The Uses, Types And Benefits Of Thalassotherapy

What are the benefits of thalassotherapy? Thalassotherapy consists of the therapeutic use of seawater and other elements of the marine environment, such as algae, sand, mud or the sea breeze itself.

The word comes from the union of the Greek word thalassa, meaning “sea” and therapia, which refers to “to heal.” So, today we tell you about the uses, types and benefits of thalassotherapy.

The origin of thalassotherapy

The origins of this therapy go back to ancient Greece, in the writings of Hippocrates, who recommended the use of seawater to relieve certain ailments. Later, in the Roman Empire, soldiers used hot seawater baths to recover from battles.

This therapeutic technique then spread all over Europe, especially in Italy, England and France. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, its usefulness was studied and the first official thalassotherapy center was established: the Rochroum Marine Institute, located in France.

The use of thalassotherapy

The principle behind thalassotherapy is that repeated immersion in warm seawater and the application of sea silt and algae can contribute to the natural chemical balance of the body. This may be because the skin can absorb the minerals it needs:

• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Iodine

This treatment also assumes that seawater contains substances similar to blood plasma. In seawater there is even a greater amount of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium and other elements.

This similarity could thus promote the absorption of the substances by the body, as a way of maintaining homeostasis. To guarantee the success of this technique, the place must have the necessary hygiene measures and specialized personnel.

For this, the collection of the raw materials to be used must take place far from the coast. The substances then have to undergo a purification and sterilization process.

Indications for thalassotherapy

Experts recommend thalassotherapy to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• body pain
• skin conditions such as psoriasis
• rheumatism
• osteoporosis
• tendonitis
• spit

It can also help with circulatory problems, such as hematomas, varicose veins, and recurrent nosebleeds. It may also provide benefits for people with emotional conditions related to stress and depression.

On the other hand , this therapeutic technique is not recommended in cases of people with cancer, severe hypertension, fever and psychosis.

Types of Thalassotherapy and its Benefits

Thalassotherapy encompasses a range of therapeutic techniques that utilize the properties of marine elements to improve health and physical appearance. There are several application methods and we will tell you about them below.

Seawater hydrotherapy

This includes baths in tubs, both cold and hot (37 degrees Celsius), hydromassages, affusion sprays and underwater showers. These techniques are intended to include:

• Relax the body.
• Stimulate blood circulation.
• Relieve breathing problems.
• Improve muscle tone.

Algae therapy

This consists of using fresh or dried seaweed. The seaweed is usually added to warm seawater baths or applied to the skin as thin wraps.

Seaweed is rich in minerals and proteins. It has a revitalizing, antioxidant and disinfecting effect. It also helps to strengthen muscles, drain fluids and help treat skin problems.

Marine Climatic Therapy

Marine climatotherapy takes advantage of the properties of the marine environment, which is rich in iodine, ozone and minerals. This can help the respiratory system and skin. The sea air also has relaxing effects to calm and improve mood disorders.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy consists of performing therapeutic exercises in sea water, especially in a pool designed for this purpose. It usually focuses on treating physical ailments.

Psammotherapy

This consists of covering the body with hot sand. Its purpose is to relieve joint or muscle disorders by delivering heat to the affected area of ​​the body. The trace elements and sea salts in the sand also benefit the muscle and skeletal structure.

Peloidotherapy

For this, peloids are used, such as sea silt, algae, clay and limestone. These elements are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins. This treatment usually applies to diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis) or skin (acne, psoriasis, dermatitis).

The main benefits of thalassotherapy

Until now we have studied the properties and forms of thalassotherapy. So what does the scientific evidence say about its benefits? So let’s see.

It relieves muscle fatigue, stiffness and pain

There are indications that thalassotherapy has a positive effect on fatigue and recovery from muscle damage. This in turn contributes to improving the health and quality of life of those who suffer from these conditions.

In turn, research has shown that aerobic exercise with seawater offers more benefits than other modalities. They improve the emotional state of patients.

It promotes blood circulation

Seawater therapy improves blood circulation, which in turn aids in relieving muscle spasms and replenishing the body with oxygen and nutrients.

At the same time, a study showed that algae used in thalassotherapy improve circulation when used in cosmetics.

It relieves joint pain

Another benefit is joint pain relief and increased joint movement. There is even some evidence that water treatment, including thalassotherapy, improves the function of the joints between bones. It also promotes relaxation and promotes a positive mood.

It improves skin conditions

Thalassotherapy also contributes to the relief of various skin conditions. In fact, the minerals and trace elements present in the marine environment provide the necessary substances to soothe skin irritation (in case of psoriasis and dermatitis) or accelerate wound healing.

It stimulates emotional processes

There is some evidence that thalassotherapy, in combination with sleep management techniques, reduces daytime sleepiness, improves mood and cognitive function, and lowers levels of anger, stress and depression. At night, it increases the quality of sleep and relieves anxiety.

Consult a professional before starting thalassotherapy

If you suffer from a condition and want to try the benefits of thalassotherapy yourself, it is best to consult a health professional first. They will know how to give you the right orientations and indications for your case.

Also remember  that there are contraindications. Also, be sure to go to specialized thalassotherapy centers that guarantee hygiene and proper performance of procedures.

However, if you do not suffer from a serious condition and want to take advantage of a sea environment, all you have to do is go to the beach, breathe the air and relax. In these cases, don’t forget to use a good sunscreen!