Thalasso Therapy & the Benefits of Seawater
Thalasso therapy - coming from the Greek word thalassa meaning “sea” or “ocean” - is a kind of therapy that involves using the healing properties of seawater, seaweed, and other marine elements to promote wellness and relaxation. Treatments include seaweed wraps, saltwater baths, and massages using natural seawater. Also facials, manicures and pedicures using products with marine extracts are a form of thalasso therapy.
The minerals and trace elements present in seawater have been known to help you relax, stimulate the immune system, soothe muscle tension, and provide a variety of skin benefits. However, this type of therapy is also thought to help people with:
circulatory problems (such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis)
respiratory conditions (such as asthma and bronchitis)
post-traumatic disorders (such as muscle atrophy)
chronic inflammations (such as rheumatic arthritis).
When pregnant it is important to inform your therapist, as some treatments might not be suitable for you.
Thalasso therapy is similar to balneotherapy (bathing in mineral water from a spring), but the main difference is that thalassotherapy exclusively uses seawater. The benefits of sea water and sea air for us are plentiful. For example. when a person’s skin comes in contact with seawater, the sodium and chloride can penetrate and enter the body. From there, it can affect skin cells by altering the pressure inside them, which in turn may inhibit cell death. Air near the sea is usually cleaner than air in cities which may mean that people with conditions like asthma or hay fever can breathe more easily when being close to the ocean. It is logical then that thalassotherapy centers are usually located near the sea and can include hotel facilities. Fresh seawater is taken, treated (and brought to a temperature of 37ºC) and pumped to and through the center to use for bathing and treatments.
Some examples of thalasso therapy include:
Thalasso wrap. You are being swathed in real seaweed or marine mud and covered with a thermal blanket to keep you warm. After a while your therapist will unwrap you and massage your body to enhance circulation.
Thalasso therapy bath. This type of bath can involve just sea water, or a combination of seawater and seaweed, algae, or mud. Essential oils may be added to the water for more relaxation.
Exercise in a seawater pool. Swimming and other exercises such as aquarobics can also be a part of thalasso therapy. The sea water is gentle on your skin and hair as salt softens hard water, and little chlorine is needed to keep the pool hygienic.
Hydromassage. High-pressure jets of water are used on your body massaging your muscles while you relax in the warm water.
Therapeutic showers. The showers can have different pressures and temperatures and are used to create "sea mist" or "tropical rain".
Thalasso therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a natural alternative to traditional spa treatments, as it has been proven to have significant health benefits for both the mind and body.
