By now, nearly all of us have heard about Nicole Kidman’s statement that her pregnancy resulted from taking a dip in an Australian waterfall. I’m sure this has more than one couple talking about a trip to Australia if they are trying to conceive. But are there healing waters?
Although there is little scientific evidence to support healing waters, there is an abundance of folk lore and religious beliefs surrounding the waters in various locations. Some of the waters said to have healing powers include Budapest, Hungary; Lourdes, France; Tlacote, Mexico; Dusseldorf, Germany; Nadana, India, among others. Now we can add Kununurra, Australia to the list.
Healing waters in various areas of the world have long been believed to offer healing from a broad range of ailments. Just a partial list of miracles attributed to these waters would include cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and even infertility.
But do they work? The question remains unanswered, but there is some evidence to suggest people visiting these places were at some point after the visit cured of their particular ailment. So should you pack your bags?
There are few studies which offer definitive evidence on this subject, but I did find a few. Most seem to suggest the power of the mind results in the healing, rather than the trip to far away locations. The gist of this belief is that the miracle comes from the belief the person will be healed, rather than a tangible object or water.
Proponents of places with healing waters would disagree and point to numerous reports of a broad range of healings to support their view. They would say that what you see is what you get. The healings occurred after the visit there, so there is a link. This is similar to beliefs around the world regarding fertility rituals.
In the end, there is no definitive evidence to support either belief. There are so many variables that conducting an unbiased study is difficult. It’s a matter of faith.