Spa in the Raw...

In researching spas, places to bathe, and the different implications of bathing, a few things continued to repeat themselves. Bathing was a socially accepted public occurrence in most cultures. The bathhouse or baths were places for socialization and equality; everyone could take part no matter color, free or slave, and male or female. It was a time for relaxation and enjoying oneself. The cleansing that took part at the baths was looked at by most as an opportunity to clean and renew the body. Water was looked at as a source of healing. Many would soak in the water for 10-11 hours at a time in "special" springs or anointed baths because those water had been deemed worthy of certain healing powers.