What Is Ocean Therapy? Benefits of Sea Therapy

What is Ocean Therapy?

Ocean therapy is also known as ocean beach therapy, sea therapy, or thalassotherapy.

Named from the Greek word for sea or ocean – thalassa – this form of holistic therapy uses seawater, the salty ocean air, and spa therapy to help improve the wellbeing of those with physical and mental health conditions.

Although this form of therapy in the context of addiction is a relatively new phenomenon, the practice of thalassotherapy dates back to Roman times. Soldiers used steaming seawater baths when recuperating after battle.

Ocean therapy can take on many different forms, including:

• Seawater pools
• Seawater baths
• Climate therapy
• Exercise in heated pools
• Sea products

This form of therapy is mainly practiced in maritime areas where local seawater can be applied to pools, baths, or treatments.

Types of Ocean Therapy

There are many different applications for ocean therapy.

• Ocean therapy pools: Pools designed for thalassotherapy can be filled with heated seawater. These pools are often communal. You can find ocean therapy pools in spas, resorts, and on cruise ships. Search online for therapy pools near you.
• Ocean therapy baths: Day clubs and spas offering thalassotherapy often provide ocean therapy baths. Submerge your body in heated seawater and harness its healing benefits.
• At-home ocean therapy: Take a dip in the sea for free thalassotherapy if you live nearby. You can also find DIY treatments like marine bath soaks and seaweed body wraps.

Ocean Therapy Psychology

Contemporary society is always-on and often hectic. Daily stressors can trigger depression and anxiety. When mental health disorders are undiagnosed and untreated, many people self-medicate symptoms with alcohol or drugs. This provides only fleeting relief while worsening the mental health condition and introducing substance abuse.

For those unable to cope with stress using healthy coping mechanisms, high stress levels can impact the following areas of the body:

• Immune system
• Cardiovascular system
• Digestive system
• CNS (central nervous system)
• Musculoskeletal system

Additionally, stress can reduce levels of dopamine and serotonin, leading to depressed mood and fatigue.

Researchers increasingly explore the calming effect of nature on the mind. Natural bodies of water are believed to exert a powerful positive influence on mental health and wellbeing. The peace associated with water is sometimes called blue mind.

Ocean therapy could deliver the following psychological benefits:

• The color blue has associations with peace and calm.
• Looking out to sea may alter brain wave frequency, inducing a meditative state.
• Listening to waves naturally relaxes and soothes the brain.
• Negative ions in salty sea air could help improve mood.
• Being near water allows space for reflection.
• Creativity may increase near the ocean.

Healing Benefits of the Ocean

Ocean therapy and seawater stimulate the body by boosting immune functionality, increasing blood cell production, and improving your body’s response ability. Thalassotherapy can also promote smoother breathing.

The ocean may also deliver the following healing benefits:

• Improves overall sleep quality
• Boosts blood circulation
• Increases trace minerals

Improves overall sleep quality

Thalassotherapy may be beneficial if you are not getting enough sleep.

Research shows that ocean therapy can:

• Reduce daytime sleepiness
• Improve cognitive function
• Boost mood
• Reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and anger
• Improve sleep disorders
• Help you sleep throughout the night

Boosts blood circulation

Studies indicate that water therapy can increase blood circulation, helping restore nutrients and oxygen to your body, while relieving muscle spasms.

Seaweeds and algae used in holistic therapy are proven to encourage blood circulation when applied topically.

Increases trace minerals

Seawater contains many essential trace minerals, such as:

• Potassium
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Cobalt
• Calcium

Your skin absorbs these minerals as you soak in warm seawater, strengthening your natural defenses.

Deep seawater therapy is proven to decrease muscle fatigue and reduce recovery time. Studies also show that thalassotherapy can improve mobility and flexibility.

Therapy at Renaissance Recovery

At Renaissance Recovery, we offer a variety of outpatient programs at all levels of intensity for the following conditions:

• Mental health disorders
• Alcohol use disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis)

Those needing more support than traditional outpatient rehab can take advantage of an IOP or PHP at our Orange County facility.

EBTs (evidence-based treatments) form the core of our programs, including medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy, and counseling. We also offer a range of holistic therapies for a whole-body recovery approach.

When you complete your treatment program, you can step down to a lower level of care or transition directly back into daily life. Your treatment team will ensure you have the relapse-prevention strategies needed for long-term recovery.

Call admissions today at 866-330-9449 to begin treatment at Renaissance Recovery Center.