Since the ocean covers 71% of the earth’s surface; holds 97% of earth’s water; is the greatest source of oxygen, food and medicinal ingredients and is home to 80% of all living organisms; it plays an important role in all of our lives. However, there is nothing like the role it plays in our lives when we can be near or in the ocean.
Research has found:
* Sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a deeply relaxed state or meditative state. Relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate the mind and body leading to increased happiness, improved peace of mind, better concentration, and more spontaneity and creativity.
* Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance levels of seratonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress.
* Sun’s heat affects our endocrine system, the part of our body that secretes endorphins (natural chemicals in our body responsible for relaxation).
* Minerals in the sea air decrease stress and increase a sense of well being.
* Salt in water preserves the melatonin, tryptophan, and serotonin levels in your brain.
* Cool ocean water provides a soothing treatment for your nerves while warmer waters in the summer months relax your muscles.
* Minerals contained in the ocean’s water help with arthritis, psoriasis and even depression.
* Ocean water contains iodine which boosts thyroid function and improves the immune system.
* When in the ocean, the amount of oxygen carried throughout your bloodstream is increased and more nutrients are carried through your bloodstream and to your organs to fight off free radicals.
* As the waves break on the shoreline, air particles break apart releasing ions into the atmosphere. Some scientists claim that sea air contains an abundance of negatively charged ions. In today’s society we have too many positive ions in our life. You may know positive ions by another name – free radicals. Because electricity, computers, TV and electronics are all sources of positive ions in our lives, it is easy to see why we have a shortage of negative ions. Increasing our exposure to negative ions has many health benefits including enhancing the immune system, increasing alertness and improving concentration.