Thalassotherapy
“Thalassos” is the Greek word for sea. Thalassotherapy (sea therapy) is an exceptionally beneficial treatment method for the whole body. Sea water is richer in minerals and trace elements than fresh water. The minerals in sea water have a beneficial effect on circulation, metabolism, immunity and hormonal balance. Sea water also has a positive effect on respiratory conditions, skin conditions, allergies and more. Walking in the shallows along the shore is particularly beneficial (an ideal therapy for people with varicose veins).
Countless tiny droplets of water swirl within the sea spray. When inhaled, they pass through the lining of the nose and throat, as well as the bronchi, and have a cleansing and restorative effect. The minerals contained in sea water increase the skin’s resilience and leave it smoother. Bathing in sea water is highly beneficial for the body, and many resorts in Bulgaria and abroad offer sea water baths. Hippocrates – the Father of Medicine – was the first to observe and describe the healing effect that sea water had on the injured hands of fishermen. He began encouraging his patients to use sea water to treat and relieve pain. The sea contains minerals in the form of salts, as well as dissolved gases.
Every time we immerse ourselves in the sea, we are swimming in nitrogen, oxygen, helium and other gases dissolved in the sea water. In addition to these, sea water contains a diverse range of microbioplankton, a natural inhabitant of marine waters. These penetrate the skin through the physical mechanism of osmosis and have a beneficial effect on the entire body. The constituents of sea water act on the body in a specific way, healing the skin in cases of eczema and psoriasis and helping the body to burn fat. This is precisely why a holiday by the sea is among the most highly recommended ways to strengthen your health.
The influence of the maritime climate on the body is complex and includes: thermal, physico-
chemical, radiation and chemical effects of the air and the sea water. The main elements of sea therapy are bathing in sea water and contact with dry, hot sand. Sunlight, clean air and water have a combined physiotherapeutic effect on the human body. Sea water influences the functional state of the central and autonomic nervous systems, normalises carbohydrate and fat metabolism, as well as adrenal gland function. Sunbathing and sea therapy are entirely unsuitable in cases of a number of malignant conditions, active tuberculosis, recent myocardial infarction, persistent arterial hypertension, skin cancer and others. Relative contraindications requiring prior consultation with a doctor include arrhythmia, thrombophlebitis and advanced atherosclerosis. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before undergoing sea therapy and to follow the rules for correct exposure to the factors of thalassotherapy. This way the effect will be at its best.
From the dawn of humankind to the present day, water has been an inspiration and a healer of both body and soul. The traditions of using mineral water to influence the mind and the body are embodied in a range of methods, treatments and programmes for achieving inner comfort, harmony and balance. Thanks to the distinctive combination of natural phenomena, the favourable climate and the enormous variety of leisure opportunities, the balneological, SPA and WELLNESS resorts and centres offer a full range of programmes for relaxation, recovery and strengthening health.
Balneotherapy in Bulgaria offers unique opportunities for therapeutic effects on the body, thanks to the healing properties of mineral water. Differing in origin, degree of mineralisation and chemical composition, the water has a beneficial effect on both the human body and the mind. In mountain and seaside resorts, balneotherapy is carried out alongside climatotherapy.
Mud therapy in Bulgaria is also well developed, based on long-established mud baths with unique properties (Pomorie, Pavel Banya, Hisarya). SPA and WELLNESS therapies allow you to achieve physical and mental balance through the combined effects of water and cosmetic treatments, restorative and therapeutic therapy, sporting activities, active relaxation, anti-stress treatments and healthy eating.
Since ancient times, towns have grown up on the territory of present-day Bulgaria around mineral springs found on the very same sites: Augusta (Hisarya), Desudava (Sandanski), Pautalia (Kyustendil), Serdica (Sofia). Today these places are home to modern resorts where restoring one’s strength and the pleasure of contact with water have been elevated into a cult. Mud and water baths, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, massage, therapy based on music, colour and aroma – tried and tested SPA and WELLNESS methods that restore a sense of wellbeing. Mud baths in Bulgaria are a popular method for complete relaxation and for restoring the body’s energy. Peat and therapeutic mud are true gifts of nature, strengthening the immune system and saturating the tissues with oxygen. Mud baths hydrate the skin, relieve pain and halt the development of inflammatory processes, have a beneficial effect on metabolic processes and regenerate the tissues. Some of the best-known mud therapy centres in Bulgaria are in the towns of Pomorie, Kyustendil and Sapareva Banya.
The balneological, SPA and WELLNESS resorts in Bulgaria offer a full variety of general and specialised recovery programmes. In the balneological resorts you experience the magic of therapy through the effects of mineral waters and therapeutic mud, while in the SPA centres you can enjoy an anti-stress programme combined with drinking mineral water, aromatherapy and more. You can choose a massage with honey, chocolate, seaweed or essential oils, or a hot volcanic stone therapy. The WELLNESS setting adds to this pleasant experience the effects of music, aromas, air and the energy of the earth, all brought together as one.
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