Growing number of Americans are trying a new, but ancient approach to holistic living called “thalassotherapy”. But what does this seldom spoken word mean? In order to understand the meaning, perhaps we should make a further inquiry about the definition of the word “SPA”.

SPA is actually an acronym originating from the time of the Roman Empire when battle weary legionnaires tried to find a way to recover from their military wounds and ailments. They sought out hot springs (wells) and then built baths so that they could heal their aching bodies; calling these places 'aquae' and naming the bathing treatments undertaken there "Sanus Per Aquam" (SPA) - meaning health by or through water. During this period, the town Spa in Belgium was founded for this purpose, rising to fame in the 14th century and still existing today.

Having originated from this time, the culture of Spa developed in different ways throughout Europe, from the ongoing use of mineral water, to using sea water and marine substances (Thalassotherapy) and a wide range of body and other therapies. What developed in Spa, as it is far from the ocean or Mediterranean Sea, is more likened to Balneotherapy, which involves the treatment of disease by bathing. It may involve hot or cold water, massage via moving water, relaxation or stimulation. The concept of health or healing forms the basis of the modern spa culture worldwide and hydrotherapy is seen as its defining feature.

The whole concept of healing by water or water-based substances is therefore known as - “thalassotherapy” or "balneotherapy", with thalassotherapy being the "original spa experience", probably on the coasts of oceans and seas.

Here are some of the thalassotherapy services and products provided by Atlantispa:

Services: An initial Spa Detoxification Program lasting from 4-6 weeks using all sea and plant based products. We feature ionized drinking water in our lounge. We recommend ongoing spa service of at least once per week, preferably two.

Products for sale or used in services: Atlantispa SG-2000 spa machine, Jupiter Science ionizer drinking water dispenser, chlorella, chlorella growth factor, spirulina, Moya 100% Essential Oil, Himalayan and Dead Sea bath salts, Acupeds foot detox pads, sea clay, Alkalife alkaline drops, Dr. Willard's Catalyst-Altered Water Concentrate, and loofahs are examples.

In the United States, Atlantispa is a leader in bringing back the original meaning of “spa” and to once again include “thalassotherapy” and "balneotherapy"  in common, spoken English.