The history of soaking in warm water has ties to ancient societies. From Asia to Europe to Rome people have been enjoying the health benefits of taking time away from the world and enjoy relaxation. Now these soaks are not only considered a leisurely way to spend an afternoon or an evening, but are being used in the medical field to treat certain illnesses and injuries. The calming effects of the water will relax muscles, and sooth aching joints as well as slowing down the circulation and promoting healing. At one time, this “bathing” in hot tubs and saunas was a communal event, and in some countries that is still the case.
The wealthy of Ancient Rome, usually did have private baths in their residence, but still preferred to go the bath houses on a regular basis. This was a way of finding out what was happening in the neighborhood so to speak. Politics to neighborhood gossip was discussed then, in much the same way that those conversations take place in the spas and the workout rooms today. In Rome, the daily rituals of the bath was an important aspect of their culture, and considered to be part of the daily city life and urban activity. In the complexes of those ancient bath houses, there were also libraries and meeting rooms. This was more than just simply soaking in a hot tub or spa. It was a culture in and of itself.
It was a bit like the continuation of the work day, for around two or three in the afternoon, everyone headed for that second part of the day in the bath houses. In some of the houses, the women’s tubs were separate from the men’s', while in others they just had access to the use of the tubs at different times of the day. It was considered not to be respectable for the two genders to attend at the same time, and was frequently banned by the various emperors throughout the years. Today however, hot tubs are generally a part of back yard BBQs and parties, and still give people to take a break, and have a chance to socialize and relax together.
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