What is the term for the treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs?

The treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs is referred to as balneotherapy. This term specifically denotes the therapeutic use of baths, often in natural mineral or thermal waters, for the treatment and management of various health conditions. Balneotherapy has a long history and is utilized in various cultures for its perceived health benefits, which can include alleviating pain, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

Hydrotherapy, while also involving the use of water for therapeutic purposes, is a broader term that encompasses different forms of water treatment, such as water exercises and applications of water at various temperatures and pressures, not limited to baths. Thermotherapy focuses solely on the application of heat to treat injuries or chronic pain, while electrotherapy involves the use of electrical stimulation to treat tissue damage or pain. Therefore, balneotherapy is the most appropriate term specifically associated with the therapeutic practice of bathing in mineral springs.