Thalassotherapy

What it is

Thalassotherapy comes from the Greek for sea - thalassos - and is an umbrella term for treatments based on the restorative properties of seawater, seaweed, algae, mud and even sand. Treatments include facials, body wraps, massage, mud baths, inhalation treatments, and showers.

What it does

Seawater plays a key role in thalassotherapy, based on the natural goodness it contains, including salt, iodine and trace elements such as magnesium, potassium, sulphates and calcium. Once it is filtered and purified, seawater is kept at room temperature to allow its minerals to be absorbed more easily through the pores. Cold water - through showers or alternated with warm water in walking pools - is sometimes used for toning and invigorating the body and skin, and increasing circulation. Massage increases circulation and improves skin tone, while inhalation treatments involve breathing in seawater vapour that has been ionised with negative ions to improve the health of the nose and throat and help clear respiratory and sinus problems. Different types of seaweed and algae - packed with antibacterial properties and high mineral contents - are also used in mud and body wraps to detoxify, nourish and hydrate the skin.

How you feel

Relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed. There is no discomfort involved in thalassotherapy - although some may find mud baths an intense, perhaps claustrophobic experience. All you need to do is relax and enjoy being massaged, showered, soaked and moisturised to wellbeing.

In general, thalassotherapy treatments are said to help relieve stress, improve your sleep, rejuvenate the body and mind, detoxify, improve circulation, boost the immune system and encourage healthy skin, including the relief of conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Medical conditions also said to benefit include hypertension, asthma, bronchitis and arthritis.

What you should know

The range of thalassotherapies is broad. And although all relax and rejuvenate, specific treatments are designed to have specific effects on the body. Talk to a therapist to find out which will best fulfill your needs and expectations. Thalassotherapy works particularly well when taken as a tailored package of treatments - you could combine a hydromassage (massage with water jets), algae wrap and facial for a beauty boost and relaxation. Or perhaps a mud bath, walking pool session and inhalation treatment for a detox and improved circulation. Check before you arrive what you’ll need to wear - for some treatments you’ll need a swimming costume, while you can don your birthday suit for others. Saltwater can leave hair tangly, and it’s worth putting conditioner in and tying it back before any thalossotherapy treatment to stop your crowning glory from getting that authentic ‘sea hair’ look! Some treatments, such as mud baths, may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions - contra-indications should be discussed before such treatments. If in doubt about anything, contact a doctor beforehand.

The cost

A 25-minute session in a thalassotherapy pool with massage jets starts from around £20, a facial starts from £40, and a seaweed body wrap from £45.

The availability

Many thalassotherapy treatments are available in UK spas. If you want to treat yourself, head to one of the many thalassotherapy spas on the Mediterranean coastline, particularly France, Tunisia and Greece, where warm seawater and algae have been a trusted therapy for centuries.