Dr Marita Souto
Marita Souto, a renowned expert in thermalism, full professor of Physics and Chemistry in secondary education and Numerary Member of the Royal European Academy of Doctors (READ), has been honoured with the Torques de Honra award, granted biennially by the Chamoso Lamas Study Centre in recognition of her career in the chemical-analytical study of thermal and medicinal mineral waters—particularly those of the province of Ourense—promoting their value as both a therapeutic and heritage resource. The award recognises the work of individuals, institutions and publications devoted to the preservation, recovery and dissemination of the historical and cultural heritage of the regions of Carballiño and Ribeiro. The ceremony will take place on 13 December at the Casa da Cultura de O Carballiño, where Souto served as teacher and as head of its Secondary School during the 1980s.
Souto joined the RAED, precisely, with her inaugural address “The Mysterious Waters of Inland Galicia: Ourense”, in which she reviewed the historical use of the area’s thermal waters, presented the chemical and clinical studies carried out on their effectiveness as a therapeutic or adjuvant treatment, outlined the legal framework governing thermal health and wellness centres, and reflected on the future of their medical use. For the expert, throughout history, the use of thermal waters has had a decisive influence on healthy living habits due to their close connection with hygienic and dietary practices and physical exercise. From this perspective, spas are healthcare centres where the ideal conditions for health education activities converge.
“Today, in Europe, several million people undergo crenotherapeutic treatments in spas, primarily to treat rheumatic conditions or because of the analgesic properties certain medicinal mineral waters offer in degenerative diseases, or for preventive treatments—or simply to avoid excessive consumption of pharmaceuticals, which in any case is beginning to exceed forecasts in many countries,” she stated in her admission speech. In it, she traced a historical journey through the thermal tradition of inland Galicia dating back to Roman times, highlighting major documented events from the High Middle Ages, beginning with Queen Teresa of Portugal who, in a document from the year 1124, described the region as a land of magical legends and hermits, already gaining a reputation for the healing power of its waters—a reputation that drew various monarchs repeatedly to the area.
Delegate of the World Federation of Thermalism and Climatotherapy in Spain and director or deputy director at various secondary schools, Souto has combined her teaching career with extensive and fruitful research work that has earned her notable institutional recognition. Among other distinctions, she has received the Golden Medal of Termatalia, the leading international fair on thermal tourism, health and wellness; the Dr. Paul Couterier Medal of the French Society of Thermalism and Thalassotherapy for Oral Health; and an award from the Regional Ministry of the Presidency and Public Administration of Galicia.
