L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 L'Italo-Americano t h e v i s u a l e x p a n s e o f t h e ocean have a calming effect on the mind, and can help us decompress and reach men- tal clarity. Italy, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime h i s t o r y , o f f e r s n u m e r o u s locations renowned for their thalassic therapy facilities. One such destination is the Terme di Saturnia in Tus- cany, which features natural thermal springs enriched with marine minerals. These springs have been used since Roman times for their heal- ing properties and are now a p o p u l a r s p a d e s t i n a t i o n offering a range of thalassic treatments. Another notable location is the Ischia Island, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its volcanic thermal waters, Ischia is home to several spas that combine thermal baths with seawater treatments. The island's unique geologi- cal features provide a rich source of minerals that are beneficial for skin health, joint pain, and overall well- ness. In the northern part of Italy, the town of Salsomag- giore Terme offers a variety of thalassic therapies utiliz- ing the saline waters of its thermal springs, the high salt content of which makes them particularly effective for skin conditions, respiratory prob- lems, and musculoskeletal involves the use of seawater baths and showers. These treatments can help to allevi- ate muscle pain, improve skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and boost the immune system. The buoy- ancy of seawater also makes it an excellent medium for physical therapy and rehabil- itation exercises, because it provides resistance while reducing the strain on joints and muscles. Another popular treat - ment is marine mud ther- a p y , w h e r e m i n e r a l - r i c h mud harvested from the sea i s a p p l i e d t o t h e b o d y t o d e t o x i f y t h e s k i n , r e d u c e inflammation, and improve circulation. Seaweed wraps and algae treatments are also widely used in thalassic therapy because seaweed is packed with vitamins, miner- als, and antioxidants that can nourish the skin, improve hydration, and promote cel- lular repair. The benefits of thalassic therapy, however, are not limited to physical health: the sea air, rich in negative ions, can improve respiratory function and boost mood, and inhaling the salty sea breeze can help clear the res- piratory tract, making it ben- eficial for people with asth- ma, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. And then, i t ' s u n d e n i a b l e t h a t t h e rhythmic sound of waves and disorders. Further south, in Puglia, we find the Margherita di S a v o i a S a l t P a n s , t h e largest salt pans in Europe, also known for the therapeu- tic properties of their saltwa- t e r a n d m u d , w h i c h h a v e been known for centuries. Today, visitors can enjoy a range of treatments aimed at detoxification, relaxation, and skin rejuvenation, all based on the benefits of sea- water. The island of Sardinia also has excellent thalassic thera- py options, with numerous luxury resorts and spas capi- talizing on the healing prop- erties of the Mediterranean Sea. So, while beach vacations are often synonymous with t a n n i n g , s u n b l o c k , a n d coconut slices sold on the beach, the sea offers a wealth of health benefits that go far beyond achieving a golden hue and enjoying some exotic fruit. The ancients knew it already, and we are just fol- lowing their example: thalas- sic therapy harnesses the nat- ural healing properties of seawater and marine ele- ments and can help us reach wellness safely and in relax- ation. So next time you head to the beach, after you put on your Factor 50+ sunscreen, just walk into the water and enjoy all the benefits and joy it gives! D r . R i c h a r d R u s s e l l , began flocking to seaside resorts for the purported health benefits of seawater. Dr. Russell's 1753 publica- tion, A Dissertation Concern- ing the Use of Sea Water in D i s e a s e s o f t h e G l a n d s , played a key role in promot- ing the medicinal properties of seawater, which he consid- ered an important adjuvant in the treatment of conditions like scurvy, jaundice, and various skin diseases. This period saw the rise of many coastal towns in England, France, and Italy as health resorts, where the elite would go to rejuvenate and heal. Today, thalassic therapy encompasses a wide range of treatments that utilize the marine environment, includ- ing seawater, seaweed, algae, and marine mud. These ther- apies are designed to harness the natural benefits of the sea to promote health and well- ness. Seawater, as we said, is rich in minerals, which are easily absorbed through the skin and can help improve circulation, reduce inflam- m a t i o n , a n d d e t o x i f y t h e b o d y . M o r e o v e r , i t s h i g h magnesium content is partic- ularly beneficial as it helps to relax muscles, improve sleep, and reduce stress. One of the most common forms of thalassic therapy is h y d r o t h e r a p y , w h i c h W e o f t e n associate b e a c h vacations with get- ting a tan, basking in the sun, and enjoying the surf. How- ever, the benefits of spending time by the sea extend far beyond achieving that sun- kissed glow we all love. In fact, while excessive tanning can pose significant health r i s k s , t h e s e a o f f e r s a plethora of benefits that can contribute to our overall well-being. From ancient practices to modern therapies, the heal- ing properties of seawa- ter are well-known and well- e s t a b l i s h e d . I t i s r i c h i n beneficial minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassi- um, sodium, iodine, iron, zinc, bromine, silicon, and copper, each of which sup- ports various bodily func- tions, including muscle and nerve function, bone health, fluid balance, thyroid func- tion, immune response, and collagen formation. Activities like swimming and soaking in seawater allow these minerals to be absorbed through the skin, offering natural thera- p e u t i c b e n e f i t s t h a t c o n - tribute to overall health and well-being. Using seawater as a tool to improve health is known as thalassic therapy, a holistic approach to wellness that taps into the therapeutic ben- efits of the ocean. The con- c e p t o f t h a l a s s i c t h e r a p y , derived from the Greek word thalassa, meaning sea, has been around for centuries: historical records show that ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and R o m a n s , r e c o g n i z e d t h e health benefits of seawater and sea air. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, docu- mented the therapeutic use of seawater for its antiseptic and healing properties, and his people, the Greeks, would often recommend sea baths for various ailments, under- standing that the minerals and salts found in it could help in the treatment of skin conditions, respiratory prob- lems, and general malaise. During the 18th and 19th c e n t u r i e s , s e a b a t h i n g became increasingly popular across Europe: the British upper class, influenced by the writings of physicians like CHIARA D'ALESSIO More than "tintarella:" the many benefits of the sea Marine water is rich in minerals that contribute to our well-being (Photo: Lctishka/Dreamstime) LIFESTYLE WELL-BEING DIET ADVICE FITNESS

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