Spa History and Culture

Salt therapy is a modern variation of the Eastern European tradition of spending people spend time in natural salt caves for health.

Sweat lodges can offer a profound purification experience, but it's important to trust the person in charge.

Sweat lodges have been around for thousands of years and are usually safe. Find out how to participate safely in a sweat lodge ceremony.

An Indian sweat lodge is a ceremonial sweat bath that has its roots in Native-American history and culture. Traditionally, it is a purifying ritual that uses intense heat to stimulate vision and insight.

The modern spa is part of a much older tradition of "taking the waters" for health. Learn more here.

If you’ve ever wondered what a real hamam – a traditional Turkish bath -- is like, here’s your chance to find out. Julie Earle-Levine, who writes for The Financial Times, Travel + Leisure, and others, is just back from Istanbul, where she visited the historic Cagaloglu Hamam, which has a section for both men and women. Here is her report.

The fascinating world of "sweat bathing," including Finnish saunas, the Turkish Hamman, native American Sweat Lodge, Russian Bania, and more from Mikkel Aaland.

Essential oil is the pure, undiluted extract of a plant and has therapeutic properties when it's high quality. Find out more about essential oils and how to use them.