Mineral water and spas in Israel

Abstract

T he ancient Greeks and Romans valued and appreciated the forces of nature and worshipped them. Recognizing their own limitations in the area of medicine and their meager ability to heal disease, any “assistance” they could render nature in doing its work was sufficient for them. Development of the science of medicine brought about a change in approach; physicians and scientists began to believe more and more in their own skills and in their ability to intervene in the process of nature, to influence and change them. The accelerated development of the science of pharmacology and the enthusiasm with the effectiveness of the newly emerging drugs resulted in almost total neglect of natural mending processes and disparagement of every method of healing that was not identified with conventional medicine. Only within recent years has there been a serious trend toward a “return to nature,” that is, to natural methods of treatment, among them therapeutic springs. The current issue of Clinics, which is dedicated entirely to this subject, is convincing testimony to the comeback of spa therapy. Although our forefathers were promised “a land flowing with milk and honey,” the fact is that Israel is not blessed with abundant natural sources such as industrial raw materials, minerals, or oil. On the other hand, our country enjoys the benefit of a mild climate, an exotic and beautiful landscape, many charming outof-the-way spots, and tourist sites, as well as unique destinations for health tourism. Israel boasts several resort and curative centers that specialize in the treatment of skin and musculoskeletal disorders. Its hot mineral springs offer a natural approach to treatment of skin and rheumatic diseases, utilizing sunshine, bathing, mud and, above all, physical and psychological rest in a calm and pleasant environment, avoiding the use of any potentially dangerous drugs. Tourism has become