{"id":121867,"date":"2017-04-06T08:01:16","date_gmt":"2017-04-06T12:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/?p=121867"},"modified":"2025-06-03T10:40:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T14:40:36","slug":"healing-spas-around-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/rejuvenate\/healing-spas-around-world\/","title":{"rendered":"The Wisdom of Water"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bathing isn\u2019t just about cleanliness. From the moment we\u2019re born, it becomes a ritual that bonds parents and children. And most cultures have ways of extending this practice to more people \u2013 siblings, friends, even strangers.<\/p>\n

Traditions of \u201ctaking the waters\u201d go back as far as the Neolithic Age. The Great Bath,\u00a0for example, built around 2500 BC in what is now Pakistan, was probably used for religious purposes of purification and cleanliness.<\/p>\n

Today, Russians still unwind in banyas, <\/em>Japanese soak in onsen baths, and Eastern Europeans embrace the healing powers of mineral-rich water. One reason is obvious: It feels good.<\/p>\n

But studies have also shown<\/a> that settling into a nice bath can have health benefits. Exposing the body to different water temperatures and pressures can block pain receptors. And waters with mineral content are believed to soften the appearance of certain skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unaccustomed to public bathing, the idea of exploring this wellness-focused, communal activity can be intimidating. But don\u2019t let that stop you.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cNot sampling the local bathing culture would be like not trying the local cuisine.\u201d \u2013 Melisse Gelula, co-founder of Well + Good.<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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As for proper behaviour, common sense and good manners should stand you in good stead. If the room is silent, be silent. If it\u2019s sociable, join in.<\/p>\n

Still, sceptics should know that private, luxurious alternatives exist. Thanks to hotel spas that balance authenticity with customer comfort, these are more prevalent than ever before.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for a traditional experience or one that\u2019s personal and private, these three\u00a0different bathing cultures will flood you with desire to dip in soothing H2<\/sub>0.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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European bathing: Taking the continental waters<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Soaking in the sea is a simple \u2013 and scenic \u2013 way to relieve irritated skin.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Photography courtesy kotangens \/ Getty Images<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Before you begin any treatment at the AVA Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague (like a traditional Czech-inspired bath<\/a>), take a dip in the Vitality Pool.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n