Give Thanks to Our Ancestors for Creating the Whirlpool Bath
Believe it or not the whirlpool bath or should we say the concept of the whirlpool bath has been in existence for thousands of years. Thanks to the innovative genius of the Greek and Egyptian civilisations, these therapeutic marvels are part of our everyday society.
The ancient Egyptians as early as 2000 BC were the first known civilisations to use the therapeutic benefits offered by using hot stones and the swirling water effect to sooth pains and aching muscles and to provide tranquillity and relaxation. This was then enhanced by the Greek in around 400 BC who actually regarded bathing as much more than just a method of hygiene. They used bathing as a measure for aiding health and curing diseases, which in turn introduced the world to hydrotherapy.
In Japan around the same century the first “Onsen” was discovered, this was a hot spring that was opened for the use of the public. The therapeutic benefits were soon realised and this led to many Inns and indoor soaking tubs being developed nearby to help revive tired travellers from their aching muscles. These sorts of bathtubs were referred to as “ofuro” or “Furo” and are still used today throughout homes and apartments all over Japan.
The Romans embraced the therapeutic benefits of bathing much more than the Greeks, so much so that they constructed huge bath houses which could hold thousands of people. This form of medicinal benefit was regarded extremely highly with all Romans. Even the Roman legions would construct large bath houses after conquering opposing armies in foreign lands. These glorious buildings can still be found throughout Europe and the Mediterranean near mineral baths and natural springs.
The Romans were in power for many centuries making bathing almost ritual for helping cure illness and reviving aching bodies. When the Roman Empire finally collapsed, the art of bathing soon went in to disrepute throughout Europe. It was not until the Ottoman Empire came in to existence that public baths were introduced again. This then led to the construction of the famous structure the “domed hammam” which held luxurious steam rooms, massage areas and bathing quarters. However the rest of the world were not as fortunate and this led to very limited places to bathe. In fact many people were restricted so much so that they would only wash the body parts seen in public. This changed with the Industrial Age, which introduced Saturday night bathing so people going to worship on Sunday could be clean and dresses up.
The Americans were the first to create the Jacuzzi bath back in the 1940’s. The very first versions of the popular hot tub were put together from oak wine vats and large wine barrels all scavenged from local wineries. The Japanese’s innovative “ofuro” was the inspiration behind these hot tubs and soon helped the launch of the customised hot tubs crafted from woods such as the Californian Redwood. And surprisingly these tubs were extremely difficult to clean and would leak, but this did not seem to matter as the craze of the Jacuzzi bath was rising in popularity throughout the world.
Jim McKnight owns JT Spas specialists in whirlpool baths, steam showers, shower enclosures and many more luxuries for the bathroom all available at low cost.
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