Can Geography Really Heal? Trivia Quiz

Answer: United States

Mainly undeveloped until the late 1800s, turpentine business brothers Walter and Columbus Townsend saw an opportunity at Salt Springs, Florida for turpentine to be shipped in the region. In 1908, then US President Theodore Roosevelt approved setting aside a large amount of forested land surrounding the springs and established the Ocala National Forest. Though fairly isolated from the American public at the time, the establishment of hard-top roads in the 1920s provided more access allowing more explorers into the area.

It was believed that the waters of Salt Springs provided a medicinal value that could cure various ailments as they were pure and crystal clear. By the 1960s, the building of Highway S-19 gave greater access to the general population and the various campsites in the region were then converted into permanent homes. Salt Springs continues to be a popular tourist destination today.

Answer: India

Named after the Hindu goddess of purification and forgiveness, Ganga, the Ganges River in India is seen as the "embodiment" of this goddess. For thousands of years, people have bathed, drank and provided offerings in these waters as a means to become purified.

Other ceremonies in the river often include rituals for the deceased which encompasses cleansing of the dead by the waters of the Ganges as a means to purify and liberate the soul after death. It is even believed that the mythic "Manu" provided a series of directives to prevent impurities from violating the river. Impurities including spit, blood and feces were strongly discouraged from entering the river.

Answer: Iceland

Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located within the lava fields around Grindavik, Iceland and is often listed on many international travel bucket lists. Given its name from the color of the water, the shade of the water is a result of high silica content formed from the mud at the bottom of the lagoon.

This mud is often rubbed onto the body by those bathing in the lagoon. A man made lagoon, the baths in the region were a result of Svartsengi Power Plant that opened in 1976. In 1981, a psoriasis patient, Valur Margeirsson was given permission to bathe in the water hoping to improve his condition, which according to him, it did.

The water is rich in salts and algae that are believed to have healing properties. It has been a hot spot for tourists, those seeking relaxation, and those looking for alternative medical therapy.

Answer: England

During the Roman period in History, the small town of Britannia (now known as Bath, England), became the site for the construction of Roman Baths. Around 60 AD, a temple complex was built at this site and became known as "Aquae Sulis". After exercising, the bathers would then use fragrant oils, get massaged, rinse off in a cold water bath and then enter heated rooms.

The baths were often a site for social interaction and were used to discuss business, play board games, gamble, eat and drink. It was also believed that the thermal waters of the Sacred Spring had health-giving properties as the waters were high in calcium, sodium and sulphite ions.

The site is now an archaeological site for tourists and people are not allowed to enter the water.

Answer: Japan

The practice of "forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere" called Shinrin-yoku in Japan is a concept that began as a physiological and psychological idea in the 1980s. Since its inception, it has become a popular form of ecotherapy for locals and tourists alike.

The objective of this practice is an awakening of the five senses through the breathing of clean air, immersing oneself in the forest. Nature allows for the cleansing of the mind and the spirit. In Japan, various locations such as Shiratani Unsuikyo, Kitago, Ukiha City are popular sites.

Many of these sites are covered in healthy moss, cedar or cherry trees, pristine streams, and gorgeous panoramic views that are free from pollution and promote healthy mental well being.

Other popular locations around the world include the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, forest areas of New Zealand, and guided forest walks in Hawaii.

Answer: Italy

According to legend, the Terme di Saturnia was believed to have been formed by lightening bolts thrown by Jupiter in a quarrel with Saturn during a mythological dispute. Today, this group of springs located in the municipality of Manciano, Italy are used by thousands of people every year as a site of tranquility, healing, and relaxation.

The waters of these springs remain at a temperature of around 37.5 degrees Celsius and have high concentrations of mineral salts and other gases (specifically sulphur-containing hydrogen).

The Terme di Saturnia are believed to heal or relieve a variety of medical issues including dermatitis, acne, muscle aches, respiratory issues and ear, nose and throat ailments.

Answer: Egypt

An urban oasis located between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea in Egypt, the Siwa Oasis is a large depression of around -20 meters below sea level. Some of the lakes in the region have a 95 percent concentration of salt. Opened to tourists in the 1980s as a means to boost Egypt's declining economy and as a means to maintain an already fragile ecosystem, thousands of people are attracted to this location every year. From the largest salt lake in the region, Lake Zeitoun, to Maraqi Lake on the western side of the oasis, these locations are sought due to their healing properties and relaxing atmosphere. Due to their high-salinity, they are believed to relieve sinus, skin and eye conditions. "Sun baths" are a popular technique used in which the sand from the area is used to treat knee, back and skin issues.

Answer: South Korea

For two weeks in July, thousands of people from around the world, attend the Boryeong Mud Festival off the western coast of South Korea. The festival consists of various events including mud wrestling, mud swimming and mud sliding. But why has this event become so popular? Essentially, the organizers of the festival promoted that the high mineral content (particularly germanium and bentonite) found in the mud has healing properties.

In fact, the mud from the Boryeong Mud Flats are used in cosmetics and have even been used in the manufacturing of clothes and are considered to be beneficial to human skin.

Answer: Palau

The Milky Way in Koror, Palau is another bucket list idea for those seeking an international experience. This intriguing turquoise cove is a popular destination for snorkelling, swimming, and mud bathing. Just the visual aspect of this geographic area is enough to promote mental well-being due to its pristine water, colorful fish and complex coral. People from all over the world come to this location each year to cover themselves in the paste-like (some sources even say cement-like) white limestone mud.

After letting the mud dry to the skin and a quick rinse-off, the mud is often thought to promote youthful looking skin.

Answer: Mexico

This pyramid located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico has four large sinkholes that were once considered sacred to the Mayan gods and provided water year round. These would have been used for survival and possible healing properties. The stones that are native to Chichen Itza region, however, are also believed to have healing properties. Stones such as jade and quartz have been found in the region and are often used by spas as a means to cleanse the body of toxins. Hot stone therapy, for example, in which aromatic oils, salts and heated stones are placed on the body is a practice used as a cleansing tool. Once used, the stones are then cleaned, placed back on the ground, and given a chance to renew their energy from the sacred Mayan ground.