What is Thalasso therapy and how can it be used by aestheticians, doctors, cosmetologists, and nail technicians to improve the look and feel of their client's face and body while promoting psychological well-being? The studies and scientific research of the French scientist Rene Quinton led to his discovery of the virtues of seawater. He called his findings, “The Law of Maritime Constancy”. Quinton developed, through cold microfiltration, the Quinton Isotonic Water and Quinton Isotonic Plasma, which he successfully injected into patients according to their pathology. Cold micro-filtration was and still is necessary to sterilize seawater because if heat were used, it would kill all of the vital minerals and trace elements. After much research and numerous scientific experiments, Quinton felt the desire to open health care centers where this simple, inexpensive means could be used to help save thousands of lives. In Europe, marine plasma has been in continuous use for more than 88 years. This plasma is specifically designed to correct today’s widespread mineral deficiencies by duplicating human plasma. Expanding on Quinton’s Isotonic Water and Plasma, Dr. Brown and Walter Brachman, after meeting at a medical conference in Germany in 1936, created curing drinks that were sold in seawater halls across Europe. These drinks contained beneficial properties of seawater that contributed to inner health and beauty (high in magnesium). After World War II, the company started to manufacture cosmetics made from seawater, sea salt, and marine algae. To this day, 42 seawater halls and wellness centers are located along the North Sea and Baltic Sea Side Resorts. Currently, the company that was started by Brown and Brachman is the largest supplier of raw seawater materials in the world. Thalasso therapy is the use of fresh seawater, sea salt, marine algae, and heat in a marine environment. Today, it is not only used to treat ailments but also to enhance good health. It enables the body to replenish and revitalize natural elements and mineral salts, improve blood circulation, and offer total relaxation for mind and body. In the proper combinations presented in nature, Thalasso therapy can restore balance and rejuvenate our bodies. The human body does not produce one mineral. The mineral elements of seawater exist in almost exact proportion to that of human biological internal fluids. Thalasso therapy allows the skin to absorb minerals and trace elements including: • Magnesium for the heart • Calcium for healthy bones and teeth • Sodium for circulation • Potassium for the cells • Phosphorous for healthy brain function The minerals present in seawater treatments help treat and prevent osteoporosis, hypertension, inflammation of joints, arthritis, and many more ailments connected to our stressful lives. The sea air is rich in negative ions and minerals and thus plays a very special part in Thalasso therapy. Beach walking at the edge of the sea promotes the inhalation of minerals which are absorbed by the capillaries directly into the blood stream. Before antibiotics were created, people with respiratory diseases were sent to the sea to heal. Seawater plays a crucial role in Thalasso therapy. Seawater circulates in the human blood and body fluids in the form of salts. In simpler terms, to make a natural connection between seawater and human body fluids: • Human tears are salty • Human blood is salty • Perspiration is salty • Unborn fetus swims in the womb in salt water All these points are factual proof that all life originated from the sea according to Hippocrates! There are numerous physiological and aesthetic benefits to seawater, mineral salts, and marine algae. Seawater provides the organic cell with the ability to fight off all microbes, offers anti-inflammatory capability, boosts metabolism, and improves circulation. In addition, seawater allows for better product penetration, stimulates functions of elastin and collagen fibers within skin tissue, and moisturizes. It is ideal for all skin types and disorders. Mineral salts are found dissolved in seawater. They are important for regenerating skin cells and insuring that skin stays fresh, supple, and firm. They also contain hydroscopic salts, which absorb and bind moisture in the air as well as produce a moisture retention effect for the skin. Science has proven that the cell activity in marine algae is comparable to human skin functions. Marine algae stimulates circulation, oxygen supply, and cell regeneration. Algae cells filter seawater, storing valuable ingredients. There are 20,000 types of algae on earth but only 50 are used in beauty, food, and medicine. The aqua duct plant or algae was first discovered millions of years ago. Algae provide 70 percent of the earth’s oxygen, compared to soil plants which only provide 30 percent oxygen. The great power of the sea is that it appeals to all of the body’s natural senses – the sight of the wide expanse of the ocean, the sound of the breaking waves, and the smell and feel of the sea air. The sea 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. The ocean is an ever-changing yet always present part of our world and has been our healer since the beginning of time. Thalasso therapy provides many benefits for the aesthetician, as well as other professionals. Whether it is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, neuro-dermatitis, rosacea, acne, or other skin disorders, seawater has proven itself to be therapeautic a million times over. What could be more natural than using the “overall benefits of the sea” for the body’s largest organ, the skin? Seawater-based products are effective and tolerable, and can be used by many people with allergies without causing a reaction. By incorporating Thalasso therapy treatments into a salon or spa’s philosophy, the aesthetician can provide the client with the most effective and sophisticated treatments for overall wellbeing and relaxation for mind and body. Seawater, sea salts, and marine algae are great for face and body treatments. They can be used for all skin disorders and all skin conditions. These treatments delay the aging process because of the penetration of good nutrients, antioxidants, minerals, and trace elements within the skin. Overall, working with natural Thalasso therapy cosmetics is a great tool for the holistic beauty or medical professional of today to provide their clients with non-invasive, results-oriented products and treatments. Seawater inspired products will be the wave of the future in the ever-changing beauty profession. Rose M. Chvasta has been a leader in the skin care and beauty field since 1975. She is a CIDESCO Diplomate, proprietor of a CIDESCO-accredited beauty center, and internationally-recognized educator. Chvasta has been inducted into the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) Esthetics Americas and has received the Esthetics Emeritus distinction. Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.