Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Introducing BANA:
“Balneotherapy Association of North America”
Josayma C (1)
(1) Balneotherapy Association of North America
cjosayma@balneoana.org
Introduction and Objectives
This presentation will introduce a new organization, BANA: Balneotherapy Association
of North America that was founded in 2011 to bring national attention to
the extensive history and future potential of using natural mineral waters for therapeutic
benefits, as well support the environmental protection of these unique waters.
Our Mission is to support the cultural and scientific research, education and training
of Balneotherapy in North America. Our goals are to promote Balneotherapy for
preventive care as well as treatment of chronic disorders and rehabilitation.
In the United States, the use of natural mineral waters for health has essentially
disappeared since the 1930s, leaving Americans with one their most important and
accessible natural healing benefits, hidden in plain sight.
BANA members believes that the field of Balneotherapy should be recognized
in North America as one of healing practices within the field of integrative health,
alongside of acupuncture and chiropractic. It is useful for prevention of disease, as
well as treatment and rehabilitation.
There have been extensive studies of the harmful impacts of excessive amounts
of pharmaceutical drugs now in our fresh water supplies, as well as entering into the
oceans which is changing the biology of our children and numerous other species.
Balneotherapy would reduce drug use as a first option, thus reduce the flow of
pharmacological agents into our water supply thus further minimizing negative
environmental impacts, on earth.
The founding members are all active leaders within their professions, including
spa owners, medical education and health insurance & policy specialists.
This presentation will provide an overview of why BANA was founded, our current
goals and obstacles and our hope to collaborate with ISMH members in the
future.
Materials and Methods
BANA is focusing on the following goals in 2012:
1) Research: Balneotherapy Case Study Development
2) Information Exchange: Host the First National Conference
3) Education: Communities and Health industry to set up pilot research Projects,
nationwide.
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 261-262
261
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4