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 | | Thalasso Therapy - the power of the sea | | |
Who has never experienced how refreshing or even healing the sea can be. Little wonder that more and more people head to the sea to feel born again. The sea helps us get away from the stress of our daily lives, sleep better, improve our immune systems and recharge our emotional and physical batteries. The reason for this is not just the fresh air and change of atmosphere. It is also due to the numerous health-bringing nutrients and essences found in coastal environments. Although researchers and scientists have made significant progress documenting and studying the animals and plants in the sea, this is still just a fraction of the sea world. |
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The history of thalasso therapy
According to ancient Chinese archives, the Emperor Shen-Nung’s thyroid glands illness was treated with algae more than 3000 years BC. Special baths were popular not only among the Greeks and the Romans, but also the Egyptians for their healing power. “All comes originally from the sea,” lectured the Greek Doctor Hippocrates more than 2000 years ago. “Give yourself to the sea and you will find stimulation and relaxation. He who opens the treasure chest of the sea and uses it will be provided with nutrition and peace of mind.” He was correct in two ways: the ocean is not only the cradle of life, but also in seawater there is an amazing number of substances and nutrients that have the power to heal the body and soul of humanity. |
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The healing effect
Modern Thalasso therapy reaches deeply into this treasure chest of the sea and takes form in water, salt, silt, sand, algae and, not last but least, the aerosol-rich climate, in order to improve the human immune system as well as to strengthen and revitalise the entire organism. Thalasso raises the metabolism rate and purifies the body, while leaving the soul refreshed. At the same time, the deep-seated warmth and feeling of total relaxation from warm seawater showers, water massages and baths with algae can be felt almost immediately. Furthermore, the medicinal power of seawater in the form of seawater beverages, seawater baths, silt applications, salt and iodine in sea air has been known for ages and long been practiced in seaside spas. |
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Applications
Every pupil in school learns that humans consist of more than two-thirds saltwater. It is not then hard to believe that the substances that stem from the sea have a more healing influence on the body and psyche of humans than artificial substances. It is worth going into detail about the multifaceted applications of seawater with its numerous mostly invisible
inhabitants: |
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Seawater whirlpool baths, seawater spray and beam showers
Warm seawater heated to a comfortable 34 to 39 degrees sprays and massages the body from a distance of several metres. This is not only stimulating and relaxing, but also strengthens bodily tissues and prevents and removes cellulite. In the seawater whirlpool bath, the seawater shoots out of 150 fine jets cyclically at the legs, posterior, arms, back, etc. A computer controls the interval rate to the selected body parts. |
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Algae extract baths
The algae extract bath is a classic application for algae therapy. It cleans and purifies the tissue and the skin. To create the algae extract bath, two to three teaspoons of algae extract are added to water heated ideally to body temperature 37° for a period of 30 minutes. Ideally, one lies in the bath with water to the neck for the first ten minutes. After ten minutes stand and lather up with algae extract. After 15 minutes, lather up a second time and relax in the bath for an additional ten minutes. Following the bath, take a warm shower, dry off and lie down on a comfortable couch, a chaise lounge chair or in bed for a few minutes. |
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Algae and sea-salt baths
Sea salt has long been known as a cure for illness, particularly for skin disorders, such as psoriasis. The combination of algae and sea salt has demonstrated outstanding results. It activates the metabolism of the skin and leads to a light tightening of the tissue. Pre-packaged combinations from Thalasso Plus and Sanatur are available in stores. Pure sea salt from Israel and Jordan’s Dead Sea can be used alone for psoriasis. Both are available in most pharmacies in 1000 g packages. The application should not remain on the body longer than 15 minutes. Afterwards consume large amounts of fluids, particularly water. |
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Silt packs
Silt packs taken from tidal zones contain various sea sediments, including algae plankton. Packs of silt are extremely effective against muscle cramps and joint ailments. Thanks to the improved circulation and the loosening off effect of silt it is particularly effective for limb and throat ailments. Acute rheumatism or infections should be treated with cold silt applications. |
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Saltwater shakes
The consumption of diluted seawater – up to three glasses a day – is one of the oldest Thalasso therapies. The body is supplied with all the nutrients and minerals it needs directly from the seawater. It is important to dilute the seawater adequately and to consume other fluids afterwards. |
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Saltwater-Inhalation
The inhalation of salt water or saline solutions through a mask or over boiling seawater are ideal for fighting infections in the nasal passage or bronchitis. Meanwhile there are also numerous saline sprays on the market. |
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Saltwater exercises, massages and shiatsu
Exercising as well as shiatsu in saltwater is the most natural way to relax while moving at a state close to weightlessness. Massages with saltwater have the added benefit of improving the metabolism rate of the skin. Public swimming pools would do themselves and their guests a big favour by switching from chlorine pools to saltwater. Particularly small children suffer from the negative effects of chlorinated water.
Dr. Ingfried Hobert is a General
Practitioner and specialist for holistic treatments in Wunstorf-Steinhude am Meer, Germany. He is the author of numerous books, including a book on the use of Thalasso and algae in the treatment of ailments. |
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© September 2010 - European Publications GmbH
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