Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Balneological use of thermal water in
South Africa
Jonker C (1) , Olivier J (1)
(1) Department of Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
jonkecz@unisa.ac.za
Introduction and Objectives
Of the 75 thermal springs in South Africa, only 23 have been developed. These
resources have been developed for leisure and tourism, with none offering spa
facilities for therapeutic purposes. Although the art and science of balneology is
not currently well known in South Africa, many thermal springs were used in the
past for their purported curative properties. There is some evidence that African
traditional healers also use geothermal waters for medicinal purposes. This poster
presents an overview of the history of balneology in South Africa and attempts to
link specific applications to the thermal characteristics and the chemical composition
of the waters.
Materials and Methods
A literature survey was conducted to identify those minerals of balneological
importance. Interviews were held with traditional African healers at selected thermal
springs. Waters samples were collected from these springs and analyzed for
therapeutic minerals. Springs of historical balneological importance are discussed
and illustrated in this poster
Results
Around twenty thermal springs were historically used for therapeutic purposes.
Most of these are located in the Cape Province (now Western Cape) and used for
illnesses ranging from rheumatism to wound healing – especially witlows and bullet
wounds. Some were used exclusively for diabetes (Tshipise thermal spring), treatment
of corns (Eendvoëlvallei Spring), sarcoma, tuberculosis (Citrusdal thermal
spring), rheumatic fever (Goudini) and against snake poison at Calitzdorp bath. In
addition, traditional African healers use spring waters enriched with lithium to ‘treat
patients‘with mental diseases.
Conclusions
There is evidence that some waters contain elements that are now proven to be
beneficial. This paper serves as a first step in a research project aimed at reestablishing
South Africa as a centre of African balneology.
Keywords: Thermal Spring Waters, South Africa, Traditional Healers, Historical
Balneological Uses
Balnea
2012, núm. 6, 453
453
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4