Thalassotherapy is the use of seawater, marine mud, and sea plants to improve health and beauty; coastal climate and sand are also used. The term Thalassotherapy was coined in 1865 by French doctor Joseph La Bonnardière combining the Greek words Thalasso, which means "sea water" and Therapeia, meaning "treatment". The thalassotherapist uses warm seawater with its marine microorganisms, to replenish the body with minerals and trace elements, which the skin absorbs through the process of osmosis. The chemical makeup of seawater is pretty much identical to that of human plasma and facilitates the osmotic process. These minerals and trace elements are essential for optimal cellular function and therefore aid in the healing and wellness processes. Seaweeds also provide other substances vital to health such as amino acids and vitamins.

History of Thalassotherapy
The use of seawater and marine components for their curative and wellness properties dates back to ancient times. In 480 B.C., Euripides wrote that "The sea heals mans illnesses". In his Treaty of Medicine, Hippocrates speaks of the beneficial effects of sea water. The ancient Romans used seaside climate and sea water for healing purposes. In the 18th century sea water thermal baths became popular in England. In 1899, Dr. Louis-Eugène Bagot set up Europe's first sea water therapy center in Brittany, France. During the 20th century, scientific studies proved sea water's therapeutic properties. In recent times there has been a rebirth of Thalassotherapy in spas around the world.

Seawater Criteria for Use in Thalassotherapy
There is a strict set of criteria in place for the use of seawater in Thalassotherapy. The seawater is first drawn from a certain distance offshore and at a certain depth below sea level to ensure purity. The seawater is then heated to between 96 and 98 degrees F (34-35 degrees C) to keep the microorganisms alive. Sea water and human cells are similar in density, which means that the ions (from minerals and trace elements) in the seawater pass quickly through the skin and into the body. The result is that the seawater treatment is far more effective than a fresh water treatment with the same minerals. The water remains "alive" with microorganisms for 48 hours after heating. This is why Thalassotherapy center locations are usually close to the sea.

Benefits of Thalassotherapy
There are several different Thalassotherapy treatments using seawater, sea algae (seaweeds) and marine mud. Treatments benefit a number of conditions especially those associated with the muscular-skeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system and the skin. Thalassotherapy offers specific treatments for weight loss, cellulite, stress, and leg fatigue. Holistic and cosmetic therapies are also available. Experts recommend Thalassotherapy for physical and emotional exhaustion, obesity, depression, rheumatism, peripheral circulatory problems, respiratory issues, and recovery from surgery or illness.

Other natural ingredients are sometimes combined with seaweeds and sea salt to invigorate the skin. This final product has a re-mineralizing effect on the skin which helps to soften and improve moisture absorbtion. Applying seaweed helps to detoxify the tissues of the body and control blood flow. Seaweed's high iodine content nourishes the thyroid gland, thereby increasing the metabolic rate. This correlates to a higher rate of detoxification. The beta carotene in seaweeds is a very effective fighter of free-radicals which helps to slow the aging process when applied to skin as well as improves skin tone.

Advantages of Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy attracts the young, the old, the famous, and those suffering from health conditions. This natural therapy has the effect of restoring balance to the body and improving psychological wellbeing. In this regard it has the advantage of being a preventative therapy against other illnesses. Although the health benefits of the therapy are not widely accepted by the medical community, many people around the world claim to have benefited from it.

Another advantage of Thalassotherapy is that it focuses on the skin, which is often the most neglected organs of the body. Due to its popularity, there are many centers that offer treatments, providing the Thalassotherapy enthusiast with many choices. There are also several forms of therapy to choose from including, warm underwater showers, hot seaweed baths, seaweed wraps, sea fog inhalation, jet showers, mud wraps, and seawater massages. Thalassotherapy is also a more relaxing and enjoyable therapy than many other therapies, and could even be part of a spa vacation.

Traditional Hawaiian Thalassotherapy
Hawaiians are one of a select few that use sea salt in their healing rituals. The Waikiki waters are known and loved as a place of spiritual healing by the Hawaiians. People used a part of the beach traditionally known as Kawehewehe, now called Grey's Beach, known by the people for its healing qualities to heal illness of all types. The process began with the "Hiuwai" ceremony, which included bathing both the hands and feet in an "umeke" (calabash bowl) which was filled with Paakai ( Hawaiian sea salt known to enhance circulation). This ceremony was an ancient Hawaiian tradition to wash away "pilikia"(problems) and bring balance and peace to the soul. The "Hiuwai" ceremony is still used in Hawaii today.

Modern-Day Hawaiian Thalassotherapy
Many of the remedies used by ancient Polynesians are still being used by modern-day Hawaiians. Some of these are in the form of seaweed baths, seaweed poultices, and dry seaweed in internal and external treatments. Paakai sea salt can be combined with Lepo Alae (red clay) and plant oils to create a treatment to strengthen skin. Hawaiian Thalassotherapy takes a variety of treatment forms and is sometimes combined with other treatments.

Natural Elements, has an extensive line of bath and body products made in Hawaii from natural Hawaiian ingredients. Their Hawaiian bath salts contain Hawaiian sea salt, Ogo seaweed, Hawaiian Alaea salt, and other luxurious ingredients that promise to leave your skin smooth, silky soft, and radiant. These bath salts come in a variety of exotic scents such as, mango and coconut, gardenia, pikake, plumeria, white ginger, passion fruit and vanilla. Their scented body scrubs also contain Hawaiian sea and Alaea salts, along with other high quality ingredients.

Hawaiian Thalassotherapy Spas
Many Hawaiian spas use mineral rich marine muds and clays to help the body rid itself of toxins and promote healing of skin. Baths and showers of sea salt are also popular. Spa Grande at Grand Wailea (a Waldorf Astoria Resort) in Hawaii combines Thalassotherapy, Ancient Eastern and Hawaiian philosophies, and modern technologies to offer healing and rejuvenation treatments to its guests. Their Termé Wailea Hydrotherapy package includes five Hawaiian sea salt baths. The J.W. Marriot Ihilani Resort and Spa combines the warm salt water of Thalassotherapy with underwater jet massage, color therapy and essential oils as part of their hydrotherapy package.

The Na'ola Spa in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki offers a sea salt jet bath, which is adjustable to meet the needs of relaxation, circulation, or lymphatic drainage. They also offer a seaweed wrap, which uses a warm layer of seaweed masque, along with a thermal plastic heating blanket, to aid in detoxifying and toning the upper layers of the skin. Their Polynesian Body Wrap uses Hawaiian sea salt (alaé) and Kukui nut oil to exfoliate and revitalize dull skin. Embassy Suits in Waikiki Beach Walk treats their guests to a Healing Hawaiian Wellness package which combines Thalassotherapy in the form of a traditional "Hiuwai" ceremony, with Lomilomi Hawaiian massage.

Hawaiian Thalassotherapy is an ancient practice that is finding its place again in modern society. More and more people are returning to natural methods for healing, restoring, beautifying, and rejuvenating. The Thalassotherapy of today offers all these, plus the added benefits of modern convenience and comfort. The next time you plan a vacation, need to recuperate or just want a little escape from life, let Thalassotherapy be part of your experience.

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