Salt Water Heals - The Ocean is More Healing than We Thought
Isak Dinesen said, “The cure for anything is salt water--sweat, tears, or the sea”
Imagine being at the ocean, feeling the sand between your toes, listening to the sounds of the waves hitting the shore, breathing in the ocean air. How does it make you feel? Pretty great, huh?
Being at the ocean is relaxing and calming. We feel our muscles relax, the tension in our neck subsides, and we breathe deeper. Our stress and problems recede, like the waves going back out to sea. We feel lighter, our burdens lifting from our shoulders. At night, with the sea breeze blowing over us through open windows, we sleep soundly.
We feel the benefits of time at the shore. We know there are other gains for us to be by the ocean. What are they?
Other ways the sea heals:
Our blood
We produce more blood cells-both red and white cells being in the salt water.
Our red blood cells increase 5-20% after being in the ocean. White blood cells increase even more.
Our circulation improves. Sore muscles feel better from the increased circulation. Oxygen and other nutrients are replenished.
Body systems
The ocean stimulates our Endocrine System. The thyroid, parathyroid and our sexual glands are part of this system.
Swimming invigorates our parasympathetic system. This system is responsible for rest and repairs. Dopamine and serotonin are released, which helps us feel happy.
Swimming increases sweating. More salt water being released with health benefits!
Being in the ocean, and swimming, improves our breathing. Our breaths are smoother and deeper.
Skin
Moisture is retained in our skin. Our skin is refreshed and glowing.
Some research says the ocean water helps with skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
And there’s more…
The ocean’s salt water, including other minerals, helps in healing disease by activating our bodies natural healing mechanisms.
Don’t forget it boosts our immune system.
I don’t know what prompted Isak Dinesen to say what she said about salt water. I’m sure she had experienced the healing benefits of sweat, tears, and the sea in her own life. Physical movement, emotional release, and nature are all ways for us to heal physically and emotionally.
Next time you are at the beach, take a moment and watch the waves ripple towards the shore. Feel the sand between your toes and feel the water as you dive into a wave. Listen to the waves crashing along the shore and the sound of the seagulls. Take a slow deep breath and smell the salt air.
Allow the ocean to heal.
Written by: Cindy Picht, LPC, CEO
About Cindy:
Cindy is director and co-founder of Light the Way Counseling. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. She combines her skills with compassion and encouragement to help people find hope and healing.