‘The sea washes away the ills of all mankind’
THE ocean is known for its cleansing, healing, and relaxing properties. The hypnotic sight and sound of waves rolling onto the shore create a soothing feeling within us, helping us release peripheral worries.
The ocean’s atmosphere is imbued with negative ions, which many people find invigorating. These ions are said to cleanse the air in our lungs, relaxing and deepening our breathing. They may also help balance levels of serotonin, a chemical associated with mood and stress. Sunlight also feels deeply relaxing because exposure to it triggers the release of endorphins—naturally occurring peptide hormones that raise the body’s pain threshold and positively affect our emotions. People who suffer from insomnia often benefit from spending time by the ocean.
Many people who swim in the Dead Sea report relief from muscular and rheumatic pain. Because its water is so dense with salt, it can draw out impurities and reduce discomfort. All seawater has a cleansing effect through the skin, and swimming in any ocean helps release physical tension.
Seawater’s cleansing properties relate to the natural process of osmosis—the movement of water through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one, driven by osmotic pressure. Since the salt in seawater is too dense to be absorbed through the skin, it instead tends to draw out lighter fluid components and impurities from the body.
Seawater has a mineral composition that is similar in many ways to human plasma, allowing the body to absorb beneficial trace minerals through the skin. Iodine, among other minerals found in the ocean, can support immune function and healthy thyroid activity. Seawater can increase skin elasticity and improve circulation, helping the body deliver blood to vital organs.
Sand acts as a natural exfoliator. Gently rubbing it over your skin helps slough off dead cells, giving the skin a healthy glow. Walking barefoot on the sand can also feel grounding and restorative, as sand contains minerals that are beneficial to humans.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by the ocean, with ready access to this natural source of cleansing, healing, and relaxation. Never miss a chance to go to the beach; it can shift our perspective and teach us calmness, depth, harmony, and peace.
Relaxation was once an integral part of our lives. Within the past century, however, we have distanced ourselves from much that is natural and essential to our well-being. If we are to enjoy a healthy, productive, balanced life with minimal stress, we must pay attention to our priorities. What we choose to embrace—or to avoid—is crucial to our happiness. Let us, therefore, choose wisely.
