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Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy, one of the traditional form of therapies, utilizes the healing effects of sea water and sea climate combined. Thalassotherapy has long traditions in France and Great Britain. It was in the 1960s in France that the first modern therapeutic centre of this kind was opened. (Smith, M. – Puczkó L. 2014).

The salt content of sea water is on average about 35 g (35 ‰) per litre, its density is higher than that of fresh water (1020-1030 kg/m3), it is slightly alkaline. (pH-value 7.4-8.4) (Table 2)

Table 2. The composition of salt content in sea water. Sources: vizterapia.bioenergetikus.hu

The areas of application of thalassotherapy might vary, but in general it can be stated that it is beneficial for treating stress- and exhaustion-related conditions, cardiovascular diseases, bone- and rheumatic pain and other diseases, varicose veins, skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, diseases of the digestive system and sports injuries. It is also used to strengthen the immune system.  Due to the high salt content of sea water (it contains almost all trace elements) thalassotherapy might contribute to the mineral supply of the body. Mineral salts, having absorbed through the skin (going through ion exchange) raise the mineral level of the blood within two hours. (vizterapia.bioenergetikus.hu). The salty air of seaside areas reduces inflammation, and dilutes mucus, so it is beneficial for diseases of the respiratory system. The counter indications of thalassotherapy include asthmatic conditions, tumors, high blood pressure and the risk of heart attack.

These days it is primarily the seaside resorts of France (e.g. St. Malo) Greece (e.g. Crete) Spain (e.g. Andalusia, Costa del Sol) Croatia (e,g, Zadar) and the North African coast (e.g. Tunesia) where thalassotherapeutic treatments are available. These treatments also consider wellness factors. Thus the range of sea water treatments has been widened by a spectrum of wellness services, including algae and fango packs, algae and mud baths as well as climate therapeutic treatments. The medical centres –in optimal case – are located at a distance of max. 500 metres from the sea.