During centuries the Greeks  as well as the Romans knew the beneficial effects of the sea water. Nevertheless the word "Thalassotherapy" which comes from the greek word thalasso = sea, and therapy = therapy or cure won´t be used untill halfway through the XIX century by french doctors.

The International Federation Mer et Sante, gives the following definition: “In a privileged place, thalassotherapy is the simultaneous use, under medical supervision and with a preventive goal, of the benefits of the marine environment that involve: the marine climate, the sea water, the marine mud, and other sea substances.”