The Healing Power of the Sea

[Guest guest]

The Healing Power of the Sea

Every summer I take my long needed vacation to the sea. This powerful

source of nature yields some of the most essential healing tools and

additional benefits that are hard to compare with anything else. We

already know the necessary and soothing abilities water offers.

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for

centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are

always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain, majestic waterfall or

the churning sea. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line

of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where it comes and

goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is

inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a

large percent of it. Maybe beacuse we instinctively know how it can

heal us.

Here are some of the best tools and tips the sea can offer:

1. Sun - is the best source of Vitamin D. More than 15-20 minutes can

be harmful when you are not protected. The sun is the source of all

life and it sure feels good on our face, especially after a long, cold

winter. Prevention and precautions are the most important methods when

you go out in the sun. Applying sunscreen (SPF 15, at least), wear

UV-protective sunglasses, and limiting your time in the sun will help

avoid this problem. Stay out of the sun when it's high in the sky; this

is when the UV rays are more intense (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Choose

clothing that covers your skin - hats, lightweight, long-sleeved

shirts. Pure aloe vera rubbed into the skin can help to heal. Take

antioxidants to help block the chemical reactions that can trigger

cancer's uncontrolled cell growth.

2. Sand - is a natural exfoliator. These finely ground seashells become

an amazing tool for cleansing your skin. Wet your skin in the sea and

rub it gently all over your skin. Use some in a bowl to create a Zen

garden or sea display.

3. Salt Water - the healing abilities of salt water are profound and

well documented. Salt water is an astringent and speeds wound healing.

A cup or handful of water in your hand or neti pot is a wonderful

cleansing therapy. Slowly inhale the salt water into your nose to

cleanse your sinus and open up the air passages. Floating in sea water

is an extreme release of tension and stress of the day. Allow yourself

to float weightlessly in the water. You deserve it.

4. Sponge - a natural cleanser and exfoliator, sponge can be dried in

the sun and placed in your decorative bowl or on the bathtub. Rewet

your sponge and use it in the bath or shower.

5. Coral - comes in many forms. When this beautiful "art of the sea"

washes up on the beach and bleached by the sun, it's beauty can be awe

inspiring. Coral is rich in calcium. This "stone" can be used as pumice

to exfoliate dead skin cells, bring blood and circulation back to the

feet when used as a massage stone and can make a wonderful decorative

piece.

6. Sea Air - deep breathing of ocean air helps us to relax and let go.

The faint smell of salt in the air can take us to a place of pure joy.

Sea air has a certain aliveness found no where else. This deep

breathing can help release tension and the problems associated with it.

7. Exercise - yoga, body toning, running on the beach, breath exercises

are all great ways to stay fit and take advantage of all the outdoor

activities offered us in the summer. Make them enjoyable to you. In the

summer months it is a good idea to exercise early in the morning or

late afternoon. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and

after activities to ensure hydration.

8. Seaweed - rich in iodine, and other minierals, seaweed and other sea

vegetables are fat-free, low calorie and one of the richest sources of

minerals in the vegetable kingdom since they have access to the

abundance of minerals in the sea. One of seaweed's most beneficial

health properties is its ability to remove radioactive strontium as

well as heavy metals from the body. Seaweed is generally categorized

into brown and red algae. Seaweed can also be ground into a wonderful

exfoliant and used in mineral and mud treatments.

9. Seashells - these magnificent works of Universal creation are

wonders to behold. Finding and searching them out is a great past time

that can last for hours, take us away from ourselves and gives us a

care free adventure that is rewarding on many levels. Your favorites

can be taken home and cleansed. They can make beautiful decorative

pieces. Display them in a bowl. Place them in any room in the house,

especially rooms with water. Seashells are natural vessels that can be

used for cleansing and make a great carrier for sage or incense. They

can be placed on your personal alter as a reminder of good times or as

a tribute to nature and all her powers.

10. Stress relief - the best combination for stress is combining the

above element of light, air and surf to create the best prescription

for good health and relaxation. Take advantage of any of the above

suggestions. They will melt away stress and bring you back to nature.

Leave your laptop and cell phone behind (for once, please!)

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/summer.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

References

1. Sundance Natural Foods, Inc. "Neptune's Garden - Vegetables of the Sea".

2. Shirley's Wellness Cafe's "Water the Great Healer".