Generality
Thalassotherapy is a particular form of therapy, based on the curative action of the marine climate, the sea itself and its products (sand, algae, mud, etc.).
In reality, the real benefits of applying thalassotherapy have not been scientifically proven. However, the use of this therapeutic form seems to be particularly useful as an adjunct in the treatment of different pathologies of the skin, of the osteoarticular apparatus and of the airways; moreover, its use seems to be widespread and constantly increasing.
How does it work?
As mentioned, thalassotherapy is based on the potential curative action of the marine environment and its components.
More in detail, thalassotherapy is based on a particular principle according to which the sea water would have a composition almost superimposable to that of human plasma and that the salts and trace elements contained in it are highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the patient through the skin pores.
Also according to this principle, the assimilation of these trace elements and these salts would help to restore the balance of the organism, also increasing resistance to external aggressions and producing stimulating and revitalizing effects.
However, thalassotherapy - in addition to using the same sea water - also uses other components of the marine environment to convey to patients the constituents present in it. In this regard, in fact, muds, sand (sandblasting) and even algae are used which - growing in sea water - are able to absorb their precious components, as well as having interesting phytotherapeutic properties (such as example, it happens in the case of red algae).
Indications
Thalassotherapy is used as an adjuvant therapy especially in the treatment of:
- Skin disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, erythema, dermatitis and skin imperfections such as cellulite.
- Airway and respiratory tract disorders in general, such as sinusitis, catarrhal affections, bronchitis, colds, coughs and other inflammatory diseases.
- Osteoarticular and muscular disorders, disorders and pains, both rheumatic and traumatic in nature.
Thalassotherapy treatments
As stated, thalassotherapy is based on the use not only of sea water, but also of other components that together constitute the entire marine environment.
In light of what has just been said, therefore, it can be stated that thalassotherapy can include different treatments, which differ from one another in the marine component they exploit.
These treatments will be briefly described below.
Marine climatotherapy
Marine climatotherapy is a thalassotherapy treatment based on the beneficial effects that the components of the marine climate can exert on the body.
These components include: solar radiation (see heliotherapy), marine aerosol, temperature range and atmospheric pressure.
In particular, marine aerosol is one of the fundamental elements of climatotherapy. In fact, this aerosol is constituted by the water that evaporates from the sea, carrying with it the salts and ions it contains and considered beneficial for the body. The inhaled sea aerosol is particularly useful in case of disorders of the upper and lower airways.
Solar radiations, on the other hand, seem to play a positive role for the skin and for some of the pathologies connected to it, for the bones and even for the neuroendocrine system.
Bath in sea water
Bathing in sea water is the characteristic treatment of this alternative therapeutic form, such as thalassotherapy.
This type of treatment directly exploits the sea water in which the patient is immersed. Diving can take place either in the same sea - or, as the case may be, in the ocean - or it can take place in special pools or tanks located within suitable facilities.
The bath in sea water can be partial or total and can be:
- Hot, in this case we speak of marine balneotherapy, which is carried out at temperatures of 37-38 ° C in special tanks. Hot baths usually last about twenty minutes;
- Cold, in this case, instead, sea water is found at temperatures between 20 ° C and 25-27 ° C, the patient can be immersed in tanks or pools, or directly into the sea.
Furthermore, this treatment can be carried out either with the exclusive use of sea water, or with the addition to the latter of:
- Algae and / or their products or derivatives;
- Carbon dioxide (carbonic bath);
- Ozone (ozonized bath).
In addition to this, bathing in seawater may or may not be associated with a whirlpool.
It should be noted that in these cases, when the elements mentioned above are added to the sea water, we speak of " activated bath ".
Sandblasting
Sandblasting ( psammatoterapia ), otherwise called " sand baths ", exploit the action of hot sand (which can reach temperatures of 50 ° C) and of trace elements and sea salts that have settled on the sea water its granules.
Normally, sandblasting is carried out outdoors in a beach well heated by solar radiation, where adequate holes are dug enough for the patient to lie down. Once lying down, the patient is covered in sand and the head - which, of course, is not covered with sand - must be kept in the shade.
Usually, the sand bath lasts 15-20 minutes, which can then be gradually increased to around 40 minutes.
Sandblasting appears to be particularly effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of both rheumatic and traumatic nature, such as, for example, chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis and after-effects of traumatic forms.
Where do you practice?
Thalassotherapy is an alternative therapeutic form that is practiced in so-called SPAs or in real thalassotherapy centers specialized in this field.
The establishments in which thalassotherapy is performed, of course, are located in the sea, near it.
Contraindications
The use of thalassotherapy is generally contraindicated in patients suffering from pathologies of the nervous system (such as, for example, epilepsy) and / or cardiovascular diseases (such as, for example, hypertension).
Furthermore, due to the high concentration of iodine in the marine environment, thalassotherapy is usually forbidden to patients suffering from diseases of the thyroid gland.
Finally, there are some contraindications for the use of thalassotherapy also in pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. However, there are many centers that have made specific routes available without risks and also suitable for this category of patients.
However, in the case of particular pathologies or disorders, and in the case of pregnancy and / or breastfeeding, before resorting to thalassotherapy, it is always good to ask the advice of your doctor.
