We’re drawn to water. We couldn’t live without it. We’re made of it. Humans have looked to water for its healing properties for centuries. It’s no surprise that many therapies and spa treatments feature water and that seawater therapy, or thalassotherapy, has become more and more popular over time. But what is it exactly?
The Roots of Thalassotherapy
No, I’m not talking about kelp forests! The term thalassotherapy comes from combining the Greek word “thalassa”, which means “sea”, and therapy. According to the dictionary, thalassotherapy is, quite simply, “the use of seawater in cosmetic and health treatment”. In modern practice however, thalassotherapy encompasses a range of beneficial treatments using saltwater, seaweed and other marine and ocean products, and shore climate.
The origin of thalassotherapy is disputed. Some claim it originated in the Brittany region in France, where marine spas and thalassotherapy centers, or thalassos, are a popular tourist attraction today, while others would argue that it can be traced back to the Romans, who were renowned for their love of bathing. Today, thalassotherapy is practiced internationally, with a strong presence in Mediterranean regions like France, Spain and Greece. And while thalassotherapy devotees may dispute its roots, they nonetheless agree on the healing power of the ocean!
How Thalassotherapy Differs from Other Therapies
Thalassotherapy comes in many forms; from hydrotherapy to manis and pedis. That’s right, a treatment can be at the same time thalassotherapy and hydrotherapy! What distinguishes thalassotherapy is its use of seawater and marine ingredients in treatments.
Examples of common thalassotherapy treatments include:
As long as the treatment focuses on the benefits of its marine ingredients, it can be considered thalassotherapy.
Marine Ingredients Are Key to Thalassotherapy’s Benefits
Choice of ingredients is key in thalassotherapy treatments. That’s because thalassotherapy is based on the principle that ocean products have especially powerful curative properties. For example, seawater and seaweed contain beneficial elements like magnesium, iodine, zinc, and iron. Besides seawater, thalassotherapy also uses marine products like seaweed, including sea plants and algae, mud, sand, and even sea air. These ingredients are always purified before use.
Benefits of thalassotherapy include:
Thalassotherapy is good for almost everyone, but it can be particularly useful for those suffering from stress, with heart issues, with arthritic pain, and with skin problems!
There are certain situations where thalassotherapy may not be right for you. You should always check with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
FAQ
Now that we’ve looked at what thalassotherapy is, what ingredients are used, and who can benefit from it, you might be interested to find out what to expect from a thalassotherapy treatment. Here are some tips to get you started:
By now you’re probably ready to book a thalassotherapy treatment! Luckily, as more people have become aware of the healing power of the ocean, thalassotherapy has become more popular. As long as you’re near a shoreline, there are probably treatment options nearby.
I hope this guide was useful for you! For more spa information and tips, follow me on Instagram, and check back to our blog regularly! I’m always interested to talk spa so feel free to send me an email or DM.
