Friends of Thermalism
The Association of Friends of Thermalism is a non-profit organization founded on February 26, 2020. It was born out of the momentum initiated by the “Council of Elders,” established by the Greater Nancy Metropolitan Authority, to support the development of the Nancy Thermal project. For 12 years, this council contributed to shaping the project through reflections, validations, analyses, studies, and the definition of strategic directions, by involving research and development at every stage.
Thermalism University 2025
The University of Thermalism is an annual international congress focused on crenotherapy and medical hydrology, bringing together healthcare professionals, thermal medicine experts, academics, and researchers. It promotes the exchange of practices and the sharing of experiences in the field of thermalism. Under the high patronage of the National Academy of Medicine, the program is validated each year by its members. Initially held at the University of Nancy, the event has been taking place since 2020 at the Faculty of Medicine of Nancy, with sessions also available via videoconference, enabling international participation.
Thermalism, rooted in medical tradition for millennia, is based on empirical observations of the beneficial effects of thermal waters on health. Used to treat a variety of conditions such as rheumatologic, dermatologic, or respiratory disorders, these mineral waters have shown promising effects.
- Today, in the era of modern medicine where practices must be supported by solid evidence, thermalism must meet the rigorous standards of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) and demonstrate its effectiveness through robust clinical studies to be fully recognized as a complementary therapeutic option. This involves randomized clinical trials, strict protocols, and the use of validated quantitative and qualitative measures.
- The thermalism of the future must integrate new digital technologies and data. These innovations improve the precision of studies, personalize treatments, and optimize patient care. The integration of digital tools will help reinforce the role of thermalism within healthcare systems, by offering diverse and scientifically validated care options.
The Friends of Thermalism have established cooperative and exchange relationships with international associations and organizations, including FEMTEC (The World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy), and participate in think tanks and working groups.
Its members include medical and paramedical professionals, academics, private practitioners and hospital staff, as well as students involved in thermalism or interested in medical hydrology and the various techniques of crenotherapy.
Our missions
“The association ‘Les Amis du Thermalisme’ has set itself three main objectives:
Participate in international congresses related to medical hydrology.
Organize an annual congress: the University of Thermalisme.
Support clinical research in the search for new thermal cure protocols and the recognition and diversification of these protocols.”
The founders
André ROSSINOT
President of the association ‘Amis du Thermalisme’ from February 26, 2020, to January 20, 2021
Professeur Michel Boulange
Honorary President
Professeur Pedro Cantista
Honorary President
Marie-Catherine TALLOT
President of the association ‘Amis du Thermalisme’ since January 20, 2021.
Martine BATT
Founding member
Gisèle KANNY
Founding member
Patrick NETTER
Founding member
Stéphane ZUILY
Founding member
Francine PAULUS
Founding member
Didier MAINARD
Founding member
Xavier COLIN
Founding member
Philippe VAILLANT
Founding member
Isabelle CHARY VALKENAERE
Founding member
Jean-Claude SONNTAG
Founding member
Christian GSELL
Founding member
Marie-Annick PASQUET
Founding member
Denis SCHAMING
Membre fondateur
Jane-Laure DANAN
Membre fondateur
Isabelle CHARY VALKENAERE
Founding member
History
The association of ‘Les Amis du Thermalisme’ was born from the dynamic initiated by the Committee of the Wise, created by the Metropolis of Greater Nancy to contribute to the development of the Nancy Thermal project. For over 12 years, this committee worked on in-depth reflections, validations, analyses, and studies, while defining strategic directions and mobilizing research and development at each stage of the project.
On January 20, 2021, André Rossinot decided to step down as president of the association and entrusted the position to Marie Catherine Tallot.
Thus, over these twelve years, alongside the Grand Nancy Thermal project and under the impetus of the competent health and thermal authorities, with the support of experts gathered within the Committee of the Wise, several initiatives have emerged:
The development of specific training in thermalism,
The completion of several clinical studies.
The University of Thermalism
The University of Thermalism is an annual event of international scope dedicated to the advancements and challenges of thermal medicine and medical hydrology. Created to foster exchanges between healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, and thermalism specialists, it provides a privileged space for sharing practices, research results, and innovations in the field of hydrotherapy.
Organized under the high patronage of the National Academy of Medicine, The University of Thermalism addresses various themes related to prevention, rehabilitation, and the integration of new technologies in thermal medicine. Each edition gathers internationally renowned experts, allowing for enriching dialogue about development perspectives and challenges to overcome in this sector.
The University of Thermalism thus actively contributes to the promotion and global influence of thermal medicine, combining scientific rigor with openness to innovation, to address the public health needs of the 21st century.
Clinical studies
Clinical studies conducted as part of the research program on thermalism explore various fields of care in thermal settings.
Study on Gonarthrosis: Led by Professor Isabelle Chary VALCKENAERE, this study compares two types of thermal cures – classic and active – for patients suffering from gonarthrosis. It evaluates the impact of thermal treatments (hydromassage, mud therapy, kinébalneotherapy, etc.) on pain and joint function.
Aquatic rehabilitation after knee ligamentoplasty in athletes: Led by Professors Philippe PERRIN, Didier MAINARD, and Franck WEIN, this study examines the effectiveness of physiotherapy care in an aquatic environment to accelerate recovery for athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Kinébalneotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease, THERMAPARK: In partnership with France Parkinson and the University of Lorraine, this study, directed by Professor Philippe PERRIN, compares the effects of aquatic rehabilitation versus land-based rehabilitation on the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Rehabilitation after Shoulder Surgery, THERMASCAP: This upcoming study will be led by Professors PERRIN, Didier Mainard, and Isabelle CHARY VALCKENAERE. It compares thermal rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation to optimize functional recovery after shoulder surgery in patients under 60 years old who are professionally active.
Jet Massage Technique, THERMAJET: This ongoing study, coordinated by Professors Isabelle Chary VALCKENAERE and Philippe PERRIN, evaluates the benefits of jet massage to reduce pain in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. It aims to develop an innovative, non-invasive rehabilitation protocol using targeted thermal water jets to improve mobility and strengthen postural muscles and proprioception.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of halotherapy using Varangéville mine salt: This ongoing study, led by Benoît TALLOT, Agnès BRANCHU, and the city of Varangéville (Mayor: Christopher Varin), explores the effects of halotherapy (salt aerosol inhalation) for asthma patients. Inspired by experiences in Poland and Romania, this research aims to reproduce the underground conditions of temperature, humidity, and salt concentration from the Varangéville mine on the surface, in a “salt cave.” The goal is to evaluate the improvement of respiratory functions in stabilized asthma patients who are inadequately balanced by conventional treatments. Over three weeks, asthma patients will receive sessions three times per week, randomly assigned between a salt room and a placebo room, followed by spirometric tests (FEV1, FVC, PEFR) to measure the effects of halotherapy.
Participation in international congresses
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE, REHABILITATION, AND BALNEOLOGY from September 3 to 10, 2022, in Slanic Moldova and Techirghiol, Romania.
73RD INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF HYDROTHERAPY AND CLIMATOTHERAPY (FEMTEC) from November 3 to 6, 2022, in Castel San Pietro Terme (Bologna), Italy: “THERMALISM IN CHANGING SOCIETIES.”
74TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF HYDROTHERAPY AND CLIMATOTHERAPY (FEMTEC) from October 26 to 29, 2023, in Ourense (Galicia, Spain): “BALNEOTHERAPY OF THE FUTURE.”
PADUA 5 DAYS ON MUSCLE AND MOBILITY MEDICINE – February 27, 28, 29, and March 1, 2, 2024 – Thermae of Euganean Hills, Padua (Italy).
75TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF HYDROTHERAPY AND CLIMATOTHERAPY (FEMTEC) – November 7 to 10, 2024, Romania, Eden by the Mountain, Brasov – Benchmarks for Training in Balneotherapy. Bridging Tradition and Innovation.
RELIVE THE 2020 CONGRESS – COVID YEAR
Learn more about the Association of Friends of Thermalism.
Any questions or concerns about the association? Feel free to write to us. We will be happy to respond.
Upcoming events
Thursday, September 11, 2025
University of Thermalism via videoconference
32 rue Félix Faure 54000 Nancy
contact@amisduthermalisme.com
The friends of thermalism
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