"Arzhaan" is a Tuvan word. In translation it means "mineral water spring". "Arzhaan" comes from the Sanscrit language. Usually arzhaans were opened by lamas or shamans, who told local people which diseases can be cured by the arzhaan's water. These mineral springs were highly respected and protected.  Every year people celebrated the days of arzhaan.

Tuvan arzhaans possess healing power. Their water is highly mineralized what makes them very popular among tourists and local people. Thousands of people still keep to the tradition of healing with the help of arzhaans' water. The healing process is simple: it takes from 7 to 9 days and includes drinking mineral water, shower and baths.

Arzhaans are usually divided into two groups - mineral and insipid. The most famous arzhaans are Argolik, Choygan and the Southern arzhaan.