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About Thalassotherapy
In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates
encouraged hydrotherapeutic cures
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans discovered and used the virtues of
seawater to obtain therapeutic, preventive and curative benefits, even
building temples near both hot and cold water springs.
In 1791 Richard Russel
pubblishes the first medical work on seawater as a therapeutical ''instrument'',
and the first ''marine hospital'' is born, in Great Britain
In 1899 the first
center of thalassotherapy is founded in Roscoff (France)
Throughout the
twentieth century thalassotherapy gains popularity in Europe and especially
in France.
In 1904 Renè Quinton
publishes the medical work "L'eau de mer, milien organique"
In 1964, Louison Bobet
opened the Quiberon Institute in France, the first modern thalassotherapy
centre.
In 1967 Dr. La
Bonnardière coins the term "thalassotherapy" as the sea cure (thalassa=mare).
The combined effect of the sun, iodine and salt water together can be most
beneficial for one's health and well being - this has been understood for
centuries, and is the base of modern thelassotherapy.
Thelassotherapy
incorporates a wide variety of all natural treatments that share the same
source, the ocean and the coastal environment. There are treatments that
provide relaxation and fight stress, others that combat the physical signs
of aging, and still others that reduce the appearance of cellulite and help
regenerate the body. The sea that with its endless secrets, is the source of
all thalassotherapy's knowledge.
It is a popular pastime
to visit the beach and absorb oneself in the beauty that the ocean eminates.
Think of how relaxed you feel after a beach holiday, walking on the shore
and having the water touch you, hearing the rhythm of the waves...The stress
of everyday life melts away, and your whole self benefits. The sea has
healing powers for us. So imagine how you would feel after a treatment based
on the same active ingredient-the ocean!.
The key treatments that
compose thalassotherapy rely on the effect of sea water on the skin. The
pores of the skin, in contact with seawater, expand and allow the passage of
precious oligoelements that are slowly freed in the blood system-correcting
any imbalances. Various types of seaweed, with their well known antibiotic,
bacterialstatic and antiviral power do the rest.
Some of the illnesses
which Thelassotherapy is beleived to help are:circulatory diseases (hypertension,
arteriosclerosis, etc.), respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, etc.),
post traumatic disorders (muscle atrophy, etc.), skin problems (scabies,
atopic dermatitis, etc.), and chronic inflammation (rheumatic arthritis, etc.)
Furthermore ongoing research has found other areas where Thalassotherapy has
appeared helpful; to increase the activity and effectiveness of the immune
system; to recover a low responsiveness of hypothalamic-adrenal endocrine
system; to improve sleep quality; and to fight localized inflammation and
itching sensations.
About
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is the term given to the treatments that take place in
specialist pools which can be controlled in terms of water pressure,
temperature and movement. This control enables the pools to be customised to
the needs of a particular patient, and to be used more effectively to
enhance well being.
When the
water temperature is cold it is best for improving the body's shape,
toning the muscles and figure. Hot water, however has cardiovascular
benefits, helping the relaxing the muscles and helping blood-flow. When
the temperature of the water is equal to that of the body (37.5°) it not
only relaxes the body's muscles, but also facilitates the bodies absorption
of minerals and salts that are used in some forms of hydrotherapy treatments.
In other
hydrotherapy treatments, ozone (a specially prepared oxygen additive) is
added to the water, which enhances the antibacterial and relaxation effects
of the water through further increasing the body's absorption of minerals
also added to the water.
When the
body is immersed in a hydro massage pool, currents of little air bubbles
caress the body as it performs the movements dictated by the particular
exercise being performed. These exercises benefit the entire body especially
the lymphatic system and blood flow, and can also be altered to target
particular muscle groups or problem areas. Such treatments are so effective
because the muscles are in a relaxed state due to their immersion in the
water.
In
addition to its relaxing effects, and physical health benefits,
Hydrotherapy is also credited with being helpful for treating psychological
imbalances including anxiety and stress, and even producing aesthetic
benefits.
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