Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is an alternative therapy that involves using the ocean, seawater, and/or sea products (such as algae and seaweed) for healing purposes. Typically practiced at spas (especially in regions near the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea), thalassotherapy is also said to improve skin health. Thalassotherapy is sometimes considered a form of hydrotherapy.
See also : Hydrotherapy

Special Precautions of Thalassotherapy

Although thalassotherapy is generally considered safe, it should not be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of a chronic health condition.

Benefits and uses of Thalassotherapy are

Proponents suggest that minerals found naturally in seawater and sea products offer a variety of health benefits. By helping the skin to absorb these minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, iodine, and zinc), thalassotherapy is thought to treat mineral deficiencies, nourish the body, and promote healing from a variety of health conditions. So far, research on the potential health benefits of thalassotherapy is very limited. Still, a few studies suggest that thalassotherapy holds promise in the treatment of certain health conditions. Thalassotherapy is said to aid in the treatment of the following problems:

• asthma
• back pain
• bronchitis
• depression : study groups showed significant improvement after completing the 12-week program, those assigned to the thalassotherapy-based program appeared to experience greater improvements in emotional health. A condition marked by chronic pain, fibromyalgia is often linked to emotional issues like anxiety and depression.
• eczema
• fatigue
• fibromyalgia : a number of studies published in recent years indicate that thalassotherapy may be beneficial for people with fibromyalgia. These studies include a 2005 study from the journal Rheumatology, in which a group of patients with fibromyalgia were assigned to receive two weeks of either standard care or treatment at a spa specializing in thalassotherapy. Compared to the control group, those given thalassotherapy in the 2005 study showed greater improvements in several markers of physical and mental health. Given this finding, the study's authors concluded that a combination of thalassotherapy, exercise, and patient education may temporarily improve fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life.
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis : a study published in Rheumatology International in 2008 found that a combination of thalassotherapy and aerobic exercise may benefit people with fibromyalgia. For the study, 46 patients were split into two groups: one group performed aerobic exercise in a pool, while the second group performed the same fitness regimen in seawater.
• In addition, thalassotherapy is thought to stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, promote detox, and alleviate stress.
• Thalassotherapy is also sometimes touted as a natural treatment for skin problems like cellulite, wrinkles, and age spots. Some proponents claim that thalassotherapy can offer anti-aging benefits for the skin.

Alternatives to Thalassotherapy

One alternative therapy somewhat similar to thalassotherapy is balneotherapy, a type of treatment based on bathing (usually in hot springs and other naturally mineral-rich waters). Like thalassotherapy, balneotherapy is said to promote healing by restoring the body's supply of minerals, stimulating circulation, and boosting immunity. More widely practiced than thalassotherapy in the United States, balneotherapy shows promise in the treatment conditions like arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and depression.