Author's name: marcus coplin

The History of Balneology 

Overview on Balneology


What is Balneology?
Balneology is the scientific study of the therapeutic benefits of natural mineral waters, muds, and vapors.
Balneotherapy is its clinical application: including bathing, inhalation, drinking, lavage, and topical applications for healing purposes.
It is part of health resort medicine, aimed at prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation.
Global Roots and Mediterranean Focus
Balneology has roots in nearly every culture with access to thermal or mineral springs.
This overview focuses on the Mediterranean development, while acknowledging the significant cultural and scientific contributions from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Ancient Origins
Mesopotamia: physicians were “water experts”
Egypt: ritual purification by priests through multiple daily baths
India: water was sacred and healing (deity Varuna)
Americas: hot springs were seen as sacred medicine
Greece (Asclepian temples): healing involved purification, diet, and ritual baths
Hippocrates: founded rational medicine → theory of humors and hydrotherapy


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Rome: widespread use of public baths and mineral springsCelsus and Pliny the Elder documented therapeutic water use
Galen codified Greco-Roman medicine and guided medical practice for centuries
Byzantine and Islamic Traditions
Byzantine physicians (Alexander of Tralles, Paul of Aegina) continued Galenic traditions
In the Islamic world:
Avicenna (980 CE) merged Greek, Arabic, and Asian medical knowledgeEmergence of the hammam, combining purification and healing
Bathing routines were adjusted based on the individual's humoral needs
From the Renaissance to the Present
Rediscovery of balneology during the Renaissance Scientific validation during the Enlightenment and expansion in the 20th century (Europe, USSR, USA)
Birth of the modern balneology movement, founded on evidence-based medicine

curriculum vitae

Marcus Coplin

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+1 650-450-1423
DrMarcusCoplin@gmail.com
DrCoplin.com
“The frontier of 21st century medicine is integrative medicine, and the platform for the integrative medicine model to expand and showcase its value is the Wellness Resort. Through thoughtful programming, staff training, and an integration of hospitality and science informed wellness, the Wellness Vacation is positioned to expand the tourism sector and provide a new space in health care.” - Dr. Coplin
Dr. Coplin is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor specializing in the field of integrative Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine and integrative Oncology. He has over 15 years experience in the treatment of complex and chronic illnesses using hydrothermal therapy, nutrition, physical medicine, and natural medicines in conjunction with conventional treatment.
He is the leading specialist in Hydrothermal Medicine in North America and is the President of The Balneology Association of North America and serves as the North American Representative to multiple geothermal and health resort science and industry groups such as the ISMH and FEMTEC. Dr. Coplin is the Medical Director for The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs, CO and Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, CA. He advises on the science-informed use of therapeutic thermal mineral hot spring water and Health Resort programming.
Professional Profile
  • Naturopathic physician specialized in:
  • Balneology and Health Resort Medicine: evidence-based therapeutic use of mineral waters, muds, and hydrotherapy
  • Chronic Pain Management: trigger point needling, regenerative injections, cranial osteopathy, biofeedback
  • Integrated Physiotherapy: treatment protocols for both acute and chronic conditions
  • Integrative Oncology: trained in Mistletoe Therapy at Lukas Klinik (Switzerland)
  • Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: support for chronic and oncological conditions
  • Clinical and Medical Systems Training: development and implementation of integrative healthcare systems
Key Professional Experience
  • Medical Director – The Springs Resort & Murrieta Hot Springs Resort (2022–present)
  • Head Consultant – Hydrofos Consulting (2019–present)
  • Attending Physician – Portland Clinic of Holistic Health (2018–2021)
  • Medical Director – Naturopathic Healthcare, San Francisco (2013–2018)
  • Founder & Clinical Director – Bay Area Center for Nutrient Therapy (2013–2018)
  • In-field Training – European Balneology in in-patient facilities (2012)
  • Integrative Clinic Director – New York City (2010–2012)
  • Selected International Conferences
  • TEDx (2025): The Healing Power of Water
  • ISMH, Romania (2024): Emerging Paradigms in Health Resort Medicine
  • World Congress (2023–2024): Integrative PMR & Balneology, Adjunctive Physiotherapy
  • University of Bordeaux (2021): American Balneology, The Rational Approach to Balneotherapy
  • Kyoto (2015): North American Balneology
Education
  • Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine – Bastyr University, Seattle (2010)
  • BA in Cultural Biology – Hampshire College, Massachusetts (2005)
Publications
  • Chapter in Essentials of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (2024)
  • Articles in Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine (2021)
  • Forthcoming works on the history of balneology, vitalism, and biophysical medicine
Professional Affiliations
  • President – Balneology Association of North America
  • North American Liaison – ISMH and World Federation of Hydrotherapy
  • Member – Global Wellness Foundation, Hot Springs Initiative
  • Curriculum Development
Course creator in:
  • Integrative Health Resort Medicine
  • Clinical Microcirculation
  • Detox and Functional Nutrition
  • Anatomy & Physiology for Holistic Practitioners
  • Natural Healing: History and Mechanism side
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