Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy

Background

Thalassotherapy, or seawater therapy, is the use of seawater and seaweed for a variety of cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It is sometimes classified as a form of hydrotherapy, a term that describes the use of water from any source to treat a medical condition.

Thalassotherapy is most commonly practiced at spas in countries surrounding the Mediterranean and Dead seas, which are believed to contain significant amounts of minerals.

People use this for...

Thalassotherapy has been used for arteriosclerosis, asthma, back pain, bronchitis, cosmetic purposes, hypertension, joint pain, muscle atrophy, scabies, and weight loss.

There is insufficient reliable evidence about the effectiveness of thalassotherapy.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

    Adverse effects

    General: Skin irritation (dermatitis) may be caused by contact with contaminants or additives in water (such as essential oils or chlorine). Skin infections may occur if water is not sanitary, particularly in patients with open wounds. There are several reported cases of dermatitis and bacterial skin infections (such as with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus) associated with hot tub or whirlpool use.

    Dermatologic: Dermatitis and bacterial skin infections have been reported in patients receiving thalassotherapy.

    Interactions with pharmaceuticals

    None known.

    Interactions with herbs & supplements

    None known.

    Interactions with foods

    None known.

    Interactions with lab tests

    Interactions with diseases

    Mechanism of action

    The benefits of thalassotherapy supposedly reside in the minerals dissolved in sea water, including magnesium, calcium, sodium, iodine, silicon, zinc, selenium, sulfur, and fluoride. Advocates claim these minerals enter the body through pores on the skin and draw out toxins.

    Proponents claim that thalassotherapy offers many cosmetic and medical benefits. Advocates claim that exposure to sea water may theoretically aid in weight loss and reduce cellulite. Additionally, the use of whirlpools, heated water, and jet streams of water is theorized to relax a patient.

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    This monograph was last reviewed on 21/05/2015 20:57:26 and last updated on 21/05/2015 03:36:32. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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