Thalassotherapy

Overview :

Thalassotherapy, The word comes from the Greek words: thalasso (sea) and therapeia (therapy). This technique is based on the therapeutic effects that offer sea and other related elements such as seaweed or mud, and sand or the sun, which is part of the marine environment. Thalassotherapy is a technique in ancient Greece as already mentioned, by the fathers of medicine as Hippocrates and Galen, the therapeutic virtues of seawater.

A little history

In 1760 he published the first major book related to thalassotherapy. Dr Richard Russell writes “The use of seawater in the gland diseases”, a medical treatise of marine cures. As good doctor at the time, in which there was no complementary methods for diagnosis, his basic method was observation. He noted that residents of coastal areas had better health than those living in more remote areas of the sea. This factor alone was enough for the doctor to recommend bathing in sea water and even sea water to drink, in order to improve the health of those who were weak.

For a few years there was a boom thalassotherapy, but it was not until early 1900 when France is the International Association of Thalassotherapy. In fact, this country is the birthplace of modern thalassotherapy and currently has a large number of centers and renowned professionals.

Benefits seawater

Seawater, unlike the mineral water has a high percentage of mineral and trace elements in its composition, such as sodium, hence its salty taste. Also, interestingly not all “seas” has the same composition. That is, the base will be the same, but the concentrations may vary. This is due to various factors such as geography, terrain features … Even the same sea may vary by region. Precisely these features will level composition of minerals and trace elements that determine the indications for therapy. Another distinguishing feature of seawater maybe you do that microorganisms and algae that inhabit it.

Furthermore, water movement and provides circulatory stimulation, massage ago. This fact is sufficient and is a point to bear in mind in case people need to relax or to act at the level of your bloodstream.

Where to practice

To benefit from seawater can approach the coast or shoreline but also to the thalassotherapy centers that exist, which give us the opportunity to enjoy their treatments based on sea water.

Those who choose to take the option of swimming in the sea directly already practicing thalassotherapy. Thus, by bathing in sea water, minerals and other sea elements penetrate through the skin in our body. Therapy is more basic, but no less thalassotherapy.

Being on the beach also allows us to benefit from the heliotherapy (virtues of sunshine in moderation), and psamomaterapia or arenoterapia (that is to use the properties of the sand as a therapeutic agent, for example walking by it ) to complete its benefits. Not forgetting the virtues of the sea breeze Respiratory level.

Thalassotherapy centers

Thalassotherapy centers, like mineral water spas, offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy and receive multiple treatments based on hydrotherapy :

• Relaxing baths or stimulant, which essential oils are added to achieve a more complete relaxation time.
• Showers seawater, accompanied by a massage, leaving perfect skin and muscle tone even better.Through skin absorb minerals which provide nutrients not only shallow levels but also deeper.
• The wrappers with marine algae or sludge are characteristic methods thalassotherapy centers. If done properly mixed with seawater and further enhance the positive effects of intrinsically offer us. Seaweed is rich in vitamins and have a high iodine content. Therapies are often recommended for weight loss, stress or to improve blood circulation.

When counseling

They tend to benefit, especially those suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis or acne. Also, at the joint, when problems or rheumatic inflammatory type, seawater therapy helps them cope with pain and even improve outcome.

It is also clear its recommendation in cases of stress or exhaustion, as well as people who are diagnosed with respiratory ailments, since the marine environment offers possibilities for improvement, for example, sinusitis.

In general, also, the bathroom and the marine environment offers health and relaxation to anyone who wants to enjoy it.