The International Society of Hydrothermal Techniques
The SITH was founded in 1959 by people from different countries who shared a wish to develop the uses of thermal waters. Conventions have been held in many countries across the continents: Italy, France, Russia, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, Hungary, Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Cuba, Romania, Japan, Iran and Mexico.
The aim with which this society was founded is increasingly relevant on a global level. International organizations and governments have highlighted that one of the greatest challenges faced by humankind is the rational use of our planet's water resources, and amongst these water resources, thermal and mineral. waters are of unique importance.
The curative powers of thermal and mineral waters have been known for centuries, and they have been used to this end by practically all civilizations on every continent.
It is estimated that over fifty million people use thermal water for strictly curative purposes each year, and many millions more enjoy these waters in the so-called'wellness' centerss. Whole cities have been built around spas, contributing to the development of cultures, serving as a connection between different generations. The great variety of thermal waters makes it possible to claim that there is no country in the world without thermal water, and that there are no two identical thermal waters.
The SITH's aim is to favorite research, share information between countries and professionals, and to publish and promote collaboration between different organisations linked to the hydrothermal world. Ultimately the aim of this Society is to help people achieve a better quality of life by using one of oldest medical techniques that exist, hydrothermal treatment.
Andres Campos Calvo-Sotelo
Presidente of SITH
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South American Hot Spring Treatment Society ALATh Asociacion Latino Americano de Termalismo
The Latin American Thermalism Association was created in 2015, as a Latin American branch of the World Thermalism Organization. Its function is to link people and organizations dedicated to scientific hydrotherapy in Latin America and the world, as well as serving as a link with other organizations. worldwide. In this way, the ALATh, promotes research studies, offers advice on the health application of thermal resources and the development of new wellness centers and Thermalism, collaborates with official organisms and non-governmental organizations on the legislation and preservation of thermomineromedical resources, offers strategic contacts or alliances between associates, among other issues.
Since 2017, Dr. N. Hugo Ficosecco, from Argentina, is President of ALATh and the Board of Directors is made up of representatives from Brazil and Colombia. The positions of the directive commission are totally ad honorem and the associates, for the moment, Only have to fulfill formal administrative and ethical requirements for their membership. During this period, various training courses have been held on the application of thermomineromedical resources at an international level, the ALATh Prize 2017/2018 was called, receiving papers from Brazil, Cuba, Argentina and awarding the prize to a research work on Treatment of Psoriasis with Thermal Waters, arising from Termas de Villaguay, Entre Ríos, Argentina. It also participated in official meetings with officials of the National Tourism Secretariat presenting the draft legislation on thermal tourism resources in Argentina. Previously, the twinning of localities with thermal resources in Brazil and Argentina was facilitated, participatio in international Congresses and Meetings.
ALATh
President Hugo Ficosecco