Thermal waters have been used for hydrotherapeutic purposes in the Mediterranean region since ancient times as can be seen from archaeological finds, literary and scientific writings and numerous epigraphs. These treatments have, for the most part, been left unaltered over twenty-four centuries since the age of the ancient Greek philosophers, through various historical periods, and with the exception of the introduction of advanced technology. Hippocrates was a great believer in the use of thermal spas and in his treaty Use of Liquids he sang the praises of the properties of mineral waters and hot springs.

As time went by, use of the experimental method led to an innovative approach in using thermal waters for therapeutic purposes and new treatments being introduced.

In this way the ancient tradition of thermal waters was modernised and brought up to date. And today more than ever, the use of new methods has turned it into a fundamental tool of modern medicine. A specialist guide contains descriptions of the main treatments used.