The health benefits of thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word Thalasso meaning sea and therapeia healing) is related to the medical use of sea water.
It uses the maritime climate, the sea and its derivatives such as algae, seaweed and mud for the restorative healing benefits it has on the body and soul.
Hypocrates, the Father of Medicine, was the first to discover the therapeutic virtures of sea water by observing the beneficial effects it has.
By taking to the waters and immersing yourself in a thalassotherapy treatment helps to saturate your skin with body’s essential trace elements:
- Magnesium – needed for the normal functioning of the heart
- Calcium – which boasts strong bones and teeth
- Sodium – helps with circulation
- Phosphorus – to keep the brain active
- Potassium – to ensure the correct functioning of the cells
These mineral substances aid the treatment of high blood pressure, osteoporosis, arthritis, sore joints and skin conditions such as eczema or psoriases.
The mineral sea salts are important for regeneration of skin cells. Thanks to their properties skin becomes fresh and supple which is why sea water is used in the treatment of eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis.
Thalassotherapy is not just about floating in a seawater pool but is also used a wide variety of treatments to boost wellness and relieve stress.
The therapy is applied in different variations such as showers of warmed seawater (Vichy shower), application of algae paste or marine mud, as well as inhalation of sea fog.
Elements of the seawater such as magnesium, calcium, sodium and sulphates are believed to have beneficial effects on the pores of the skin. The other components such as various types of seaweed contribute positively with their antibiotic, bacterialstatic and antiviral properties.
As a result the thalassotherapy not only helps you to relax but also eases the symptoms of aging, reduces cellulite and helps to rejuvenate your body.
There are many spa destinations that offer thalassotherapy in Europe. In Italy among the most popular spa resorts are: Toscana, Emilia Romagna and Sardegna; in Austria: Nauders, Seefeld, Sölden, Lech am Arlberg, Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein; in Switzerland: Gstaad, Zermatt, Interlaken and St. Moritz; in France: Normandy, Bretagne, Midi Pyrenees and Cote D’Azur and Six Senses Spa in Crete.
