pa-a word you know. Kurhaus? A word many lucky Europeans know. This writer is North American, and had not ever heard of the word before beginning research for this article. It is a word, and an experience, you will have the opportunity to research yourself while in Taiwan.

Taiwan is a place that is known for its subterranean activity. Some of this activity results in bad news, but there is much that is good. Mineral hot springs abound (and some cold), and when the Japanese controlled the island from 1895 to 1945 that bunch of soakers, who often found themselves in hot water during the period, brought a love of mineral waters, and of soaking, to the local people.

Recently, in Taipei and elsewhere, love of the health benefits of water/hydrotherapy has given rise to a sprouting of spas (many not connected with natural hot springs) and of kurhauses. We herein provide a user-friendly survey, with suggested destinations, for your perusal.

Mud facials provide a 100% holistic version that nurtures, according to one specialist, "both skin and soul". The mud, often from exotic European locales, has healing properties and detoxifies and nourishes all skin types. Other types of facials include gentleman facials, algae-lifting facials, European deep exfoliating treatment, intensive European collagen treatment, oxygen treatment, glycolic treatment, and eye contour treatment.

A wonderful range of massage techniques is on offer, including the classic Swedish massage, sports massage for athletes, aromatherapy, special massages for pregnant women, and so on.

Beyond these services, there are others, such as nail services, makeup artistry, and waxing services. Other water-related services include low-temperature hydrotherapy, bubble hydrotherapy, massage with supersonic wave treatment, cold treatment in steam rooms, saunas, and hydrotherapeutic showers. Of course, if the spa is in a natural hot spring area, hot spring baths are available.

The kurhaus has its origins in Germany. The terms translates as "care house", denoting care with water therapy or treatment. Different water currents and temperatures are used to treat the body—saunas, jacuzzis, whirlpools, water-jet massages, herbal soaks, mineral hot spring baths, and just plain swimming in swimming pools.

The kurhaus has become popular in Taiwan because the original concept is akin to that which underlies acupuncture. It is believed that the different water treatments affect the "shiue dau" (穴道), or "underground channels", of the body. Water-based body massages, in effect, get under your skin, reducing fatigue, relaxing the muscles, revitalizing the skin, and helping to maintain a healthy body. This type of treatment is seen as long-term treatment, and though a kurhaus will of course accept a one-time visit (about NT$400), multiple visits are encouraged, with special discount packages available (about NT$3,000 for 10 visits, NT$7,000 for 30, and NT$40,000 for a one-year membership with no limit on the number of visits).