Athens in 19th century: Thermal springs - curative springs – mental homes

The article presents the circumstances in 19th century Athens regarding psychiatry and curative thermal springs for treatment of the mentally ill and patients suffering from arthritis and skin diseases. At the time it was believed that mental illnesses therapy could be achieved through praying in holly ground by staying in monasteries and praying along with monks at mess. For the treatment of arthritis and skin diseases patients were advised to visit curative thermal springs in Edipsos and Methana. These facts were taken from literature and newspapers (Press) of that era.

Keywords: Thermal springs, Curative springs, mental illness, skin disease, arthritis, Monastery