The concept of a spa came into existence since the ancient era. During this era people would visit springs and bathe in the water upon thinking it has medicinal qualities. History of spa reveals that this was a part of the healing practices of various cultures. We also find references to such practices as part of religious ceremonies. Many cultures also used massaging techniques as part of treatment. Since then, you can see the concept of a spa throughout history into various versions of baths and massage parlors.
Greek Culture
Greek culture depicts the earliest version of what we know as the modern spa. They constructed baths around hot springs and even in the cities for the public to use. Romans carried these practices forward and created more variations of the system. They turned these baths into social activity centers along with the addition of thermal water systems. These bathing complexes were also a symbol of the Roman high society culture.
Throughout the history of spa, people have used the concept of a bath for medicinal purposes. Whether it is a hot water bath or a bath in water mixed with another substance. By the beginning of the 18th century, you’ll find the Bath resorts. Here the wealthy and higher strata of European society would visit for various therapies. The concept of bathing at springs still remained a constant. Thus, various bathhouses would flock the spring areas of these countries.
You’ll find some of the first spas (as we know them) in America around springs. It also became a trend to name the establishment after a certain spring, such as Arizona Spring or Alabama Spring. The 19th century was an era of materialistic mindset and thus gave rise to private spas. These were first introduced by hotels, but quite soon private spa establishments would open up in every major city in America and Europe.
While this concept originally spread from the Greco-Roman cultures, the variations of the massages mostly travelled from Asian countries. India, Thailand, Singapore, and China, were some of the places which had the practice of performing massages as medicinal practices. These concepts were readily integrated along with the various bathing systems. Thus, the modern multipurpose spa was born.
Spas currently exist in all modernized countries. They serve the purpose of relaxation as well as curing various ailments through baths and massages.