The Healing Waters: Thalassotherapy January 10, 2012

Sea water therapy for body, mind and soul

Although thalassotherapy is one of the ancient health regimens of Greece and Egypt and even Hippocrates, it remains one of the best-kept secrets.

Through the last half of the 18th century and the 19th century, Dr. Richard Russell’s hype of thalassotherapy benefits spurned a multitude of seaside resorts in England, and Duchess Berry’s in France. Today its greatest popularity is near the Dead Sea, and yet, it is a relatively obscure therapy.

Now almost entirely a spa experience, thalassotherapy is based in coastal cultures. It was believed since ancient times that the sea fog and the sea itself contain restorative trace elements of magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium and iodine and are absorbed through the skin. Hippocrates observed that fishermen whose hands were often cut would never develop infections. In 1904, French biologist Rene Quinton proved that sea water contained the same elements as blood plasma and were curative.

Methods of Therapy

Thalassotherapy pools contain seawater pumped from far offshore, used within 48 hours at 98 degrees to maintain the vital microbes, minerals and plant life essential for healing. Immersion into this warm bath often with pressurized air jets, promotes the creation of healthy cells while the mind moves into harmony with the body’s nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Daily therapy over six days has a lasting effect for six to eight months as evidenced in people with diabetes, asthma, arthritis, heart ailments, hypertension, cellulite, stress and skin problems.

Massage increases circulation and respiration, heals sore muscles and eliminates toxins. Seaweed dilates blood vessels, allowing for more immediate entry into the bloodstream, and opened pores allow the skin to be more receptive to the natural ingredients. Marine mud, algae paste, seaweed wraps and salt scrubs are optional components.

Thalassotherapy Spas

Should you find yourself along the sea, inquire about thalasso spas. Treatments can be costly, but not prohibitive. The results you see and feel will override any reservations you have for future therapies. Here are just a few:

Biarritz Thalasso Resort – three locations in coastal France.

The Royal Myconian Hotel and Thalasso Center – Mykonos Island, Greece.

Playa Grande Resort & Spa – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita – Rivera Maya, Mexico.

Kempinski Hotel/The Dome – Turkish Riviera.