The North Sea is a lateral branch of the Atlantic; the Baltic Sea represents an inland sea. This implies a couple of gradual differences shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Comparison of climate and sea water between North Sea and Baltic Sea for application of Thalasso therapy

2- High tides (max. height 2,4 m) in the North Sea, producing a wadden sea area (World Heritage of Nature since 2009). This causes permanently changing wash margins. The very small tide of the Baltic Sea (max. 30 cm) keeps the coastline constant.

3- North Sea’s coastline is directed towards N/NW/W main wind directions during spring and summertime – the pollen season. Air coming from these directions contains no allergens, pollen, dust and other pollution. At the Baltic Sea the absence of allergens and pollutants varies (from Schleswig-Holstein to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). The landscape includes open sea areas as well as bays, bodden, and islands with agricultural use. Thus the absence of allergens and pollutants is generally stronger in the North Sea, especially during the prevalent wind conditions.

4- Another main difference concerns salinity – this implies different mineral effects for the skin and mechanic effects for body motions during therapeutic exercise in sea water. Consequently the aerosol salt content is involved too. Hence irritating effects are generally more intense in the North Sea due to salinity, wind strength, waves, and aerosol.

The North Sea is suitable when people prefer or tolerate application of stronger stimulants. The smoother Baltic Sea on the other hand is appropriate for people with greater sensitivity in the respiratory and circulatory system – e.g. in children. The strength of stimulating effects of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are related to each other in the same way as a comparison between high mountains (Alps) and uplands (Black Forest).

In respect of UV radiation both areas are quite similar, because of the flat surrounding scenery (no mountains), the reflexion of radiation by the sea surface and scattered radiation from the sky. In total, UV radiation in both areas is much higher as on the mainland. Dermatologic diseases will make a main profit out of it. Bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis are the next important indications leading to a preference between both according to graduated differences in sensitivity.

Recently the application for exhaustion and sleep disturbances has been shown in the North Sea climate. But mental inspiration – generally generated by the sea for humans seeking for time out, holidays, or rehabilitation, seems to be equivalent for both seas.

Author: Dr. Friedhart Raschke (PhD), Head of Research Dept. Staatsbad Norderney (Germany). In agreement with Dr. Raschke, the comparison is available to the Thalasso Group, one of the Working groups at the European Spas Association. ESPA Thalasso Group is led by Marlies Sobczak.

We recently spoke to Marlies Sobczak, project manager of ESPA’s Thalasso working group, who played a pivotal role in bringing the congress to Norderney. Marlies provided valuable insight into the event and the activities of the Thalasso group.

What is the main focus of the activities of the Thalasso group within the European Spas Association?

“The Thalasso working group’s focus is on the future of Thalasso and professionalization and innovation within the health and lifestyle sector. The group has the objective to make an important step in bringing Thalasso closer to people in intensive cooperation within European countries. A new cooperation between the European Spas Association and the German Spas Association has emerged, the subject of Thalasso is vital for the seaside resorts, therefore Thalasso became the leading theme for lifestyle and health on the island of Norderney. In addition to the clinics, which offer extensive programs, there are many indoor and outdoor Thalasso facilities in the region. It was obvious that this congress took place on Norderney.”

Marlies Sobczak took an active part in several forum discussions at the annual congress. She also gave a presentation on the developments and best practices in the Netherlands with a focus on Noordwijk.

Private Lecturer Dipl.-Ing. dr rer physiol. Friedhart Raschke spoke about the scientifically based and convincing effect of Thalasso on human health. The President of the DHV, Brigitte Goertz-Meißner, emphasized the importance of cooperation and the further definition and safeguarding of the Thalasso criteria. In cooperation with Wilhelm Loth, Managing Director of Staatsbad Norderney GmbH, a staunch Thalasso fan, and ESPA’s Marlies Sobczak, it was agreed to develop the Thalasso health services on a European level.

Where do you see the main challenges and opportunities?

“More and more attention is being directed towards a healthy lifestyle, also in relation to our surrounding nature, climate and focus on sustainability. This includes seeking medical supervision and the use of services of professionals. At the coast, considering the benefits of a seaside location and a healthy maritime climate, the conditions are optimal to respond to a market where there is not only demand but where the need for prevention and awareness is concretely visible.”

What is the future of Thalasso from your point of view?

“It is almost an assignment for DHV and ESPA to further develop these opportunities and translate them into a future-oriented offer. Our slogan explains it all: Power by the sea. New spirit for thalassotherapy – the use of seawater and marine environment.”

Marlies Sobczak also explains that during the annual congress of DHV in Norderney, the future program of the ESPA working group was presented. The aim is to meet once a year as a working group on a European level.

In addition, an extensive document containing several (scientifically) substantiated reports in which the effects of Thalassotherapy are described and the latest insights are expressed has been compiled. The documents and publications were obtained through various channels from Romania, Germany, and France, – Marlies Sobczak concludes.

1. The sea relieves rheumatism

True. It is even the oldest recognized virtue of sea bathing. In 1899, Dr. Louis Bagot opened the first thalassotherapy centre in Roscoff, Finistère. He invented the treatment of rheumatism in heated seawater, providing a muscle relaxant and “relaxing” effect. Immersed in seawater, we evolve in weightlessness with the thrust of Archimedes which divides by ten our body weight, which allows to mobilize the joints gently. Dr. Marie Perez Siscar, President of France Thalasso, has just published a study of 600 spa guests suffering from osteoarthritis. After three days, 60% say that their pathology has improved overall (less pain and regained functionality) and 33% have decreased their consumption of medications. After thirty days of treatment, these scores rise to 99% and 75% respectively.

2. Thalassotherapy is only for seniors

False. Historically, these centers have mostly been frequented by seniors because it takes time and money to benefit from them. But in recent years, the thalasso sector has been developing short stays for overworked workers. The cost remains high: around 100 euros for a day of care and 1,500 euros for a week (with accommodation). Unlike thermal cures, reimbursed at 65% in some indications, this type of treatment is no longer supported in France since 1998. “The Ministry of Health considered that thalassotherapy could survive the dereimbursement, while this was not the case for thermal baths, which supported many cities. From there, the focus was on well-being, more than on medical prevention,” explains Dr. Yves Tréguer, cardiologist and former president of the International Federation of Thalassotherapy Sea and Health. This shift partly explains why medical research remains limited in this sector.

3. By the sea, you feel less stressed

True. Many of us feel revitalized during a stay by the sea. According to a study published in 2012 by the University of Exeter (United Kingdom), people living less than five kilometers from the sea say they are healthier and less stressed than others. By crossing this subjective feeling with health data from 15,000 Britons (longevity, diseases, etc.), the researchers were able to verify this effect, which exceeds that provided by green spaces. The sea air plays a clear role – smokers cough less for example – as well as the vision of the blue immensity (associated with the sound of the waves, the calm …). But the health benefits come mainly from the diversity of physical activities practiced by the sea. A general practitioner in Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) and author of DetoxSEAfication (Surf Prevention, 2018) – a book on scientifically based seawater treatments – Dr Guillaume Barucq has seen this relaxing effect among members of the Biarrot Polar Bears club. Among these bathers, who jump into the water every day, winter and summer, 78% say that the baths put them in a good mood, 55% that they give them energy and 46% that they soothe them.

4. Cold baths are bad for the heart

False. When entering cold water, vasoconstriction of the superficial vessels leads to a reflux of blood mass to the inside of the body and deep organs. When we go out and warm up, the blood return leads to an influx into the peripheral vessels. This stimulation is excellent for the arteries, heart and veins, especially in people with venous insufficiency (heavy legs). Several studies have also highlighted the effects of cold baths (14 ° C) on immune cells (leukocytes and lymphocytes).

5. Drinking sea water is bad

Not necessarily. Certainly, you must get used to the taste, but drinking small amounts of seawater (10 to 60 ml / day) would have virtues. The French biologist René Quinton had developed in the early twentieth century a serum bearing his name, composed of purified seawater. Initially in the form of injectable ampoules, it was reimbursed until 1982 for infant gastroenteritis and rickets. It is still in oral version in pharmacies. This natural remedy is back to the taste of the day, especially in Japan. Several teams work on seawater from the depths, drawn from more than 200 meters, rich in mineral salts (96000 mg / liter for magnesium for example against 1200 on the surface). Studies have shown effects on “bad” cholesterol (Journal of Medicinal Food, 2013), bad bacteria like Helicobacter pylori (2012) and even on the development of tumor cells in breast cancer (International Journal of Oncology, 2013).

6. It treats skin diseases

True and false. Because it contains trace elements and minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium …) in high concentration, seawater has effective anti-inflammatory properties for people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema. Several studies have shown that treatments combining sun exposure and bathing in the Dead Sea can greatly reduce psoriasis for a period of at least three months. “Nevertheless, in case of psoriasis or eczema in flare-up (with wounds), it is not recommended to take sea baths in a natural environment (risk of superinfection if the quality of the water is not good). And it is preferable to temporarily avoid thalassotherapy treatments,” says Dr. Barucq.

7. It accelerates wound healing

True and false. Applying sterile seawater to a small wound has an antimicrobial action that helps with healing. On the other hand, bathing repeatedly in seawater may dig the wound. In addition, the cleanliness of seawater varies depending on the location, microbes can infect it. In case of stagnant water or after heavy rains, pollution can promote the presence of bacteria.

8. It clears the airways

True. A simple stay by the sea promotes the oxygenation of the blood by the lungs and allows a  wider and more effective breathing. As for seawater baths, they help prevent colds and other ENT problems. In case of a cold, seawater sprays decongest the nasal mucosa. A study published in April 2016 in the Cochrane Review shows that daily nasal irrigations with a large volume of saline (150 ml) decrease runny nose, while increasing the quality of life of people suffering from rhinosinusitis. Instillations with 10-15 ml give disappointing results.

9. It is an anti-fatigue solution

Probably. Many of us feel a muscular and psychological relaxation and find a better sleep by the sea. An effect difficult to demonstrate scientifically as fatigue is a subjective sensation with multifactorial causes. In 2017, the Roscoff center conducted a study with 120 curists: after a week of treatment, 22% said they were tired against 40% when they arrived. Good results, which were maintained three months later. Beyond the benefits of the treatments – real or not – the thalasso also represents a break involving rest and a healthy diet in a serene setting.

10. It is a reservoir of good bacteria

True. Researchers from Ifremer (French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Sea) are dedicated to the search for good marine bacteria to fight against food poisoning. Thus, bacterial strains sprayed on  smoked salmon prevent the development of Listeria monocytogenes, which is responsible for listeriosis. Other researchers are working on the bacterium Alteromonas infernus, discovered near hydrothermal springs in the Pacific. “It produces complex sugars that have the property of regenerating tissues (skin, cartilage, bones) and limiting metastases,” says Ifremer. An ocean of discoveries to come!