Thalassotherapy is the secret to a perfect summer

The sea makes us beautiful. The Phoenicians, Egyptians, ancient Romans, and Greeks like Herodotus and Hippocrates already understood this, recognizing the beneficial action of baths in mineral-rich waters and proclaiming the healing powers of natural thermal springs and the marine climate, the sea itself, and its products. It is no coincidence that Cleopatra, a beauty influencer before her time, considered the Dead Sea, the large salt lake between Israel and Jordan, her open-air spa. Despite the well-known properties of seawater, sand, algae, and mud for centuries and the first thalassotherapy center being established in Brighton in the mid-1800s by Dr. Charles Russell, thalassotherapy was officially recognized as a therapeutic discipline only at the beginning of the 20th century. This was thanks to the research of Claude Bernard and the French biologist René Quinton, who were the first to highlight the similarity between marine chemical composition and blood composition. From that moment, doctors began recommending seaside stays to treat respiratory problems, alleviate osteoarticular pain, resolve skin conditions, and perform aesthetic treatments. 

What is Thalassotherapy?

The word thalassotherapy derives from the Greek thalassa (sea) and thérapeia (treatment) and refers to the ancient therapeutic practice that exploits the benefits of seawater for treating the face and body. It is based on a particular principle whereby seawater has a chemical composition almost identical to that of human plasma. Thus, the body, in contact with seawater, absorbs mineral salts and trace elements useful for rebalancing the organism through osmosis from the pores of the skin. It is not only the water, which contains magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine, that has notable phytotherapeutic properties, but also elements of the marine habitat like sand, mud, and algae that are often used in cosmetic products and treatments.

How Thalassotherapy Works

There are many and varied thalassotherapy treatments, ranging from sand baths to mud treatments, from relaxing jet massages to algae and sea salt wraps. The focus, however, is always on saltwater, in which one immerses, directly in the sea or ocean, or in special pools or tubs located in spas, wellness centers, and dedicated facilities. Here, one follows wellness paths with walks, exercises, foot baths, and massages, fully or partially immersed at a temperature of about 25°, but the cold version can also be experienced. If the seawater bath exceeds 30°, it is referred to as marine balneotherapy.

What Are the Benefits of Thalassotherapy and Saltwater Baths?

Thalassotherapy, like a sea bath, has numerous healing properties because the minerals present in saltwater, including sodium, chloride, and iodine, can help relax, purify the skin, relieve pains and aches, strengthen the immune system, and improve or relieve various conditions, from asthma to fibromyalgia. Moreover, it has been shown that magnesium affects many of our metabolic functions, helping to regulate everything from sleep to blood sugar to mood. Let's see the benefits of saltwater, whether sea or not:

• Acts as a natural peeling capable of regenerating the epidermis, making it smooth and velvety.
• Has antibacterial and disinfectant functions useful for healing certain skin issues like dermatitis, psoriasis, erythema, and eczema.
• Promotes fluid drainage and tissue toning, naturally combating cellulite through the process of osmosis. This draining effect is ideal for hypertensive subjects and also benefits conditions like edema and thrombosis.
• The natural movement of the waves is a natural massage that improves circulation and speeds up blood flow. Just 20-30 minutes of immersion are enough to eliminate excess fluids.
• Marine iodine stimulates metabolism and helps burn fat.
• Trace elements help restore the body's balance and strengthen the immune system.
• Regulates blood pressure. Natural buoyancy can be used in the rehabilitation of those who have undergone limb or spine surgery.
• Saltwater has a beneficial impact on the respiratory tract: it improves breathing, reduces asthma, allergic forms, and sinusitis.
• Promotes the elimination of sebum from the scalp and fights dandruff. The result? Healthier, more beautiful hair.
• Stimulates endorphins, the happiness hormones, proving useful in reducing stress and anxiety.
• Relieves osteoarticular pain and has a muscle-relaxing effect.
• Helps improve sleep and increases concentration capacity.

Is Thalassotherapy Suitable for Everyone?

Despite being a natural therapy, it has some contraindications and is not recommended in the presence of serious illnesses, certain cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The high concentration of iodine also makes it unsuitable for those with thyroid disorders. In case of doubt whether thalassotherapy or saltwater baths are suitable for us, it is better to consult your doctor first.

Where to Try Thalassotherapy in Italy

Why not experience the benefits of saltwater in a dream location, a place to be pampered with detox baths, beauty treatments, and moments of relaxation? There are many possible destinations for spending a vacation or even just a wellness weekend. We suggest three:

• Approdo Resort Thalasso SPA: a wellness center in the Cilento National Park, surrounded by the green of the Mediterranean scrub and the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, offering a place of relaxation to immerse in seawater exploiting the properties of salt and algae.
• Centro Benessere Thalasso & SPA L’Incantu: part of the Hotel Capo d’Orso, located in Palau, a romantic 5-star oasis right on the crystalline shores of Sardinia. Try the multi-function Thalasso pools with seawater at different temperatures and hydromassage jets, plus a Jacuzzi pool, and cabins for thalasso treatments, massages, and beauty treatments.
• Palazzo Fiuggi: a five-star hotel located on an ancient hill in the middle of a private 8.5-hectare park. Among the many luxuries offered stands out the spa that uses Fiuggi waters. Try the thalassotherapy baths with mineral salts and the chromotherapy shower.

How to Take a Salt Bath at Home

Those who cannot go to a spa can recreate a thalassotherapy experience at home by dissolving prepared tablets and muds made from algae, salt, and other minerals in warm water, along with a kilogram of sea salt. The next step? Stay immersed for 18-20 minutes and relax. Many possible recipes also include ingredients like Dead Sea salts, Epsom salts, baking soda, Himalayan pink salt, and more.