What is thalassotherapy? - Tunisia

Its all well and good waxing lyrical about thalassotherapy in Tunisia, but what exactly is thalassotherapy? From the Greek words 'thalassa', meaning 'sea', and 'therapeuein' meaning 'care' or 'treat', it is the therapeutic use of seawater and marine extracts (algae, mud, sand) to revitalise the body as mineral salts and trace elements are transferred to the body. Not only is it beneficial for stress, insomnia and aches and pains of the joints, it also helps with circulatory problems, respiratory conditions and the immune system. There are a myriad of treatments (some of which will be looked at in closer detail below) which come under the umbrella of thalassotherapy, however the main ones are baths and showers, wraps and massages. The seawater used in the treatments in Tunisia is void of any pollution thanks to both favourable currents and regulation of collection, transportation and storage of the water and is constantly being anaylsed and controlled to ensure the highest of standards. Before any treatment is given, it is common (and wise) to undergo a medical check up with a doctor to establish which treatments may not be suitable and which may be salubrious. Between and after treatments it is custom to indulge in one of a variety of teas in an atmosphere of reposing scents, colours and décor.