Tour 111 Chapter 2

• 8,000 B.C.- 80 B.C. - Archaeological evidences show that human

  activity existed around natural springs.
• 8,000 B.C.- 80 B.C. - It was believed that they could be bathing or

  simply fetching water for drinking purposes.
• Most ancient civilizations recognized the therapeutic effects of mineral thermal springs and holy temple baths.
• the earliest civilizations - Sumerians
• The Sumerians (circa 4000 BC) constructed the earliest known health complexes around hot springs. These healthcare facilities included royal elevated temples with flowing pools.
• During the Bronze Age (circa 2000 BC), hill tribes in what is now known presently as St. Moritz,
• The same bronze drinking cups that they used were found in thermal springs in France and Germany.
• Switzerland recognized the health benefits in drinking and bathing in iron-rich mineral springs.
• The Ancient Greeks were the first to lay a foundation for a comprehensive medical tourism network.
• In honor of their god of medicine, Asclepius, the Greeks erected the Asclepia Temples, which became some of the world's first health centers.
• In India, the history of medical tourism was also slowly unfolding with the popularity of yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.
• As early as 5000 years ago, constant streams of medical

  travellers and spiritual students gathered to India to seek

  the benefits of these alternative-healing methods.
• When Rome became a global power, several hot-water baths and springs called thermae came into existence and gained popularity among the elite.
• Rome - These baths were not only healthcare facilities, but

  became commercial and social networking centres

  for the rich and the elite.
• In Roman Britain, persons suffering from illnesses took waters at a shrine from the City of Bath in England.
• Chinese were known for traditional and alternative medicine which includes acupuncture and acupressure.
• Medieval Period (Dark Ages) - With the downfall of the Roman Civilization, Asia continued to be the prime medical tourism destination for healthcare travellers.
• Medieval Period (Dark Ages) - Temples gave way to hospitals that provide clinical services to travellers seeking healthcare.
• In Medieval Japan, hot mineral springs called onsen popular due to their healing properties.
• The warrior clans took notice of these springs and began using them for pain, heal wounds, and recover from their battles..
• Mansuri Hospital located in Cairo, the largest and most advanced hospital in the world. Has a Capacity 8,000 people, became a healthcare destination for foreigners regardless of race or religion.
• A village known as Ville d'Eaux or Town of Waters, famous throughout Europe in 1326 when iron-rich hot springs were discovered within the region.
• The word “spa, derived from the Roman term “salute per aqua” or health through waters, was first used here.
• Bath or Aquae Sulis enjoyed royal support and was famous throughout the world.
• In the 1720s, Bath became the first city in England to receive a covered sewage system and was ahead of London for several years.
• 17th- 20th Century - The city also received technological, financial, and social benefits.
• 17th- 20th Century - Roads, street lights, hotels, and restaurants were beautified – all because of Medical Tourism.
• The most noteworthy traveller in the history of Medical Tourism was Michel Eyquem de Montaigne.
• Michel Eyquem de Montaigne - He was the French inventor of the essay, and father of luxury travel.
• Michel Eyquem de Montaigne - He wrote the earliest documented spa guide in medical tourism history.
• Native Americans in the New World were skillful in the healing arts.
• Knowledge in herbal medicine was exceptional and competitors those in Europe, Asia or Africa.
• 1900-1997 - the USA and Europe were center of the healthcare world.
• 1900-1997 - Medical travel was limited to rich who travelled to these countries
• During the 1960s, India became a destination of choice
• The flower child movement, which drew the elite and socialites of America and the UK, eventually developed into a fully-fledged medical tourism industry, with yoga and Ayurvedic medicine rediscovered.
• Due to high cost of healthcare in the 1980s and 1990s, American patients started considering options, like dental services in Central America.
• Cuba started programs to attract foreigners for eye surgeries, heart and cosmetic procedures.
• 1997-2001 - Due to The Asian economic crisis in 1997 and the collapse of Asian currencies these nations took efforts in marketing their countries as destinations for international healthcare.
• Thailand became the hub for plastic surgery, with fees charged at a fraction of what Western countries could offer.