Joba springs: Reaching for a cure

The Joba spring waters in Wadi Al-Dawasser, 650 km south of Riyadh, attract a large number of people from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries because of the supposed healing effects of the water.
People bathe in the water to treat various diseases.
The first Joba spring was discovered about 15 years ago when Rassal bin Musfir Al-Dossary dug an artesian well 600 meters deep for irrigation purposes.
He found hot mineral water gushing out from the well.
When Rassal learned the water could potentially have healing effects, such as reducing the pain of stressed muscles and tired joints, he built two basins for men and women to bathe in the water.
Rassal said: “We have built these basins for people to use, seeking reward from God.” He said a team of experts from the Health Ministry visited the well a few years ago.
They conducted some tests and found the water contains 18 mineral substances useful for human health.
Rassal said: “I have got certificates from more than 100 people saying they have recovered from various skin diseases after bathing in this water.”
He called on government authorities to provide additional facilities at the spring.
Muhammad bin Hadi Al-Dossary owns a similar spring in the area.
He has constructed 12 swimming pools at the spring, six each for men and women, as well as a naturopathic treatment center, gardens, recreation facilities and chalets for families.
He added: “At least 100 people visit the two springs daily from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries,”
During holidays the number of visitors will increase. They include health officials and researchers as well as diplomats.
Abu Hussein, 73, who is a regular visitor, said bathing in the spring was helpful in reducing sensitivity in his skin and joint pains.
He added: “We need not take medicine if we swim in this water twice a week. I have received a lot of relief.”
Abu Abdul Rahman, 45, who came from the Eastern Province, said he used to visit the spring with his family every year to bathe in its waters.
“It makes me more energetic.”
Dr. Saleh bin Saleh of King Saud University’s faculty of medicine, highlighted the benefit of the mineral water, saying it is good for treating rheumatism.
Bathing in hot springs gradually increases the temperature of the body, thus killing harmful germs and viruses.
It will increase hydrostatic pressure on the body, increasing blood circulation and cell oxygenation.
The increase in blood flow also helps dissolve and eliminate toxins from the body.