another spa day whether it is returning to this one or exploring what a brand new one has to offer. Either way  I think ii’s a great place to heal, let go and relax.

https://facesspa.com/blog/where-the-word-spa-comes-from/

https://www.champneys.com/blog/the-history-of-spas-and-spa-treatments.html#:~:text=The%20origins%20of%20spa&text=%2D%20'Spa'%20is%20an%20acronym,and%20wounds%20from%20a%20battle.