UpClose & Personal - Complementary Therapies

The Sea has a seductive and primitive call. The sight of the wide expanse of the ocean, the sound of the breaking waves, the smell and feel of the sea air washes over us and makes us feel whole, peaceful and connected to our universe. This experience is undeniable and felt by all of us at the core of our existence.

What is the great power of the sea?

The sea is the origin of life; it is the place where life began. It is an ever-changing yet always-present part of our world. In its nature we find ourselves.

Human beings know this instinctively. The Sea has been our healer since the beginning of time.

Thalasso therapy is the use of seawater and products of the sea in a marine environment to treat ailments and enhance good health.

A Thalasso program includes hydro massage in sea water, exercise in heated seawater pools, body treatments using seaweed products and seawater, massage, relaxation, good nutrition and exercise outside in the sea air. Seawater contains 120 chemical compounds in the form of salts and dissolved gas.

In Thalasso therapy, your body is awash in nitrogen, oxygen, and helium. Over sixty different mineral particles, trace elements and negative ions are present and absorbed by the skin through the process of osmosis. The skin absorbs magnesium, calcium, sodium, iodine, silicon, zinc, selenium, sulfur and fluoride, all in the proper combinations present in nature to restore balance and rejuvenate our bodies. The hydrotherapy baths heated to optimal temperatures further promote the absorption of the minerals. Nature always supplies the balance for human beings. The minerals present in seawater treatments help treat and prevent osteoporosis, hypertension, and inflammation of joints, arthritis, and the many ailments connected to our stressful lives. The crops of the sea, seaweeds, have even greater concentration of these minerals. Certain seaweeds such as Lamenaria Digitata, provide a pharmacy of elements used in seaweed wraps and baths. The coast of Brittany in France supplies the world with the richest harvest. Aquatic exercise in heated seawater allows for movement and flexibility not available on land, the increase in hydrostatic pressure against the body increases circulation, stimulates the kidneys and promotes digestion. The sea air, rich in negative ions and minerals plays a very special part in Thalasso therapy.

Beach walking at the edge of the sea promotes the inhalation of the minerals, which are then absorbed by the capillaries directly into the blood stream. Years before antibiotics people with respiratory disease were send to the sea to heal. It is believed that on stormy days when the sea is turbulent the air is actually bacterio-static. For a long time the European health care system has covered expenses related to physical therapy in Thalasso therapy centers. Scientific research has demonstrated that people who do Thalasso treatment consume less in medical care in the six month following their treatment.

Susan Yunker, RN
Spa Nurse at Gurney’s Inn and Spa

Editor’s Note: Gurney's Inn is known for its unique location on Long Island, New York. Perched at the edge of the sea, it is the only true Thalasso therapy center in the continental United States. Visit their website.