At their peak in the 1980s, Naftalan spas had 75,000 visitors a year.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, petroleum baths closed down entirely.
Now nearly two decades later, crude oil spas have started opening up again.
The qualities of Naftalan oil has been known since ancient times.
He noted the oils therapeutic properties and how it could treat humans and animals with skin diseases.
Modern use of the oil started during the 1870s under Czarist Russia.
Photo by Chloe Dewe Mathews
Naftalan oils magical properties were discovered way back in the 6th century BC.
They covered their hands and feets sores with the black oil and were convinced of its healing powers.
After that the people from nearby villages stared to use the miracle liquid as medicine.
Naftalan crude oil is indeed different from the commercial grade variety used to make petroleum.
Naftalan crude contains about 50 percent naphthalene, a hydrocarbon used in mothballs.
It is also an active ingredient in coal tar soaps, which are used by dermatologists to treat psoriasis.
For three days after a bath, the saturated skin continue to ooze crude oil.
A single bath costs between $200 to $240.
Photo by Amanda Rivkin
Photo by unknown
Sources:NYTimes,Naftalangroup,The National
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