Thalassotherapy is an ancient healing treatment dating back 5000+ years, and is based on, the scientific proof of the natural healing properties of the ocean. The word itself was coined in 19th century France from the Greek 'thalassa' meaning sea and 'therapeia' meaning healing. The first seaside thalassotherapy hospital was opened as far back as 1791, where they treated those with thyroid conditions, skin conditions, cholera and other auto immune diseases of today. In the mid 1800's royalty and the rich & famous would travel to France to 'take to the waters' as it was known, experiencing a warmed ocean water bath with raw seaweeds. The actual therapy itself is performed by the layering of ocean components; containing whole seaweeds, ocean water and ocean minerals over the body, allowing absorption of important vitamins and minerals in a chelated form, for the purpose of achieving mind, body balancing. more... See more text