WORKING GROUPS

NEW BOOK: “Thalassotherapy and Cosmeceuticals”

The book is a comprehensive review of thalassotherapy and seawater cure, and the cosmeceuticals derived from marine algae as novel sources of cosmetic ingredients. This comprehensive text offers an in-depth exploration of the research and issues related to the use of seawater and marine environment for therapies, as well as the composition of cosmeceuticals derived from seaweed. With contributions from an international team of experts,...

Save the date for Thalasso online workshop

Tuesday, 21 October from 11.00 to 12.30 (am) We are glad to announce the next online workshop of the Thalasso Working Group and the first speakers: Dr. Marcus Wengel from Prof. Dr. Biener GmbH will speak about minerals in thalassotherapy. His presentation begins with the ocean — a rich source of minerals that can influence human health in many ways. He will focus on selected minerals...

Report from the 4th Online Meeting of the Thalasso Working Group

On April 16, the fourth meeting of experts in the field of Thalasso therapy took place. Since the first online meeting in spring 2024, the number of participating countries and specialists has continued to grow steadily. We now count 28 participants from 15 different countries. The workshop was organised by Ms. Marlies Sobczak, ESPA Board member in cooperation with Wilhelm Loth, Kurdirektion Staatsbad Norderney. This...

Welcome to Thalasso Working Group online Workshop

Join the next European Thalasso Exchange! We are also excited to invite you to our next Online Thalasso Workshop, an unmissable event for anyone passionate about the future of wellness. Join us on Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 to 11:30 am – this is your chance to engage with key industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge developments in Thalasso therapy. Participation is...

Mark the dates for the First Thalasso Exchange 2025 in Varna, Bulgaria

From 15 – 17 April 2025 Varna will be hosting the first Thalasso Exchange The Thalasso working group, a joint initiative between ESPA and Staatsbad Norderney, is dedicated to advancing and professionalizing Thalassotherapy in the health and lifestyle sector. Led by Marlies Sobczak from the Netherlands and Mr Wilhelm Loth of Staatsbad Norderney, the group seeks to integrate Thalassotherapy more closely into European healthcare practices. With...

Thalassotherapy on Norderney – experience powerhouses from the sea

Mr Wilhelm Loth draws attention to the right balance between knowledge, well-being for residents and economic development. The theme of finding suitable employees requires intensive attention. The intensive, practice-oriented course for professionals from February 21st to 23rd 2025 will be a valuable addition. The course “Thalassotherapy in Theory and Practice” is a special opportunity for professionals and interested parties to delve deeply into the world...

Effects Thalasso objectively measurable

Dr. Varje-Riin Tuulik – associated with Tallinn University for 10 years – gave a brief presentation on clinical studies and publications that have demonstrated the curative aspects of sea mud and heat since 1939. The mud also functions as a heat conductor, among other things. “Musculoskeletal disorders are a major problem. This therapy improves muscle tone and blood circulation; with objectively measurable effects. Complaints...

ESPA Congress 2024 & 2025

Marlies Sobczak gave a retrospective of the ESPA Congress taking place in Druskinikai (Lithuania) in September. 220 Experts from 27 countries participated and for the first time, there was also attention for climate therapy and Thalasso. In addition to looking back, there is also a look ahead. Maret Sukles (Fra Mare Thalasso Spa) explained that her native country Estonia will celebrate Haapsalu's 200th anniversary as...

Promising American markets

Journalist Laura Powell from ‘Tourism Well Defined’ (Veteran Travel and Wellness Consultant and working for the ESPA) came up with a boost. “In America, we don't have a medical spa or an equivalent of balneology and Thalasso. Hot springs are very popular and New York is a thermal city. But the term ‘wellness’ is interpreted very differently in the US. In Europe the emphasis...

How it started: Thalasso promotors

On October 9, 2024, the third online meeting of the ESPA Thalasso working group took place led by Marlies Sobczak, a board member of the ESPA. Experts from different countries exchange information and new research findings in this working group. In 2023, Marlies Sobczak created a working group to promote the concept and marketing around Thalasso and the first online meeting took place in...