For centuries, many cultures have identified certain sites and mineral springs as having miraculous healing and transformational properties. Here are seven amazing water sites known for healing.
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For centuries, many cultures have identified certain water sites and mineral springs to have miraculous healing and transformational properties. Here are seven amazing water sites known for healing.
1 of 7 Warm Springs, Georgia
Residents of Georgia first became aware of the healing powers of Warm Springs, then named Bullochville, in the late 1700s as a way to escape yellow fever. But the springs are best known as the place were Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President, came to rest and recuperate. Roosevelt first experienced the soothing mineral springs, which flow at a comfortable 88-degree temperature, to treat the pain and paralysis resulting from polio. After that first visit, he came as often as he could, exercising and swimming in the water to regain the strength in his legs. Subsequently he purchased the resort and surrounding area, founded a polio hospital and renamed the town Warm Springs. The town is still home to the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. Although the springs are no longer available for public use, the mineral water is used therapeutically by those attending the Roosevelt Institute.
Credit: digitalimagination
2 of 7 The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, France
It is said that Bernadette Soubirous, a Saint in the Catholic Church, was led to the source of the spring by a vision of Our Lady of Lourdes in 1858 and told to “drink at the spring and bathe in it.” Today, the original spring can be seen within the Grotto, protected by a glass screen. Visitors collect water dispensed from a series of taps that surround the base. Each year millions visit the site for healing and many have claimed to have been cured of illnesses and afflctions–some of which make it through a lengthy and thorough investigative process and are deemed miracles by the Catholic Church. On February 12, 2018, the 70th miracle healing was recorded as having occurred at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
3 of 7 God’s Acre Healing Springs, Blackville, South Carolina
This natural spring in Blackville, South Carolina has the unusual distinction of being legally owned by God. The spring was known for its healing powers by Native Americans, and news of its magical abilities spread when six badly wounded Revolutionary War soldiers made stunning recoveries after drinking and bathing in it. The land was purchased by Lute Boyston who believed the spring should be free for all and in 1944 he deeded the spring and surrounding acres to “Almighty God, for the use of the sick and afflicted.”
4 of 7 Saratoga Mineral Springs, Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Mineral Springs is one of the few naturally carbonated springs in the country. Historically both Iroquois and Mohawk tribes drank and bathed in the springs known for its restorative powers. News of the flowing miraculous healing powers spread among settlers and even George Washington believed in and unsuccessfully attempted to buy one of the springs. By the 19th century, Saratoga Springs was a popular vacation destination, nicknamed Spa City, where one could relax and recharge in the mineral-water spas.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
5 of 7 Ojo Caliente, New Mexico
Located near Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Ojo Caleinete Mineral Springs are known as one of the oldest natural health resorts in the US. Deemed sacred by 8 Northern Pueblo tribal communities, the springs are steeped in myth and legend. The healing powers of the waters can be traced back to the earliest human migrations in the region. When the Spaniards discovered the springs, they named it “Ojo Caliente,” which translates to “warm eye.” Today, thousands make the trip to this special destination to experience relaxation and rejuvenation.
Credit: STEFAN HOPF
6 of 7 Therma Baths of Bad Sulza, Germany
This new age spa is an amazing result of technology meets natural phenomenon. Located in Eastern Germany, in the town of Weimar, the calming effect of the natural warm salt water is mixed with sounds and music inspired by singing whales that can be heard underwater. Created by Micky Remann, the idea was sparked while researching musical interactions with Orca whales, and developed a way to create underwater sound for people. The springs come from an ancient underground ocean that enables guests to easily float as if in the Dead Sea. A futuristic dome houses seven pools that become a canvas for a relaxing experience dubbed “Liquid Sound.”
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
7 of 7 Pamukkale Turkey
Rich in minerals, the blue waters of Pamukkale Turkey have been known to have healing powers for centuries. The springs foam and drip slowly down the vast mountainside, flowing over stalactites into pools. According to legend, these beautiful white formations are solid cotton that giants left out to dry. And if the amazing natural formations weren’t enough to bring tourists, a 12,000 seat amphitheater is located right above the healing waters.
