The healing power of the sea

Effect of the sea

The sea's iodine-infused air stimulates the metabolism and improves the blood count. In particularly, people today with respiratory problems are advised to take a cure by the sea. The salty air, which enters the bronchi and lungs when inhaled, promotes blood circulation in the mucous membranes and simultaneously moisturizes them. The mucus of the airways and sinuses dissolves and the patients can breathe more freely again.

However, people with other ailments also benefit from the healing effect of the sea. Today's frequent symptoms include overload and stress, exhaustion, burnout syndrome, depression and anxiety disorders, fatigue and listlessness, rheumatism, chronic joint disease, osteoporosis, circulatory diseases, skin diseases, sleep disorders, metabolic disorders with overweight, immunodeficiency and much more.

Development of thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy was developed in the 19th century in France after thousands of years of experience with the healing effects of the sea on body, mind and soul. The trilogy of ocean water, marine plants and sea mud forms the foundation of thalassotherapy. Since then, the French have been world leaders in the study of the ocean and its healing effects. The French Ministry of Health has defined thalassotherapy as "the simultaneous use of marine climate, ionised air, sea water, sea mud, sand and algae under medical supervision in a place not more than 400 meters from the sea."

The original thalassotherapy must meet the following quality criteria in Europe:

1. Location directly at the sea (maximum distance 400 meters).
2. Use of exclusively fresh, untreated seawater.
3. Availability of seawater swimming pools of sufficient size for swimming and gymnastics for several persons.
4. Presence of at least one naturopathic doctor.
5. Professional team consisting of physiotherapists, massage therapists, hydrotherapists, and sport and relaxation therapists.
6. Provision of health education activities, lectures and courses in nutrition, sport, relaxation, stress reduction and healthy lifestyles.
7. Sufficient space for multiple therapy and treatment rooms with pressure jet bathtubs, inhalation devices, etc.
8. Sauna or steam bath with associated relaxation rooms.
9. Hygiene and safety controls according to international standards.

This is how a four-day thalassotherapy works:

Day 1:

- General consultation and preparation of a treatment plan by the overseeing physician
- Swim in the sea
- Sea sand scrub
- Warm seawater bath with algae and aromatic oils
- Hydromassage
- Rest
- Seawater inhalation
- Hike on the beach

Day 2:

- Aqua aerobics or Tai Chi
- Spray shower
- Full body algae wrap
- Rest
- Partial body massage
- Foot reflexology massage
- Relaxation classes

Day 3:

- Aqua aerobics
- Jet shower
- Warm seawater bath with algae
- Hydromassage
- Rest
- Colon hydrotherapy with intestinal massage
- Rest
- Seawater inhalation

Day 4:

- Aqua aerobics or Tai Chi
- Warm, highly concentrated sea salt bath
- Hydromassage
- Silt wrap
- Rest
- Full body massage
- Hike on the beach

Interested?

Here are the addresses of some of the most beautiful thalassotherapy centers in Europe, where the therapy began:

Thalmar
80, rue de Madrid
F-64200 Biarritz

Thalasso Hotel Neptun
Seestraße 19
D-18119 Rostock/Warnemünde

Thalassa Quiberon Sofitel
Boulevard Louison Bobet
F-56170 Quiberon