In Ancient Greece, the concepts of health and beauty were revered, sought after, studied-even fought over as it is believed that Helen of Troy was so radiantly beautiful that the Trojan war was fought to win her love. So what is it that made the Ancient Greeks so revered for their health and beauty?
As modern research has now revealed the powerful effects that diet and lifestyle have upon both the body’s internal health and skin physiology, the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle was undoubtedly a major component in maintaining a radiantly healthy and beautiful look. Abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables, ample sunlight, and clean sea air, daily life was infused with potent health and beauty vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and enzymes. Their powerful and deep connection with the natural world also allowed them to harness the power of the abundant resources of the Mediterranean to create healing and restorative treatments and therapies.
Below are some ways that we, in the modern world can draw upon this ancient, natural wisdom to create effective additions to our treatment menus while allowing for a lower-impact, sustainable effect on the earth.
Thalassotherapy
Derived from the Greek words “thalasso” meaning sea and “therapia” meaning healing, thalassotherapy utilizes the therapeutic effects of sea water, coupled with sea mud and algaes to detoxify and heal the body’s tissues. In 350 B.C. Hippocrates, the father of Ancient Greek medicine utilized the therapeutic use of sea water immersion to cure his patients of arthritis and muscle aches.
As has been discovered that sea water has almost the identical composition to human plasma, the minerals dissolved include calcium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, sulfer, selenium , zinc, fluoride, and silicon, working well in the healing of inflammatory skin conditions such as psororisis, excema, and acne. Its detoxification benefits aid in lymphatic drainage, improving metabolism and reducing cellulite.
With regards to health benefits, thalassotherapy relieves muscular and back pain, tension and stress, improves immune and cardiovascular functioning, increases relaxation and improves sleep benefits. A study conducted in Brazil found benefits in hypertensive patients as both the diastolic and systolic blood pressures decreased following walking and thalassotherapy treatments compared to initial values.
Vinotherapy
Vinotherapy, the therapeutic use of grapes and wine, utilized in ancient Greece, has re-gained much attention in modern times due to research revealing the high polypenol content and powerful skin benefits of grapes including the naturally exfoliating grape acid in the liquid portion, a high antioxidant content found in the seeds, antiaging and firming resveratrol in the stalks, and viniferine, a brightening liquid from the sap. Caudelie Spa, a premiere, vinotherapy spa located in the Plaza Hotel, in nyc, utilizes both the potent effects of fresh grapes and wine massaged into the skin as well as grape-seed polyphenol-rich products.
Herbal Compresses
Chamomile referenced in Hippocrates writings as a painkiller, mint leaves were used by the ancient Geeks as an antiseptic, and sage rich in antioxidants apogenin, diosmetin, and luteolin with researchers at the University of Vienna discovering its important anti-inflammatory properties, can be infused into herbal compresses. Steamed and applied to the body in circular rolling movements, they can serve as an effective means of relieving body pain and inflammation and soothing muscular aches and swelling, making for an effective addition to massage, exfoliation, or body wrap treatments.
Fruit Enzyme Exfoliators
Fruits such as figs, apricots, pomegranates, and citrus fruits, were considered a symbol of fertility, given as a gift from Demeter, the Ancient Greek goddess of the harvest and soil. Figs were used to refresh and brighten the skin due to their hydrating properties, grainy texture, and natural alpha hydroxy acid content. Apricots, high in antioxidants such as vitamin A and beta carotene were noted for their natural detoxification properties. Pomegranates containing three types of polyphenols including ellagic acid, athocyanins, and tannins, possess powerful anti-aging properties and were used to enhance the skin’s radiance. High in citric acid, citrus fruits served as natural skin lighteners to brighten the complexion and lighten dark spots.
With a current trend in skin care to use organic fruit peels as a gentler alternative to chemical peels, these fruits can now be found in ready made fruit based exfoliant products or can be made fresh in the treatment room, allowing for both an enzymatic exfoliation and potent antioxidant infusion.
Mastica
Mastica, a resin crystal that is sourced from the sap of trees from the island of Chios, was revered in ancient times for its potent antibacterial, antiaging, and brightening properties making it sought after for both medical and aesthetic uses. It is widely referenced in the works of Hippocrates, Appollodorus, Plinius, Theophrastus. and now modern research has confirmed its potent anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Today, it can still be found in a raw crystal form, a powder form, or added to skin care products.