10 Reasons to be Beside the Seaside

For most of us, images of clear blue skies and turquoise tropical oceans conjure up fantasies of ultimate relaxation and well-being. Some of us, including yours truly, are lucky enough to live it.

It’s not just clever advertising. Nor is it just our atavistic urge to return to the ocean whence we came from. There are actual health benefits from being near the sea. Seawater and sea air are good for both our bodies and our souls.

The Greeks were the first on record to use the power of the sea for healing. Indeed, the popular thalassotherapy originated in Greece, "thalassa" meaning water and "therapia" meaning to heal. There are 2500 year-old healing sites on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu, and the ancient Greek healing center at Pergamum in what is now Turkey. Hippocrates (of the Hippocratic Oath) discovered the therapeutic qualities of seawater by noticing the healing effects it had on the fishermen’s hurt hands. The salt water helped heal the wounds, reduced infection and promoted pain relief.

1. Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs magnesium, potassium and many other minerals and trace elements when in the sea. The magnesium content of seawater is significant enough to have a nutritional and calming effect on our nerves, which explains why sea bathing is so relaxing. Potassium in seawater enters the skin and encourages good urinary flow. Seawater contains all the 89 known elements present in our bodies, including osmium, gold, vanadium, zinc, and iodine.
2. Bathing in seawater opens the pores and help eliminate toxins from the body via the lymph system, which is valuable in the elimination of trapped fluids around the thighs, knees and ankles.
3. The natural iodine both in the water and in the air boosts thyroid activity, speeding weight loss and helping in cellulite control. Positive effects have also been shown in cases of psoriasis and dermatitis.
4. Ocean air is also loaded with negative ions (similar to the clear air after a storm). Negatives ions strengthen the body's immune system and improve our ability to absorb oxygen by neutralizing damaging free radicals. They also help balance levels of serotonin.
5. Sunshine is the main source of vitamin D. This vitamin plays a role in strengthening the bones and boosts the immune system. Low vitamin D is associated with several autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and Crohn’s disease. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D can also prevent the growth and spread of various cancers, including some skin cancers.
6. The sound of the waves actually alters the wave patterns in the brain promoting a deep sense of calmness.
7. Metaphysically and psychologically, water is associated with creativity and feelings and is the seat of our unconscious patterns. Being close to the sea brings out our feelings and fosters creativity.
8. Gazing at the horizon can be beneficial for the eyes. It relaxes the eye muscles and can strengthen vision. Most mariners have excellent eyesight.
9. Sand is a fantastic natural exfoliant. It helps dead skin cells to shed more quickly, which leads to clearer and more youthful skin.
10. Swimming and walking on the beach are two of the best all round exercises anyone, fit or out of shape, can indulge in.

I haven't always lived close to the sea, so I made do with a yearly holiday and sea salt baths. But, man, does it feel good to actually live beside the seaside!