Beach front property is some of the most expensive in the country; if you are lucky, you might find some remote beach front spot somewhere in the world that hasn’t been developed but usually you will pay a high price for an ocean view. However, apart from the lifestyle that beach side living offers, there are in fact several health benefits for securing a spot by the ocean.
The Tradition of Recuperation at the Beach
Going to the beach for a vacation has been a traditional vacation for centuries; many British and European city dwellers historically escaped the summer heat by flocking to the coast. However, the ocean has also been a traditional place that people have gone to heal – both physically and emotionally. So, what therapeutic benefits does the ocean actually have?
The Psychological Benefits of Ocean Water
Whenever I am by the ocean I feel instantly calmed by the sound of the waves. In fact, research has shown that the wave patterns in your brain are altered by the sound of ocean waves and induce a tranquil state of mind (source). This might also be the reason why many people choose to listen to a calming CD of ocean waves just before they go to bed. A study carried out on people living in retirement homes showed that people who listened to a relaxation CD, such as ocean waves, showed a greater drop in blood pressure than those who listened to a music CD of Mozart (source).
The Combination of Sun and the Ocean
Exposing your skin to sunlight allows your skin to benefit from a necessary source of vitamin D. Although you have to be careful about too much sun exposure, a certain amount is needed by your body; this is why a lack of sunlight in dark winter months causes problems. Your body needs vitamin D to combat diseases such as cancer, depression and heart disease. Exposure to sunlight also helps improve conditions such as psoriasis (source). The combination of sun and salt water can greatly improve skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis; salt and potassium chloride are thought to be the main components in sea water for healing skin conditions (source).
Negative Ions in Ocean Air
Taking in a few big gulps of ocean air may in fact improve your health too; scientists have discovered that ocean air has more negative ions than, for example, city air. The negative ions are produced by the combination of ocean water and the air; negative ions have a positive effect on mood and have some physical health benefits too (source). However, some are still skeptical about whether this theory is true or not.
The Healing Benefits of Ocean Water
For centuries people have used healing therapies and potions derived from the sea in an effort to live a longer and healthier life. Sea water contains many beneficial components including calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium (source). The components found in sea water and sea salt can help to:
- calm the mind
- heal wounds
- reduce pain
- improve skin condition
- flush out toxins.
Ocean Living and Your Health
Living by the ocean might improve both your physiological and physical health, in addition to inspiring your creative side! Although science has yet to prove some of the reasons why ocean side living is beneficial to your health, people continue to be drawn to the ocean for a reason. Even if you can’t afford to move to the beach full time, a week long vacation by the ocean might just calm your mind, improve your physical health and inspire your life once again!
Speak Your Mind