Wellness
Health and well-being in the land of Asclepius
Greece has a great tradition in health and wellbeing practices. The medical approach in ancient Greece, preserved intact in folk tradition, sees man as an indivisible ‘whole’; the soul, mind and body interact and health is considered a state of balance and good relations between the emotional world and the person’s natural state. Greek medical tradition is based on mild forms of therapy. Healing spas, a balanced diet, herbal therapies, hypnotherapy, relaxing massage are just some of the ‘secrets’ that have survived from deep antiquity up to the present day.
Greece has over
800 medicinal spas, with various properties and uses. The composition of the water varies and makes each spa unique. Some waters are considered ideal for drinking, like those from
Arcadian springs, which clearly have an analgesic and therapeutic action on stomach disorders. Other springs are considered excellent for
skin diseases and chronic diseases of the bones and muscles, such as the springs in Aidipsos in Evia, Loutraki in the Peloponnese and Eleftheres in Kavala, Macedonia. The facilities here at these thermal springs include excellent amenities and constant medical supervision by trained staff, who treat each case individually.
The healing properties of seawater, seaweed, or sea mud help you conquer stress and anxiety, and improve your mental performance. Adopt Aristotle’s motto:
“ The energy of the mind is the essence of life”.
Sea water also has unparalleled therapeutic properties. Thalassotherapy centres throughout Greece, usually a part of luxury hotel facilities, offer a unique experience of wellbeing and relaxation.
Nature loves beauty
Natural cosmetics and grooming methods have a great tradition in Greece. Beauty is an internal process whose final stage is a dazzling appearance. A healthy and balanced body radiates strength and beauty.
The Greek diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, helps the body centre itself and detoxify. Greek olive oil, wonderful fruits and healthy vegetables are indeed an elixir of youth.
Cosmetology using natural raw materials is widespread in Greece. Specialized stores stock a large variety of products that combine ancient secrets and more modern methods of research and production: vegetable skin-friendly colourings, skin-toning creams from natural products, beauty products that also help the face regain its vitality.
Well-being in the land of sunshine!
Apart from the special therapies one can enjoy at the many private and public wellness centres, Greek nature itself acts therapeutically to rejuvenate man. It is worthy of note that the ‘discovery’ of Greece by 19th century travellers was simply for reasons of rejuvenation. People from all over Europe arrived in Greece to revel in the therapeutic power of nature. Greek mountains, with their ‘thin’ air and mild climate, were considered ideal places for fortifying the body and coastal regions were preferred by those needing mental stimulation. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and unbeatable sunshine, has always been a factor in balancing the human body.
Greece is an ideal place for combining relaxing holidays with spa treatments. In exquisite natural surroundings brimming with healing properties, in the safety of specialized facilities dedicated to body treatment and rejuvenation, the visitor will immediately feel the positive effects. Even in the large urban centres, there are outstanding facilities where one can enjoy the experience of a relaxing massage combined with hydrotherapy, or other body and facial treatments. A body that feels beautiful will let the inner beauty shine through. This belief underlying the Greek concept of physical health is gaining more and more ground in the estimation of scientists as well as visitors to treatment centres.
Pozar Thermal Baths
Imagine yourself in a pool amidst precipice rocks, natural waterfalls and wild vegetation. Feel the soothing warmth of the water (37⁰C) taking the strain off your body, and let your eyes wander around the verdant gorge of the water stream of Áyios Nikólaos (Saint Nicolas) locally known as Thermopótamos (= hot river). In the springtime, breath in the galore of natural aromas in a feast of green, where even the branches of the trees (mainly planes and willows) are all covered with covetous ivy. In the winter, relish the stimulating sensation of the 37 degrees in the outdoor pool, the stunning turquoise spot that stands out in the white and cold.
Aidipsos Thermal Springs
Aidipsos is probably the most famous spa-town in Greece! This cute little town is situated in Northern Evia and is connected to the mainland by ferry from Arkitsa, in Fthiotida. Evia can be reached easily also by car, bus or train from Attica through the Cable Bridge. The healing properties of Aidipsos thermal springs are known since ancient times and are actually mentioned in the scripts of Plutarch, Strabo and Aristotle. A plethora of neoclassical mansions, lush plane trees and picturesque traditional cafes and restaurants envelop the town with a unique nostalgic atmosphere!
Kaiafas Thermal Spa
A magnificent and unique ecosystem including the spas, the lake, the pine forest of Strofylia, the historic mountain of Lapitha and 4 km of golden sandy beach of Zacharo. At Kaiafa’s lake are the homonymous mineral water Springs and curative baths. The water is considered miraculous as it helps cure several conditions. The beauty of this region is superb. Next to the spa is the famous Kaiafas lake that will leave you breathless.