Thalassotherapy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century.[1]

Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed through the skin.

The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping services available.

Popular with actresses such as Joan Collins and Jennifer Lopez [2], thalassotherapy is believed to ameliorate the effects of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, muscle atrophy, scabies, arthritis, etc.