In the early 20th century, the visionary French biologist and physiologist René Quinton famously stated, “We are a real living marine aquarium”.
Quinton discovered that our internal liquid medium—blood and lymph—is physiologically similar to seawater, maintaining a “marine constancy” that reflects the ancient oceans where life first appeared.
Read the full article about QUINTON & THALASSOTHERAPY.
Today, Ocean Pools stand as a modern testament to these ancient virtues, offering a way to experience “controlled nature” for health and well-being.
The Science of the Sea: From Quinton to Homeostasis
The practice of using seawater for healing, known as thalassotherapy (from the Greek Thalassa for sea and therapy), was formalized in 1867 by Joseph-Luc-François La Bonnardière (1829–1887).
He was one of the forerunners of modern thalassotherapy, and he studied the effects of the sea on human health, promoting the idea that the marine environment could have beneficial effects on body and mind.
He contributed to the birth of the first forms of organized “marine” treatment, that’s why he is often cited in the history of spas and French natural medicine.
The therapeutic use of the ocean dates back even further. In Ancient Greece time doctors like Hipparchus explained that seawater purifies and rebalances the body, since it is astringent (dries out tissues) and it useful for drying up excess fluids or inflammation.
The Greeks used seawater for wounds and skin infections (as an empirical disinfectant), skin diseases
therapeutic baths.
In the 18th century, British doctors frequently recommended beach recuperation to their patients.
René Quinton’s research revolutionized this field. He demonstrated that seawater contains at least 78 different minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, iodine, and zinc, all in a chelated form that allows for complete absorption by the human body. These elements are essential for our immune systems and help maintain homeostasis, the perfect balance the organism needs to remain healthy.
Scientific studies have shown that immersion in seawater pools provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Improved blood circulation and vasodilation.
- Immune system stimulation and glandular support, particularly the thyroid.
- Alleviation of joint pain and muscle relaxation.
- Antibacterial and antibiotic effects, as marine microorganisms actively fight foreign microbes.
Aslings Beach: A Sanctuary in Australia
Australia is the world leader in ocean pool culture, with over 100 pools in New South Wales alone. A prime example of this “hybrid” way of experiencing the ocean—natural yet safe—is the Aslings Beach Rock Pool in Eden.
Framed by spectacular pink and white sea cliffs, this pool is a masterpiece of nature + human intervention. While it may appear ancient due to its wild environment and natural rock foundations, the current structure was actually built in 1961 (originally named the Eden Memorial Swimming Pool) to replace an older 1904 bathing area.
The pool is regularly refreshed by the natural flow of the tide, ensuring a constant renewal of clear, mineral-rich water. It offers a wild sensation without the risks of open-ocean currents or dangerous marine animals, making it a perfect natural thalassotherapy clinic for the local community.
A Global Heritage of Tidal Pools
The tradition of containing the sea for health and leisure is a global phenomenon. Beyond the famous shores of Australia, various cultures have developed their own versions of ocean pools:
- United Kingdom: Home to Art Deco “Lidos” and tidal pools like the Tinside Lido in Plymouth and the Jubilee Pool in Penzance.
- South Africa: Numerous tidal pools along the coast of Cape Town provide safety from strong currents and sharks.
- Spain (Canary Islands): Natural volcanic pools such as El Caletón in Tenerife and Charco Azul utilize lava formations to catch the sea.
- Portugal: The Piscinas das Marés in Leça da Palmeira, designed by Álvaro Siza, are world-renowned examples of modern architecture meeting the tide.
- France and Italy: While less common, natural coastal basins and stabilimenti offer a more contained and therapeutic marine experience.
Returning to our Origins
Ocean pools are more than just places to swim; they are portals to an ancient form of well-being. By blending the raw power of the ocean with the safety of human architecture, these pools allow us to re-immerse ourselves in the marine aquarium that Quinton described. Whether it is the invigorating cold waters of the English Channel or the scenic pink cliffs of Aslings Beach, these pools continue to testify to the timeless utility of the sea as a source of human health and harmony.
Giulia Maria – Voice of Plenty
