The history of Spa totals more than 7000 years. Many techniques which are applied in modern Spas, have been developed in ancient India in the fifth millenium B.C. and used in аюрведической to medicine. In the third millenium B.C. the superiority palm tree in Spa was intercepted by Egyptians: they have developed the system of medicine based on application of water and grasses. Through one and a half thousand years curative force of water was opened by Chineses and вавилоняне, and in the seventh century B.C. – Greeks. In the second century B.C. Romans have taken a great interest in balneotherapy. They also have invented name SPA – Sanus Per Aqua (literally – health through water). Romans have constructed in Europe the branched out network of baths and thermal resorts, many of which, for example German Baden-Baden and the British Bath, are used till now. After crash of Roman empire by the leader in the field of Spa there is Byzantium, and later – Ottoman empire. While in Medieval Europe the Roman terms have been thrown, in the east they prospered. Thanks to crusades Europeans have opened again for themselves force of Spa, have visited magnificent Byzantian terms and Turkish baths. After Crusades slow revival of Spa in the Western Europe begins. In 1326 in a place of Spa in Belgium have opened the medical source which waters contained iron. It was found out later, that one thousand years ago it Romans already used. Within several centuries many of the Roman resorts, including Baden-Baden have been again opened. In 1553, in Venice the first-ever Spa-DIRECTORY with the list of 200 thermal sources of Europe has been published. In second half XVII centuries from giving of king Charles II thermal sources and Spa become fashionable in the Great Britain. After high society water procedures recognise also official medicine: Scientists study a chemical compound of thermal waters, and cold bathings start to apply to treatment of insane persons. In 1826 the first Spa the resort opens in New light. In three years in Germany there is a first high-grade improving resort. Its founder, doctor Vincent Priesnits, has developed the complex medical program for the patients: it included treatment by mineral waters, physical exercises and a diet. Technique Приесница has taught a wide circulation in Europe and the USA, hundreds Spas-RESORTS copied it, and some elements of the program are used and to this day. At the same time «treatment on waters» becomes fashionable in Russia: society cream direct to Baden-Baden and to caucasus. At the end of the century open mineral sources in valley Боржоми. During the First World War of Spas-RESORTS become on state service: wounded soldiers send on treatment to thermal sources of the south of France and to England. After world war of Spa and balneotherapy worry the present blossoming, by means of water procedures the US president Franklin Delano Roosevelt is treated for consequences of a poliomyelitis. However, after the Second World War of Spa fall into decay: occurrence of antibiotics and medicine rapid development do them not necessary. Doctors cease to send the patients on resorts and many of them, lacking clients, fall into decay. The new era in development of Spa begins in 80х-90х years of the XX-th century. From especially medical institutions they turn to improving resorts and the beauty centres. At the same time the official medicine recognises again miracle force of Spa: it was found out, that water procedures, physical exercises and massage have appeared one of the most effective ways for rehabilitation of patients. In 1993 the first Spa opens onboard круизного liner Queen Mary II. In total in 10 years all the largest круизные liners have been equipped by own Spas. Then the boom of Spa covers Southeast Asia, Thailand becomes one of the largest Spas-CENTERS, and Thai massage becomes fashionable worldwide.
For today of Spa-INDUSTRY – one of most dynamically developing and profitable segments of the market of beauty. Millions people all over the world use services of Spa. In more details about a modern condition of Spa you can read in section «Industry of Spa».
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