Indigenous peoples' use of thermal springs can be traced back 10,000 years, per archaeological evidence of human use and settlement by Paleo-Indians.

[1] Hot springs are considered sacred by several Indigenous cultures, and along with sweat lodges have been used for ceremonial purposes.

[2] Since ancient times, humans have used hot springs, public baths and thermal medicine for therapeutic effects.

The Latin phrase sanitas per aquam means "health through water", involving the treatment of disease and various ailments by balneotherapy in natural hot springs.

[2] Many hot springs are natural rock soaking pools that are only accessible on foot or horseback, while others are developed into resort spas.