Thalassotherapy, (from the Greek word thalassa, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. Balneotherapy, the medical use of bathing, is a related health treatment. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century. The effectiveness of this method as therapy is not widely acceptable as it has not been proven scientifically. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping services.

Beneficial results on cardiac and respiratory disease, thyroid function, arteriosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and eye diseases have been reported and studied.

Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates, sodium, and iodine, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed through the skin.

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It is common in the Dead Sea area.

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