Improve Health and Wellbeing Living by the Sea
Benfits of sea air and sea water
Sea water contains iodine, a trace element which is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland in turn is responsible for growth, the working of the nervous system and metabolism. Among other things, iodine also has antiseptic properties. Apart from in sea water itself, iodine is also contained in seaweed, algae and kelp.
The spray, caused by crashing waves, releases iodine into the air. Breathing in sea air during a walk along the beach, allows the benefits of iodine to enter the respiratory system and the entire body. The salt air of the ocean clears bronchial canals and helps avoid or cure allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Nature’s own inhaler can be used to full effect by a few hours on the shores of the ocean.
Thalassotherapy, which is basically the medical use of sea water, has already been known by the ancient Greeks. The sea water is believed to penetrate the pores of the skin which absorbs iodine and other elements contained in sea water, such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Since the beginning of the 19th century, Thalassotherapy spas have sprung up everywhere, combining warmed sea water with massages and wraps of algae paste and marine mud. The treatments don’t come cheap, so take advantage of living by the sea and get free Thalassotherapy by a swim in the warm ocean.
Homeopaths widely believe in the benefit of drinking small amounts of sea water. Minerals and trace elements contained in sea water can be easier absorbed by body cells, if they are provided in soluble form rather than sprinkling sea salt or iodine enriched salt over food. Adhering to that opinion, an accidential gulp of sea water might not do you any harm either.
The antiseptic properties of sea water can also be made good use of. Small cuts and injuries, bathed in sea water will heal faster and psoriasis sufferers have found relief and even healing from bathing in the sea.
Benefits of the beach
The beach is an ideal location for healthy exercise in various forms. The simplest is of course a walk in the sand. However, you shoud walk barefoot which trains the legs and massages the soles of the feet. Swimming in the ocean is brilliant exercise for people of all ages. It trains the arm, chest and leg muscles better than a swim in the pool, because you have to fight the current and the waves.
Aerobics on the beach are easier on the joints, as the sand provides a softer surface than the floor in any gym. For the same reason, jogging along the beach or even in the surf is healthier and more effective than jogging in the park. If you have company, play ball games which are not only good exercise but, also, great fun which in turn contributes to your wellbeing.
Benefits of the sun
Sunbathing is ok, if done properly and taking the necessary precautions. Sunlight produces vitamin K in the skin which is essential for the proper absorbtion of calcium. Getting a healthy glow is pretty and will make you feel better, but sunbathing should not exceed 20 to 30 minutes. Proper sunblocker or suntan lotion, according to skin type and exposure, must never be forgotten and sunning is best in the afternoon.
Beauty treatments
Sea air is moist and therefore will keep your skin moisturized and can prevent wrinkles for longer. Don’t forget to wear shades as squinting will have the opposite effect. Sea water mixed with sand can well be used as a body scrub. Cover your legs, arms and feet, inluding the soles, with wet sand and gently massage in circular motions. Rinse off with fresh water and apply body lotion immediately, as otherwise you can experience slight skin irritation. Do not use that method on your face.
All these benefits are absolutely free to enjoy if you live by the sea.Therefore you should have some spare cash to splash out on another healthy benefit of the sea: a delicious sea food platter. And for dessert, you can pamper your soul and contemplate this: