Thalassotherapy
The term "thalassotherapy" covers a variety of beauty, health and skincare treatments involving sea water and marine minerals, which were originally developed in seaside spa towns (such as Brittany) on the French coast in the 19th century.
These marine-based treatments are based on the idea that the minerals and trace elements in sea water, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, are absorbed through the skin.
Treatments such as those contained in the Thalado product range are thought to boost the body's blood and lymph circulation, accelerating the metabolism and promoting the elimination of toxins.
The word thalassotherapy was originally derived (from the Greek word thalassa, meaning "sea”) and refers to the use of seawater and minerals for health benefits.
In fact, the word thalassothérapie was coined in 1866 by Dr Joseph de la Bonnardière to designate a seawater cure, to be distinguished from thermalisme, which employs the waters of hot mineral springs.
Roscoff, Brittany – FRANCE.
A miraculous combination of natural assets has made Roscoff the ideal site for a thalasso cure. Protected on the north by the lovely and basically car-free Ile de Batz (a 15-minute ferry ride) and by the Perharidi peninsula, it also benefits from the Gulf Stream, enjoying a constant mild temperature throughout the year.
The exceptional shallowness of the bay increases the water's exposure to the sun, warming it up. The shallowness also generates an ample tidal range, which helps preserve the purity of the environment and stimulates the development of algae, with their rich concentrates of iodine, minerals and trace elements. Algae are an essential component of all thalassotherapy.
The Roscoff coast is one of Europe's largest algae fields, boasting some 800 varieties. It's also the home of a renowned marine research center, and of Thalado, a seaweed discovery center and shop where the public can be introduced to marine life and therapy.
