The Washing of the Waters, Part 2

Building strong community connections can make a significant difference in uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network, emphasizes the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, the origins of the word "spa" reveal its historical significance as a place for healing through immersion in waters. From ancient practices to modern-day beliefs, the power of community and water in promoting health and well-being remains a valuable reminder. To learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how to get involved, visit caneighbors.com. And for those curious about the history of the word "spa" and its connection to healing waters, check out the journal "Medical History" by Ralph Jackson.

Throughout history, people have sought out the best sources of water for both bathing and drinking, leading to beliefs in the healing powers of specific water sources. While the lines between bathing and drinking waters have been blurred at times, it's important to remember that not all water sources are created equal. For instance, ancient Romans believed in the healing properties of various mineral springs, such as the cold waters of Aqui Cutilei for stomach disorders and the sulfur springs of Acquiaabile for wound healing. However, some water sources, like those in Baiae near Naples, were known for their healing properties as well as their reputation as party towns. Overall, the human quest for the best water sources has led to a complex web of beliefs and practices surrounding water in ancient civilizations.

The history of European baths and spas is marked by moral ambiguity and extravagance. From ancient Roman times, these facilities have been associated with decadence and even led to the downfall of certain cultures. At the same time, they were places of opulence and healing for the rich and powerful. The discovery of glass bottles with depictions of bathing areas suggests that people took the water home as souvenirs or for personal use. The Romans, in particular, built spas as part of their military expansion, primarily for their soldiers' benefit, but also open to locals. The cultural significance of bathing led to the conflation of local deities with Greco-Roman ones. Overall, the history of European baths and spas reveals the interplay of morality, luxury, and religion.

The ancient spas were not just places for relaxation and recreation, but also centers for religious and healing practices. The fusion of different cultural deities and beliefs is evident in the example of Apollo Grannus in Aachen, where the Celtic god Grannus was combined with the Greco-Roman figure of Apollo the healer. This composite figure ruled over the local hot springs, and people would make donations or vows to the deity in exchange for healing. The same phenomenon can be observed in other spa locations, such as Bath in England. This tradition of combining religious and healing practices continued into the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries in Ireland. The waters of Leek Slip Spa in Ireland, for instance, were believed to have healing properties for various maladies and were connected to figures like Saint Patrick and older gods and goddesses of Irish tradition. Overall, these ancient spas served as community hubs for social bonds and health and wellness, and their legacy continues to inspire modern-day practices.

The popularity of balneo therapeutic medicine, or the use of bathing and mineral waters for healing, has undergone several fads throughout history. This includes periods of high interest during the Roman and Renaissance eras, as well as in the 18th and 19th centuries. One specific example of this is the Leak Slip Spa in Ireland, which was discovered in the late 18th century and gained popularity for its sulfurous waters believed to have healing properties. However, it fell out of use during the early 19th century. What sets the Leak Slip Spa apart is the presence of a red worm found in the waters, which locals believed to be a sovereign remedy for various ailments, including sore legs and hangovers. Caesar Otway, who visited the spa in the early 19th century, described the waters as having a rusty, ocherous matter on the surface, but tests revealed no iron content. Despite this, the presence of the red worm continued to draw visitors to the spa. The term "flocculent," which describes the wool-like coagulation on the surface of the water, was a new vocabulary word learned during this research. Overall, the history of balneo therapeutic medicine demonstrates the enduring appeal of natural remedies and the cyclical nature of popular health trends.

There are various accounts of red worms or larvae with therapeutic properties, specifically for weak eyes, found in thermal springs throughout the world. These organisms, which can be found in environments with extreme temperatures, are often referred to as bloodworms due to the hemoglobin molecules in their bodies that give them a red coloration. However, it's important to note that the process of using these organisms for healing involves rubbing them between cloth, not directly applying their juice to the eyes. The exact nature of these organisms can vary, with some being the larval form of midges and others being true worms. For example, the red worms found in a thermal pool at Yellowstone National Park are likely the larval form of midges, while the sulfur cave worms in Colorado are true worms. Despite their differences, both types of organisms have been used for therapeutic purposes in various cultures. However, it's important to exercise caution and not attempt to extract these organisms from their natural habitats for personal use.

There is an old belief from Ireland, mentioned in a 1914 article, that a tiny red worm, possibly a bloodworm, could cause a disease in cattle called "quinog." The cure for this illness was said to involve squeezing a bladder at the root of the cow's tongue. However, a professor named Mason disputed this remedy, suggesting it was a quack cure. The article also mentions the use of amulets to cure other mysterious ailments in cattle. This discussion sheds light on the various folk remedies and beliefs that existed around cattle health in the past. While some remedies may have been effective, others were likely quack cures. Today, we can learn from these historical practices and appreciate the importance of community connections, as highlighted by Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network that encourages building meaningful social bonds. This episode is brought to you by eBay Motors, your trusted partner for all your vehicle needs.

Just like transforming an old rusty car into something unique and personal, taking care of what's dear to us, be it a vehicle or our health, requires effort and dedication. Whether it's ensuring your ride stays in top shape with the right parts from eBay Motors or immersing yourself in therapeutic waters with fish that nibble away dead skin, the journey is worth it. eBay Motors offers a wide range of parts with guaranteed fit, ensuring a smooth driving experience, while Visible provides affordable wireless plans with no hidden fees. And speaking of transformations, have you heard of the therapeutic benefits of fish in waters, like the fish spas in Thailand? While some may view it as a pedicure, others believe in the health consequences. The world of folk medicine continues to surprise us with its discoveries. So, keep exploring, keep improving, and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

The practice of fish pedicures, where people submerge their feet in tanks filled with garra rufa fish to have the fish nibble away dead skin, has gained popularity for its novelty. However, this practice raises ethical and sanitation concerns, and the fish are native to the Middle East and not the same species often used in these services. The fish, which feed on detritus, algae, and tiny animals in their natural environment, will feed on dead skin when food sources are scarce. The alleged origin of fish pedicures is the Kangal hot springs in Turkey, but the practice has evolved into an augmented scenario with potential issues. The garra rufa fish, native to the Middle East, have traveled around the world due to the fish pedicure industry, but their use in these services is not natural and raises ethical and sanitation concerns. The practice is banned in many places.

Fish in hot springs, like the one in Turkey discussed, may develop an unusual feeding behavior due to their altered environment. Historically, these fish would move between the spring and a nearby creek, but human activities, such as building a hotel and walling off the spring, have trapped them in the pool. With limited food sources, they have learned to feed on dead skin from human feet, leading to the practice of ichthyotherapy. This scenario reveals how human interference with natural habitats can alter ecosystems and the behaviors of the organisms within them. Additionally, thermal springs continue to be of interest to scientists for potential discoveries of extremophile organisms and antibiotics. However, it's important to note that the therapeutic claims of bathing in such waters should be approached with skepticism, as many alleged cures may be due to placebo effects. In the next episode, we will explore more examples of healing waters with potential direct mechanistic effects on healing certain illnesses. Stay tuned!

The Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast offers a consistent schedule with core episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, listener mail on Mondays, short form artifacts or mocks on Wednesdays, and weird house cinema discussions on Fridays. Additionally, the podcast is produced by iHeartRadio, and listeners can reach out with feedback or suggestions at contact@stufftoblowyourmind.com. Furthermore, the importance of community connections was highlighted through the introduction of Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network that empowers individuals to build meaningful social bonds and prepare for emergencies. Lastly, Visible, a wireless company offering transparent plans with unlimited 5G data for $25 a month, was introduced as a sponsor for the episode. For those planning a summer getaway, Fairmont Austin, a luxury hotel in Austin, Texas, was presented as an ideal home base for vacationers with its renowned service, spacious guest rooms, and six acclaimed restaurants.