Thalassotherapy

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Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassa, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin.^{[citation needed]} Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century.^[1] Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide found in seawater are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The effectiveness of this method of therapy is not widely accepted as it has not been proven scientifically. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud and seaweed wrapping services. This type of therapy is common in the Dead Sea area.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• Balneotherapy, the medical use of bathing

[edit] References