Thalassotherapy: Seaweed Therapy for Wellness and Beauty
Thalassotherapy
“The Ultimate Source for Wellness and Beauty”
By: Denise Girard-Gaston, Esthetician
Thalassotherapy also known as Seaweed Therapy refers to the medicinal use of seaweed and seawater to enhance a person’s overall health and well-being. Emerging from the Greek word ‘Thalassa” simply translated as sea or ocean. Thalassotherapy is a popular alternative beauty treatment in Europe, and gaining popularity internationally. Although seaweed and seawater products were recommended medicinally as early as 1578, it was not until Dr. de la Bonnadiere a French pioneer who owned a resort, coined the term Thalassotherapy in 1865 to describe treatments with the sea.
In 1906, the French biologist Rene Quinton published the book, “L’eau de Mer, Millieu Organic”, or “Sea Water, Organic Medium”, stating the scientific benefits of seawater. Dr. Quinton pointed out chemical similarities between blood plasma and seawater, particularly in the composition of mineral salts, proteins and various other elements. He theorized that human cells could continue to live in seawater where they would break down instantly in any other medium. Quinton popularized the idea that seaweed and seawater contain a number of healing properties.
Rene Quinton concluded that seawater and human blood plasma shared a similar physiological composition of minerals and trace elements. Magnesium for the heart, sodium for circulation, calcium for the teeth and bones, potassium for the cells and phosphorous for the brain all these contained in seawater and seaweed are proportionate to human blood plasma that aid the body in normal function and are scientifically proven valuable elements in skincare. Consequently, skincare and cosmetics with this precious ingredient is valuable because it provides an anti-inflammatory effect when placed on the skin, allowing easier absorption of other products and increasing cell metabolism, thereby cleansing cells and improving circulation. Products with marine ingredients are safe for all skin types, in addition seawater contains hydroscopic salt that absorb and bind moisture in the air producing a hydrating effect. Mineral salts and other active components ensure that the skin remains clean, firm and soft. When applied topically these components aid in moisture retention, enhanced elasticity, provide anti-inflammatory effects, improve blood and lymph circulation, stimulate cellular metabolism, increase resistance against environmental influences and further the absorption of other products. Seawater is said to contain a minimum of 60 different minerals and trace elements, some of which include copper, iodine, iron, plankton, zinc and a variety of vitamins such as A, B1, B12, C, D, E, and K. Additionally, seaweed contains these natural elements but at concentrations that are 50,000 to 100,000 times higher that those found in seawater. Seaweed/Seawater is rebalancing, regenerating, oxygenating, nourishing, detoxifying, mineralizing, hydrating and purifying. To sum it all up a world of wellness, beauty and rejuvenation await those who tap into the mighty powers of the sea. Next time we will explore various types of seaweed and their benefits.
Bibliography:
Biomaris USA
Sarkli/Repechage Ltd.
Comments