I reported in a recent post how newly published controlled scientific studies from Europe had validated the beneficial effects of warm mineral baths for arthritis pain. The effects appear to be a result of both the warm water and the minerals in it.
Used for millennia, especially in the Greco-Roman era, such bathhouses used to be prevalent, but in recent years had largely disappeared. However, an article in the Wednesday, November 8 Chicago Tribune business section described the opening of a new elaborate thermal bathing facility in the River North area in a renovated building at 800 West Superior Street. The company is called Aire Ancient Baths. The article describes how a similar facility in New York has a two-week waiting list for some services. It is not clear whether there will be mineral baths. The scientific studies indicated that sulfur is a key component. This facility may provide a holistic and enjoyable means to decrease arthritis pain without medications. This also dovetails with a new study showing the general health benefits of saunas reported in a study from Finland that I will describe in a subsequent post.
