The healing power of seawater and its ingredients is behind the term Thalasso. Rheumatism, heart complaints, skin diseases – all these and many other diseases can be treated with thalassotherapy complementary – this already knew the Greeks. How well a day at the sea does actually everyone knows. Walking on the mudflats, bathing in the tides, breathing in the salty air, all of this works wonders for a number of ailments.
At the end of the 19th century, the French biologist René Quinton discovered that seawater is similar to human blood plasma. Thus, the valuable trace elements and minerals from the oceans are particularly easily absorbed by the human organism. For the first time, people are now scientifically substantiating the therapeutic healing effects of seawater.
Thalassotherapy is more than sea
The term thalasso comes from the Greek (“thalassa” for “sea”). Thalassotherapy is therefore a treatment with ingredients from the sea. The healing effect of sea water was already known in ancient Greece – the Greek poet Euripides knew that the sea heals us from illnesses. In the meantime, knowledge of the power of the sea is being revived in cosmetics and wellness.
The salty water of the oceans contains, among other things, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, all vital minerals, but also the trace elements such as chromium, iron, zinc, selenium and iodine, the human body needs to be healthy. Seawater heated to about 34 degrees allows these ingredients to develop their positive effects. Seawater drinking cures for gastrointestinal diseases or gall bladder problems are among them, mud and algae packs are effective against acne and psoriasis, allergy sufferers appreciate the sea climate – all in all, above all, the immune system is strengthened.
By the way, algae preparations are also part of the nutritional plan of a therapy: as tablets, in powder form, as an ampoule or in lotions, they are said to have a defense-increasing, purifying and restorative effect. Among other things, they contain alginates, which bind harmful substances in the body and detoxify.
Not for everyone and not as a cure
However, thalassotherapy is not suitable for everyone. Anyone suffering from an iodine allergy or thyroid disease, especially hyperthyroidism, should definitely consult their family doctor. A “therapy” in the medical sense is Thalasso therapy despite the name however not, because it ranks among the Wellness range is to work supporting with medical therapies; the health insurance companies pay thus nothing.
Thalasso applications are offered everywhere in Germany in numerous health resorts and Wellness hotels, are in addition, at home possible. According to the international regulations of the European Wellness Union, however, the immediate proximity of the sea, 300 meters from the therapy house belongs to thalassotherapy in the strict sense.
Thalasso at home
Who the trip to the sea is too expensive and too far can apply the healing power of the sea also in the home bathtub. To buy there are now bath additives with green algae and sea salt, which detoxify, purify, drain and strengthen the tissue. The bath time is about 20 minutes. Because of the metabolism-stimulating effect, one should rest for ten minutes after the bath.
Another product is the algae gel pack: the gel is applied to the whole body. Alternatively, only the problem areas such as buttocks, abdomen, or legs are treated, which one wraps with a special plastic film. Additionally warmed with a blanket, one should let the algae gel work for about 30 minutes. Algae in the diet are often used in natural remedies and are available in pharmacies and health food stores.
