Therapy
The volcanic nature of Japan provides plenty of springs. When the onsen's water contains distinctive minerals or chemicals, the onsen establishments display what type of onsen it is.
Some examples of types of onsen include:
- Sulphur onsen (硫黄泉, iō-sen?)
- Sodium chloride onsen (ナトリウム泉, natoriumu-sen?)
- Hydrogen carbonate onsen (炭酸泉, tansan-sen?)
- Iron onsen (鉄泉, tetsu-sen?)
In Japan, it is said onsen have various medical effects. Japanese people believe that a good soak in proper onsen heals aches, pains and diseases, and visit onsen to treat the illnesses, such as arthralgia, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, constipation, menstrual disorders and so on.
These medical benefits have given onsen a central role in balneotherapy which is called "Onsen Therapy" (温泉療法, onsen-ryōhō?). Onsen Therapy is a comprehensive bathing treatment conducted to maintain health, normalize dysfunctions and prevent illness.
Read more about this topic: Onsen
Famous quotes containing the word therapy:
“Show business is the best possible therapy for remorse.”
—Anita Loos (1888–1981)