Greek therapy: Fresh air, sun and water

The sea's effect on health is the focus of Thalasso, a Greek word that means therapy through the sea.

Every year countless vacationers take a beach holiday to relax, feel the surf on their feet, the warmth of the sun on their skin and the wind in their hair.

The sea's effect on health is also the focus of Thalasso, a Greek word that means therapy through the sea. Thalasso has made some things applied in ancient Greece by Hippocrates beloved today.

"Thalasso uses the power of the sea with its potential to hold trace elements, vitamins, proteins and minerals that are in the water, algae and mud," said Katrin Hofrichter of the association of German Thalasso centres.

Lutz Hertel of the German wellness association in Dusseldorf said Thalasso could be applied to alleviate many disorders, including stress, rheumatoid illnesses, sports injuries and skin problems.

"The classic Thalasso therapy lasts six days," said Hofrichter. "During this time each patient does three individual applications and one group application."

Seawater baths, algae and mudpacks and massages are all part of the therapy. Other aspects include water gymnastics and "Vichy showers" in which the body is sprinkled with a fine spray of warm seawater. Walks on the beach are also encouraged as part of the therapy.