Thalassotherapy

Also known as: Balneotherapy.

Rubber ducks at the ready. Thalassotherapy is a method of bathing in a mixture of algae, seaweed, salt water and marine minerals to nourish and detox your whole body. Getting hot and steamy has never been so good for you.

How does it work?

There’s a lot more to thalassotherapy than your average soak in the tub; the bath solution is specially formulated to include beneficial nutrients. These elements, derived from natural marine sources, are diluted in seawater and heated to around 38°C. Soaking in the hot bath is supposed to get your pores open and your skin ready to absorb nutrients and bail out any poisonous toxins.

The individual minerals involved are essential for the smooth running of your bodily systems. They’re busy beavers behind the scenes, keeping your essentials on the go:

• Magnesium - works with calcium and potassium to balance cells, metabolises Vitamin C and calcium, soothes nerves, helps to convert blood sugar into energy, is essential for nerve and muscle function.
• Potassium - regulates fluid in the body, maintains alkalinity and correct mineral balance and composition of cell fluid, converts glucose to muscle energy, active in enzyme reactions and formation of protein, and essential for nerve and muscle function.
• Iodine - boosts metabolism and an essential ingredient of hormones, particularly in the thyroid.
• Sulphur - an essential component of protein, Vitamin b1 and biotin, required for healthy nails, hair and skin.
• Bromine - passes into the bloodstream through the skin, and works on the nervous system, calming and relaxing nerves.

Is it for me?

It’s hard to measure the uptake of these beneficial nutrients, but providing the body absorbs them, the therapy is thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect – helping to ease mobility problems such as joint aches, arthritis and sports injuries.

If your blemishes are getting the better of you, it’s good to know that the thalassotherapy is also supposed to be particularly for your skin. It's thought to sooth skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema by exfoliating and nourishing the upper layer of skin.

Last but not least, the treatment can be extremely relaxing and therapeutic. Soaking in the heat will soothe any muscular aches and steam your stresses away, leaving you a shiny, happy (and rather pink) person.

Good to know

"Thalasso" comes from the Greek word that means ocean and the word "therapy" from the Greek word "therapeia" for care.