Balneotherapy and Persian Medicine: a narrative comparative review of concepts, mechanisms, and therapeutic applications

INTRODUCTION. Balneotherapy — defined as the therapeutic use of mineral-rich water, thermal baths, mud, and gases — has been practiced across cultures for centuries. Persian Medicine (PM), a holistic traditional medical system dating back more than a millennium, also incorporates extensive water-based therapies, medicinal clays, and thermal practices.

Aim

To compare balneotherapy with related therapeutic modalities described in classical PM texts, highlighting historical foundations, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and potential opportunities for integrative research. MAIN CONTENT OF THE REVIEW. A narrative review was conducted using scholarly databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and classical PM sources, including works of Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Rhazes (Al-Razi), and Jorjani. Modern clinical evidence on balneotherapy was compared with PM concepts and historical applications. Significant conceptual and practical parallels exist between balneotherapy and PM. Both utilize hot and cold bathing, mineral waters, vapors, and medicinal muds for musculoskeletal disorders, dermatologic conditions, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, and mental well-being. Mechanistic overlaps include hydrostatic pressure, thermoregulation, mineral absorption, detoxification, and modulation of humoral balance (PM theory). PM contributes additional insights related to temperament (Mizaj), organ-specific bath prescriptions, and detailed therapeutic protocols.

Conclusion

Balneotherapy and PM share rich therapeutic traditions with considerable conceptual convergence. Bridging these systems through integrative research could expand therapeutic options and support culturally-informed healthcare models. Further comparative clinical and mechanistic studies are recommended.