Our friend Brittany MacNealy, who owns Island Abodes here on island, sent us a great article yesterday. It was about the health benefits of the ocean. Now we’ve always known that the ocean has the ability to soothe the soul, and this article by the Rum Therapy blogs explains why that is. Please check it out…
Health Benefits of Spending Time in or Near the Ocean by Rum Therapy
If you are followers of our blog, you probably feel the same way we do; saltwater can soothe your soul. But did you know that in addition to it’s soothing qualities, spending time in or near the ocean can also provide other health benefits? Let’s explore a few reasons why we usually come home from a beach vacation feeling invigorated and renewed.
Lets start with the senses. The blues and greens of the ocean and the tropics are cool and relaxing colors. It is even said that certain hues of blue (especially light blues) can cause physical reactions such as a decrease in respiration and blood pressure.
The nose and ears can also identify and respond with a feeling of tranquility to the smell of saltwater and the gentle sound of the waves lapping the shore…
And what about the effect of saltwater on the body and its organs? I’ve seen several articles report that seawater has a similar composition to our blood plasma. Our bodies can easily assimilate the bounties of the water of the ocean such as vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, amino acids and living microorganisms which secrete antibiotic, bacteriostatic and hormonal substances with biological balancing effects. (Health Benefits of Sea Bathing – Pacific Naturopathic)
Bathing or swimming in warm seawater activates the body’s healing mechanisms to fight conditions such as asthma, arthritis, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases, as well as common aches and pains. Magnesium-rich seawater purportedly can also relax your muscles, reduce stress and help induce sleep. (What are the Health Benefits of Swimming in the Ocean – Livestrong)
And even if you don’t get in the water, getting misted by sea spray can give your skin a dose of iodine (good for the thyroid gland) and negative ions which can strengthen the body’s immunological defense mechanisms.
We weren’t just imagining our response to our tropical escapes – there are actual benefits and physiological responses to the sea. So, next time you’re feeling your batteries running low – let the ocean be your medication and head south for some sun, warm water and a little salt water therapy!
You know what that means friends? Time to plan a visit to St. John! Hope to see you all soon! -Jenn
I have to travel to Saint John at least once a year for my health. My mental health!!