The first book to present medical evidence that mineral springs can prevent and cure disease--and to tell you which spas are most effective • Lists more than 200 of the best hot springs and mineral springs in the world and the health conditions best treated at each, with a special emphasis on springs in the U.S. and Canada • Reviews additional healing techniques that best complement bathing in and drinking medicinal waters--such as acupuncture, homeopathy, fasting programs, and fitness training • Includes photos of everything from famous spas to little-known hot springs The Fountain of Youth does exist! Author Nathaniel Altman shows that "taking the waters" is a powerful healing tool that rejuvenates the body and prevents a host of illnesses. Until now, it's been the best-kept secret for promoting and maintaining health and vitality. The use of natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease dates back 5000 years to the Bronze Age. Hot springs reached their heyday in the United States in the latter part of the 19th century and were well attended until the early 1940s. Balneotherapy--using natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease--continued to thrive elsewhere in the world and is making a big comeback in the United States. It is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself from heart, liver, and kidney problems, skin diseases, asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, and a host of other health problems. "In-depth research of medical and scientific journals along with interviews of numerous physicians who work in this specialized field." ― The New Times, February, 2001 "Altman's book is an easy-to-read, comprehensive guide to the healing waters of the world." ― Whole Life Times, April 2001 ". . . enormously helpful for choosing just the right surrounding that would be best for personal health." ― The Book Reader, Spring/Summer 2001 "This book offers excellent explanations of healing water, its sources, criteria, and what ailments are healed." ― Network for Women's Spirituality, March/April/May 2003 ". . . Nathaniel Altman's Healing Springs is a comprehensive guide to crenotherapy--healing with mineral and thermal waters. . . . From toughening regimens to routines designed to help you relax, spa therapy should be part of any fitness program." ― Nexus, Sept-Oct 2005 "This is truly the work of a person with a passion for the healing properties of water. A bonus is the more than 100 beautiful color photos." ― Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide, Mar 2007 HEALTH / SPAS The Fountain of Youth does exist! Author Nathaniel Altman shows that "taking the waters" is a powerful healing tool that rejuvenates the body, making us feel younger and more vibrant, while preventing a host of illnesses. Until now, it's been the best-kept secret for promoting and maintaining health and vitality. The use of natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease dates back 5,000 years to the Bronze Age. Hot springs reached their heyday in the United States in the latter part of the nineteenth century and were well attended until the early 1940s. Balneotherapy--using natural mineral spring water for the prevention and cure of disease--continued to thrive elsewhere in the world and is experiencing a huge revival in the United States. It is an accepted form of mainstream medicine in Europe and Japan, where an abundance of medical evidence shows that in addition to relieving stress, certain mineral waters can help the body heal itself from heart, liver, and kidney problems, skin diseases, asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, and a host of other ailments. With more than one hundred vibrant color photographs and historic black-and-white illustrations, Altman describes the healing properties of three hundred and twenty-five of the best hot springs and mineral springs in the world--from the legendary European spas to little-known hot springs throughout the United States. His in-depth research of medical and scientific journals from Europe, Japan, Russia, and North America, along with interviews of numerous physicians who work in this specialized field, makes Healing Springs the most up-to-date, practical, and comprehensive guide on this holistic approach to health and well-being. A lifelong aficionado of hot springs, NATHANIEL ALTMAN is a medical writer and researcher who has written more than fifteen books on alternative healing, including Oxygen Healing Therapies and A Russian Herbal. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. A lifelong aficionado of hot springs, Nathaniel Altman is a medical writer and researcher who has written more than fifteen books on alternative healing, including Oxygen Healing Therapies and A Russian Herbal . He lives in Brooklyn, New York.