78 March 2014 www.womanthismonth.com LIFESTYLE | wellbeing It also prevents the problem from aggravating. Neurological conditions, like strokes and Parkinson’s disease, can also be helped by hydrotherapy. Generally, all such conditions affects muscle tone, spasticity and coordination. This prevents the patient from walking normally. They lose confidence due to the fear of falling, which leads to more forms of disability. “Moving limbs inside water takes less effort due to the lightness the body feels in water. Hydrotherapy makes it easier for patients to exercise, giving them the necessary confidence and motivation to walk normally,” Alex notes. In many countries, a major part of the rehabilitation programme of stroke patients is hydrotherapy to provide effective gait training. Post-operative cases can be helped by hydrotherapy as well. The patient can be made to do specific movements in the water, which cause minimal or no pain, helping them to recover faster. Children with conditions like cerebral palsy benefit from the thermal effects of water. A child suffering from any type of physical dysfunction instinctively loosens up to play inside water. The limbs extend, their palms open up and they are more relaxed. Severely obese people can reap the benefits of hydrotherapy to increase metabolism and shed weight in a safe and gentle manner. Branching out Our expert: Chloe Tormo, assistant spa manager, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa ‘Thalassa’ translates to ‘sea’ in Greek. As the name suggests, thalassotherapy refers to hydrotherapy using sea water. This method harnesses the innate qualities of sea water, such as mineral salts, vitamins and trace elements, to revitalise and heal the body. When the body is immersed in warm sea water, the skin not only releases toxins but also absorbs its vital minerals. It improves blood circulation and tones, moisturises and nourishes the skin. Chloe says that this therapy originated in France. As the tale goes, a cyclist met with an accident and discovered the miracles of sea water to repair his injuries and restore his body back to health. Thalassotherapy then gained popularity in parts of Europe as a natural and effective healing therapy. “Sea water is sourced far away from the shore to ensure its purity. It then goes through a minimal cleaning process to ensure that all its healing properties are kept intact. It is heated to a temperature of around 36 degrees Celsius, making it a comforting experience,” Chloe explains. There is a host of customised treatments to be chosen from. For example, the gentle sweeping action of the affusion shower works on the nerve ends to replenish them with vital minerals. The water mass slimming treatment firms the skin and breaks down cellulite. “Thalassotherapy is excellent for aged people as it particularly helps the movement of bones and joints. Rheumatoid conditions can also be alleviated with thalassotherapy,” says Chloe. Automated hydrotubs provide different programmes to suit each individual. Coupled with scrubs, massages and seaweed or algae wraps, thalassotherapy tackles different goals, like slimming, firming, stress reduction and skin revitalisation. g Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
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