Balneology
Balneology (Latin: balneum = bath, bathing facility and Greek: logos = teaching) is the study of the therapeutic use of natural healing springs, healing gases and peloids in the form of baths, drinking cures and inhalations.
Balneology includes different sub-areas. Balneotechnology deals with the technology for the production of medicinal baths and the construction of baths. Balneochemistry or hydrochemistry analyzes the composition of medicinal waters and their effect on the organism. Then there is balneophysics and of course balneotherapy. This is a form of therapy with water from healing springs.
Emil Osann is considered the founder of scientific balneology.