The term ‘spa’ can only be dated back to the middle ages in reference to the town of Spa, Belgium when it was originally called Aquae Spadanae. The actual practice of people traveling to a location of hot or cold springs as a cure for ill health dates back to pre-historic times. There are really two histories to what we now call a spa, the original use as a hot spring treatment, and the advent of particular non-medicinal treatments being performed on the client. Let’s take a look at both.
There is archeological evidence near excavated hot springs in France and the Czech Republic revealing weapons and offerings dating back to 3000BC, the Bronze Age. There are ancient legends claiming early Celtic kings discovered hot springs in England, and ultimately the benefits of bathing in them. Perhaps the most well known peoples for ritual bathing are the Greeks and Romans. Their purposes for frequent bathing were both personal hygiene and relaxation. Small bathtubs, wash basins and foot baths were common on most households, but the wealthy had alabaster facilities at their disposal. Greek mythology spoke of certain natural springs and tidal pools as being blessed by the gods and thus useful for curing diseases.
Since the Romans emulated the Greeks in many things, they too took up the practice of ritual bathing. However the Romans put their everlasting stamp on the baths by increasing the size and complexity of their facilities. The aqua-ducts brought the availability of running water to Roman cities, as well as an influx of population. The invention of concrete made the manufacture of large bathing facilities cheaper, safer and much easier. Soon large public baths were being erected all over the Mediterranean, Europe, and later North America. Where hot springs were not available, the water was heated. The Romans had single-handedly taken bathing from a means of hygiene to an art form. The Roman bath houses still functioning, and those excavated by archeologists are adorned with lavish frescoes and ornate architecture. But the ritual itself is also an art. One does not simply undress and step into the water. There are several steps, each with a purpose.
Unfortunately, when the Roman Empire fell, so did the purity of the bathing houses. They became places for licentious behavior, and ultimately the spread of disease. The waters were no longer cleaned regularly and those who visited the baths did not respect the religious origins. As disease spread, so did the misconception that bathing spread disease. By the middle ages bathing was considered a danger and most Europeans did it once or twice a year. The only exceptions were in the use of hot springs or mineral baths. Towards the 18th century bathing slowly began creeping back into practice. At first only the lower class Europeans bathed their whole bodies, as the upper class deemed it as only for the working class. The wealthy would simply wash their face and clothes. Unless of course they were attending popular health spas. Many of these spas were popping up all over England and the rest of Europe, offering mineral waters for drinking and bathing in. Bathing in the ocean was also touted as healthful. In fact rolling ‘bathing machines’ were documented as being used on the beaches of Scarborough, England.
By the 19th century bathing was now being promoted by European doctors as beneficial to prevent diseases like Cholera. Although this was not yet a worldwide view, it began the slow journey back to increased personal hygiene. In the US there were still some bans on bathing during the warm months, when disease seemed to spread the most. Spas were still not big in North America at this point, but in England visiting a Victorian spa was as much a ritual as the Roman bathing ritual, but with an egotistical social purpose to it. The day would begin with a communal bath, followed by a private breakfast party. Then the ladies may attend a fashion show or visit a specialized room for the singular purpose of drinking mineral water. The next few hours were for shopping, attending concerts, visiting the library or sleeping. Then at 4 pm the guests would dress in their finery and promenade down the street. The evening brought a lavish dinner, gambling and dancing.
It is hard to say exactly when spa treatments such as aromatherapy and body wraps began being practiced in a spa environment, but the treatments themselves are ancient. The most common types of bathing found in spas today are hot tubs, mud baths, steam baths and saunas; all of which have Greek and Roman origins. Massage was also a common service performed in Roman baths, and is equally as common today. Facials, waxing, nutritional advice and personal training are some of the most recent additions to spa services.
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