Cleopatra – Original Spa Diva

Cleopatra – Original Spa Diva

Cleopatra, knew a good thing when she saw it.  This queen of ancient beauty was legendary for her magically youthful looks throughout her whole life, even as she got older. The real secret to the beauty of her silky skin was the anti aging effect of bath salts, mud and cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt.  It was gathered for her at the factories she had built on the shores of the nearby sea (now located between the countries of Israel and Jordon).  The ruins of those factories from the First Century B.C., can still be seen today at Erin Brooke and Erin Geed and they stand as testimonials to the ageless beauty power of Dead Sea bath salt.

Nothing like regular salt, Dead Sea salts are comprised of a wide variety of minerals which are present in a high concentration. Whereas regular sea salts is made up of over 90% sodium, salt from the Dead Sea is only about 10% sodium and the rest is made of minerals which are essential for the proper function and health of skin. The minerals present in the salt (mostly magnesium, potassium, bromine and calcium), are also naturally present within skin cells but commonly get depleted which can cause severe dryness, wrinkle development, and dull looking skin.

People from all over the world travel to the Dead Sea to get relief from their skin ailments such as Psoriasis, Eczema and more. There are many spas and skin therapy centers located on the shores of the sea to take advantage of the healing powers of this most unusual body of water, many of which offer Thalassotherapy treatments.

Have you ever run across this word at a spa or read about while looking at a spa menu, and not quite known what it was?

It is a combination of thalassa, the Green work for “ocean,” and therapy, or treatment.  Thalassotherapy involves the medicinal use of seawater from all sensory facets – it is an experience of holistic wellness.  Seawater is believed to be the origin of all biological life, and its various metals and minerals, algae and salt are essential for life in general.  True Thalassotherapy includes incorporating all of the healthy marine elements found in ocean waters,  by way of water exercise, ingestion of salty air, absorbing minerals through the pores, and eating healthily.

These are some of the benefits Thalassotherapy provides:

• Relaxation
• Improved Circulation
• Boosted Immunity
• Improved Sleep
• Natural Cleaning Properties
• Respiratory Improvement
• Reduction of  Inflammation
• Psychological Well Being

Rene Quinton (1866 – 1925), also named the “French Darwin”, was a naturalist, physiologist and biologist. In 1904, he was the first to discern that human blood and seawater contained identical nutrient ratios. He endeavored to solve the mysteries of sea water and its compatibility with living organisms by proceeding to carry out several scientific experiments in hospitals. The results he obtained were dramatically unexpected: several people who were expected to die, did not, and recovered fully.  His introduction of this theory contributed to the practice of Thalassotherapy on the coasts of southern France, and gave birth to this form of sea-based therapy, now found all over the world in all kinds of spas, fancy or plain.

It seems as though Quinton scientifically validated what ol’ Cleopatra knew two thousand years ago:

Thalassotherapy works when trace elements of minerality from magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium are ingested into the lungs and pores.  This has the effect of improving circulation and providing natural moisture to the skin, as the skin “breathes” in the seawater.  Mud baths, hydrotherapy (bathtub soaks), massage and wraps usually include techniques from this ancient ritual.

Mineral deposits found deep in the ocean boost immunity, resilience and firming qualities in the skin. Seaweed, algae and sea-salt renew dry skin by removing dead skin cells and restoring moisture while producing a radiant, natural glow.

You don’t have to live like the exotic Queen of the Nile or be able to jet off to the Dead Sea on a moment’s notice  to enjoy the benefits of  thalassotherapy.   High quality Dead Sea salts are available over the internet for very little money.  And here are some easy, home-made ways to enjoy Cleopatra’s secrets (recipes following):