The Health Benefits of Seaweed Therapy

Concorde Massage Therapy students certainly have heard about it. A relatively new method of treatment in Massage Therapy that is all the rage is the seaweed wrap. Actually, seaweed therapy treatments have been established in the spa market for decades, but have been virtually ignored until recently.

Today, the seaweed treatment market is booming, and more and more people are discovering the benefits. The website www.naturalhealth365.com recently published an article articulating the health benefits of seaweed therapy. Below are some key reasons why you no longer can ignore seaweed therapies, both at the spa as well as in your own home.

Ocean nutrients can provide beautiful skin and vibrant health

Laboratories have developed anti-aging skin care facials based on the restorative and antioxidant properties of marine algae for years. Marine plants such as seaweed thrive in rich nutrients. They deliver the building blocks of minerals and trace elements directly to the basal cell layer of skin. Copper, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium are all vital to the synthesis of collagen. These elements are essential to increasing skin firmness and tone.

Marine plants also are rich in antioxidants which can help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun.

Prevent inflammation by nourishing your skin - naturally

Chemicals known as polysaccharides and found in marine algae contain anti-inflammatory and super-moisturizing properties that help firm the skin.

Still, the majority of interest in seaweed revolves around body care - specifically toning, detoxification and cellulite reduction.

Best massage therapy skin therapies for detoxification

Many spas use seaweed body wraps as the preferred slimming and detox treatment. Much of the popularity with this treatment is attributed to the belief that it will reduce the appearance of cellulite. This is true, in part. Seaweed contains a number of active ingredients, such as iodine, responsible for slimming and evacuation of lymph. These elements do so by boosting metabolic rates of fats.

Seaweed therapy proven to help prevent chronic diseases

The iodine found in many seaweeds, especially brown algae, is responsible for the proper function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism and supports the immune functions of the body. According to researchers at UCLA, iodine regulates estrogen levels helping maintain proper hormonal release in women. This element goes directly to preventing the onset of cysts in the breasts and uterus. Further, these studies have shown that iodine from seaweed is the key element responsible for the low incidence of breast and uterine cancers among Asians who consume large quantities of seaweed.

Restore a sense of healthy balance with ocean minerals

Marine algae are a storehouse of the nutritive and healing powers of the ocean. They offer a spa therapist a wide menu of potential services. From anti-aging skin care to slimming and detox treatments, those in Massage Therapy do themselves a service by learning and practicing the art of the seaweed body wrap and seaweed therapy.

We turn to the ocean for restorative powers and to replenish and purify ourselves, just like the ocean that supplies us all with these natural healing wonders.