The secret of sea water benefits and harms. What does sea water treat? Why you shouldn't drink sea water

We go to the sea in the summer to improve our health for the year ahead. After all, they talk about it as the best medicine. Have we overestimated the benefits of sea water? Let's figure it out.

1. The warmer the water, the more useful it is - a myth

It is pleasant to swim in the warm sea, but the temperature of 22-25 degrees is more suitable for health. In warmer water, viruses and actively multiply.

2. The sea heals not only in season - just walking along the coast and getting your feet wet is a myth

Scientists believe that to achieve a therapeutic effect in the sea, you need to spend at least 10-15 minutes. Breathing sea air is also useful, but it is better to swim.

3. Sea water pools are useful. And you can also take it with you in a bottle - a myth

If sea water is removed from its natural environment, it will lose its healing properties in 24 hours. Therefore, sea bathing in the pool is useful only if the water is changed daily. And do not add bleach - it kills all the benefits.

When it comes to sea salt baths, sea water bottles and the like, keep in mind that so far no lab in the world has been able to fully replicate all the properties of sea water.

4. Sea water contains “the entire periodic table” – true

You should not take this phrase literally, but the sea does contain a huge amount of sodium, calcium, chlorine, sulfur, bromine, zinc, copper, iron, selenium and other trace elements. All of them penetrate the body through the skin and bring us great benefits: they relax, rejuvenate, relieve inflammation, strengthen the immune system and cleanse.

5. Sea water cures diseases of the nasopharynx - true, but not quite

Warm sea water near clogged beaches is not very good. There is nothing useful in swallowing it or washing the nasopharynx. From such a procedure, you are more likely to pick up than cure something. And clean, suitable for rinsing water is located at a depth of two meters - you can’t get it that easily.

6. Sea water does not need to be washed off - a myth

Sea water is good for the skin, nails, and the body as a whole. But you should not try to prolong the magical effect. When water evaporates, salt crystals remain on the skin. They no longer bring any benefit, but they increase the risk of solar. And if you have abrasions or calluses, salt can provoke dermatosis.

A sea of benefits. What diseases does salt water cure?

Many people prefer relaxing by the pool to swimming in the sea. And absolutely in vain, because sea water is a natural and safe medicine for many diseases.

Let's figure out what diseases can be cured with the help of sea bathing.

Runny nose, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis.

Rinsing the nose with salt water instantly makes breathing easier. Sea water, getting on the nasal mucosa, evaporates, taking with it excess moisture, and thereby relieves swelling. Approximately the same effect can be achieved with nasal drops, only in the case of drops, mucosal edema is reduced due to vasoconstriction. But unlike drops, sea water acts softer and is not addictive.

Bronchopulmonary diseases.

Calcium, sulfur and other minerals dissolved in seawater give it anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Just keep in mind, for those who want to improve the health of the respiratory system, it is better to choose resorts with dry air - the Mediterranean Sea, Crimea.

Relieves stress.

This is facilitated by compounds of iodine and bromine, which are saturated with sea water. In addition, there is a lot of magnesium in sea water, which is necessary for the smooth functioning of the nervous system. Sunbathing only enhances the anti-stress effect of sea water. After all, seasonal mood disorders often arise from a lack of vitamin D, which is produced in the body under the influence of sunlight.

Skin diseases.

Eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis and acne can also be cured at sea. Salt water slightly dries the skin, eliminates inflammation and accelerates tissue regeneration.

Excess weight.

Sea water activates metabolic processes, stimulates blood circulation and removes excess fluid. In order for the weight loss effect to be most significant, it is better to bathe in cool water.

Cardiovascular diseases.

Any bathing trains blood vessels and the heart muscle due to temperature differences. But sea water, unlike fresh water, contains potassium - the main element for the health of the cardiovascular system.

Diseases of the teeth and gums.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, sea water maintains healthy gums, calcium dissolved in it strengthens tooth enamel, and salt particles reduce plaque deposits.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Sea water eliminates inflammation and swelling of the joints, improves blood circulation in the joint and strengthens the bones.

Bathing rules

For sea water to be beneficial, you need to follow some simple rules.

Try not to overcool.

For the water to work, it is enough to spend 10-15 minutes in it.

Do not run to the shower immediately after swimming.

Let the salt and beneficial elements remain on the skin for 15 minutes. But after that, a shower is required. After all, sea water has the ability to remove toxins from the body (usually through the pores of the skin and sweat glands), which must be washed off. In addition, salt water takes away natural moisture from the surface of the skin, and this leads to the appearance of wrinkles and increases the likelihood of sunburn.

Do not use water near the shore for rinsing and washing.

It is often contaminated. The purest water is at a depth of 2 meters. So you have to dive for it. If you don't know how, at least swim away from the shore for some distance.

Do not swim immediately after eating.

This can lead to digestive problems.

Where are we going?

Black Sea

Rest is useful for people with diseases of the respiratory system (bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, lung disease).

Sea of Azov

Relieves stress, treats skin diseases, improves lung function, lowers blood pressure. Swimming in windy weather is especially useful - the surf raises healing silt from the bottom of the Sea of \u200b\u200bAzov.

Baltic Sea

It is useful for heart patients, hypertensive patients, overweight people and weakened immune systems.

Mediterranean Sea

Improves lung function, fights bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, strengthens the heart and relieves stress.

Red sea

Useful for skin diseases, stress and metabolic disorders.

Dead Sea

It treats eczema and psoriasis, due to the presence of therapeutic mud, it is recommended for people with sore joints.

4 naive questions

Is it possible to bring sea water with you and be treated at home?

Alas, sea water loses most of its useful resources in just a day. So stocking up is not possible. For the same reason, swimming in the sea is healthier than swimming in a pool of sea water.

Is it possible to prepare sea water from improvised means?

Boil a glass of water, then cool to a temperature of 37 degrees, pour in a teaspoon of sea salt, wait until the salt dissolves, add a drop of iodine and strain the solution through cheesecloth. Get water close to sea. However, natural water from the sea is still more useful, because in addition to salt and iodine, it contains other macro- and microelements, as well as beneficial microorganisms.

Which water is healthier - warm or cold?

The optimum water temperature for swimming is 20-24 degrees. Colder water can cause colds or cystitis, and microbes begin to multiply in too warm sea water.

Can you drink sea water?

No, the removal of salts and minerals contained in sea water takes more liquid than is contained in salt water. Therefore, the use of sea water inside for more than 5-7 days in a row leads to dehydration.

Millions of people choose seaside resorts for their holidays, and they are not mistaken. The benefits of staying at sea are not only in relaxation, but also in the beneficial properties of the sea for human health. The sea has a beneficial effect on the human body. The chemical composition of sea water has powerful properties. By the way, it is very surprising that the composition of sea water is almost similar to the composition of human blood. But what's so surprising about that? After all, the sea is part of the biosphere.

↓ CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE ↓

Health benefits of the sea - historical background

History tells us that doctors advised their patients to go to the sea to treat various diseases. They even wrote prescriptions detailing how long, how often, and under what conditions their patients were to be in seawater.

The use of sea water for medical purposes even has its own name - thalassotherapy.

In 1769, the popular British physician Richard Russell published a dissertation in which he argued the use of sea water for the treatment of "diseases of the lymph nodes", which he included scurvy, jaundice, leprosy, and glandular fever, as infectious mononucleosis was called at the time. He promoted not only swimming in sea water, but also drinking it.

Today, medical and spa resorts are located in abundance on the sea coasts. It is believed that in such resorts people not only get distracted from their problems, but in some cases even cure arthritis.

But is there really evidence for the healing effects of sea water? Does sea water improve skin condition and mental health?

The benefits of the sea to improve skin condition

Sea water differs from river water in that it contains significantly higher amounts of minerals, including sodium, magnesium and calcium, as well as various chlorides and sulfates. This is the reason why sea water is very beneficial for the skin, for example, in diseases such as psoriasis.

The benefits of the sea for the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune (when the immune system attacks healthy cells) skin disease. People with psoriasis suffer from debilitating skin rashes in the form of itchy, scaly plaques.

Bathing in natural, mineral-rich water, including mineral springs, is called balneotherapy and has long been used to treat psoriasis.

There is also evidence for climatotherapy(when the patient is sent to a specific geographical location for treatment) at the Dead Sea, which is an effective remedy for this disease.

People with psoriasis claim to feel better after swimming in the sea, but keep in mind that sunlight can also help relieve psoriasis symptoms.

The benefits of the sea for the treatment of eczema

Bathing in sea water is also beneficial for eczema, another immune-dependent disease.

People with severe eczema may feel uncomfortable in chlorinated pools, and swimming in the sea is a great alternative.

But the reaction of eczema sufferers to salt water varies: some find it soothing, others feel uncomfortable.

There is some evidence to support the idea that magnesium absorption is beneficial for the skin of eczema sufferers, presumably because it makes the skin less dry. Magnesium-rich sea water helps to retain moisture in the skin, making it denser and more elastic.

↓ PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ↓
What are the health benefits of the sea, I learned from my own experience. In childhood and adolescence, I suffered greatly from neurodermatitis. My parents regularly took me to the Crimea (Evpatoria) and the Sea of Azov (Berdyansk). During my stay at sea, all the symptoms of neurodermatitis quickly disappeared almost completely and reappeared when I returned to Moscow. Who has similar skin problems, go to the sea, where the climate is dry!

I swim in shallow water. Black Sea, the village of Blagoveshchenskaya, Anapa.

Antiseptic properties of sea water

Since sea water is rich in sodium and iodine, it has antiseptic properties. This means that sea water promotes the healing of skin lesions. But on the other hand, the benefits of swimming in the sea with open sores on the skin may be questionable, since there is a possibility of introducing a bacterial infection.

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Sea benefits for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and sinusitis

Many people who suffer from sinusitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of one or more of the paranasal sinuses) and hay fever benefit greatly from irrigating the nose with saline solutions. Irrigation or rinsing of the nasal cavity with a saline solution is used as an additional therapy for many people suffering from hay fever or sinus inflammation and infections.

Bathing in the sea and exposure to the salt that surrounds a person in sea water reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as symptoms of other respiratory diseases.

This is because exposure to salt on the lining of the sinuses can reduce inflammation, although there is no reliable scientific evidence for this yet.

People who live near the sea and swim in it from time to time have a healthier respiratory system. Sea water has a composition similar to that of the human body's own fluids, so it cleanses the airways without irritating them.

The benefits and harms of the sea for people with cardiovascular problems

Rest on the sea is not only swimming, but also staying in the sun, which is very active on warm seas. Thirty minutes in the sun is an excellent prevention of heart and vascular diseases. Under the influence of the sun, vitamin D, which is so necessary for the vessels, is produced.

Before planning a trip, consult your doctor! Diseases of the heart and blood vessels are very insidious - they may not manifest themselves in any way.

Even if you think that everything is in order with your heart, but you are no longer young, while relaxing on the sea avoid extreme or unusual activities for you. No need to show your grandchildren how famously you can swim to the buoy. If you are comfortable swimming in the sea at a depth of half a meter, do so.

For a trip to the sea, choose the "velvet" season when the sun is not so active, it is not so hot and stuffy. There is enough sun in seaside resorts in spring and autumn, and not just in summer!

Stay in the shade during the hot hours of the day, do not forget about the headdress. Being in the sun during the hottest hours of the day is also harmful for a healthy person. You can get a portion of sunlight sufficient for healing and breathe in the sea air in the early morning or evening at sunset.

Diet- seafood, fish, vegetables and fruits - that's what will be good for the heart.

The most likely exacerbation of cardiovascular disease in the first four days of rest- stress during the flight and exposure to a different climate may affect.

If you have an unhealthy heart and blood vessels, be careful when bathing - never jump into the water. The greater the temperature difference between water and air, the more dangerous it can be.

Stock up on medications that you take regularly and in case of an aggravation. Ask your doctor about a set of heart medications for a trip to the sea.

Benefits of the sea for meditation and relaxation

Exercising in nature has very large mental health benefits over exercising elsewhere. It combines all the benefits of physical activity with the restorative effect of being in nature. Swimming in the sea is therefore very beneficial. It relaxes, calms and reduces stress.

In his 2014 book Blue Mind, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols collected evidence for why humans end up in a meditative and relaxed state while in or underwater. One reason is the style of breathing used while swimming and diving. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that controls organ function and calms the brain) and influences brain frequency and hormones that affect the brain positively.

The feeling of weightlessness in the water can also have a calming effect on the brain by changing or slowing down its frequency.

All this helps to distract from life's problems, gives a sense of awareness - a state in which a person, contemplating, is aware of what surrounds him.

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) and swimming reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. One study showed that the effect of balneotherapy was comparable to the effect of one of the widely used antidepressants (paroxetine).

You can feel the relaxing and calming effect of the sea right now by watching the video below. The sound of the surf and the gentle splash of water have their effect even at a distance - I was convinced of this myself, watching and editing the video. The video was filmed on the Black Sea near the village of Blagoveshchenskaya near Anapa.

The next video was filmed directly in Anapa. The sea here is not so calm and the coast is rocky, not sandy. But the sound of the surf, the endless movement of sea water and foam, and the ability to see the distant horizon attract even from a distance, just watching the video is enough.

How did the rest of the sea affect your health?

Benefits of swimming in the sea if the water is cool or cold

Hydrotherapy is widely used in rehabilitation, but here I will focus on the benefits of swimming in the sea when the water is cool or cold.

Swimming in cold water activates temperature receptors under the skin that release hormones such as endorphins, adrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones have a positive effect on certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain and increased sensitivity throughout the body.

Periodic exposure to cold water can also lead to improved functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs. This is due to an increase in the production of the hormones dopamine and serotonin.

Swimming in cold seas will burn more calories to maintain body temperature, although the overall effect of cold water on body fat is debatable.

Frequent exposure to cold water has also been shown to increase the body's immunity.

Swimming in the sea is a healthy and beneficial habit.

An amazing feeling of weightlessness, relaxation is simply incomparable. Dead Sea.

How to bathe

It is no secret that swimming in the sea, or rather regular swimming, increases muscle strength, improves the state of the cardiovascular system and increases overall endurance.

General rules for swimming in the sea:

It must be remembered that doctors do not recommend swimming immediately after a long exposure to the sun, since in this case myocardial infarction can be provoked. Cool down in the shade before entering the water.

It is necessary to dive into the water gradually for your body to adapt.

Remember hypothermia - hypothermia can lead to negative consequences for the body. Listen to your body, and if you feel that you are getting cold, get out of the water right away.

Many people visit the pool, but it is important to know the differences between the controlled environment of a basin and the natural environment of the sea. There are no ropeways in the sea to grab hold of and guide you, and the weather can change in a matter of minutes, and with it the conditions in which you swim. For example, a strong wind will blow and waves will rise. You also need to remember this and evaluate your strengths.

Pay attention to signs, announcements and special signs on the beach.

If you come to the beach and see that no one bathes, do not rush to go into the water. Perhaps there is some reason why it is undesirable to enter the water now. Ask the lifeguards.

Check if there are lifeguards on the beach. If you are an adult and feel confident as a swimmer, you probably won't need a lifeguard. However, if you are at the beach with a child, or if you feel safer if someone is looking at you, swimming next to the lifeguards on a beach where they are constantly on duty is the right solution. You will be more comfortable if you know that there is someone nearby who can help.

Be sure to have a first aid kit with you on the beach. This is especially important if you are with children. Children can easily get scratched by shells or rocks, or be stung by a jellyfish. It is also not uncommon for adults to injure themselves by stepping on something sharp on the beach or in the water with their bare feet. Plaster, bandage, antiseptics, iodine, brilliant green, antiseptic and simple wipes, etc. - this simple set will quickly help you out if something happens.

Eating and drinking on the beach:

Don't drink alcohol! If you do intend to drink alcohol on the beach, drink plenty of water and eat enough so that your body can withstand the effects of alcohol. Drunk swimming is dangerous!

Drink enough water! In hot weather at the beach, the body can become dehydrated very easily, even though you are surrounded by water.

If you are going to spend a lot of time on the beach, bring supply of food and water. Not all beaches have the opportunity to buy something to eat. It is important that you eat and drink enough while on the beach and swimming.

After eating, wait 20-30 minutes before going for a swim. If you have a big snack and immediately go swimming, then you may feel sick, and this is not the most pleasant feeling while swimming. If you plan to just splash in the water, then you don't have to worry about when you ate before. But if you're going for a vigorous swim, it's wiser to wait at least half an hour after eating before going into the water.

If you do not want to be limited to swimming in shallow water, but intend to swim in the open sea:

If you are going swim deeper, remember that for this you must be a fairly confident and strong swimmer. High/low tide or current can take you far to the side, it is quite difficult to swim in the waves. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that you will need a lot of strength, and adequately assess your training and physical capabilities.

If you still decide to sail away from the coast, choose for yourself landmark on the coast. You will most likely be carried away by the current, the landmark will help you keep your course more accurately when you swim back.

Follow weather forecast. In windless sunny weather, swimming in the sea is safe, but in thunderstorms and rain it is better to skip swimming, even if you are a fan of swimming in any weather. If it rains lightly, you can swim, but keep in mind that the danger of swimming in the sea in such weather is to reduce visibility, and a long swim may not be safe.

If you are planning to sail far out to sea, the best thing you can do for your own safety is swim not alone, but with someone, a friend or just an acquaintance who wants to join you in your swim.

Dangerous marine life
Remember that the inhabitants of the seas can be dangerous. In different seas, living creatures that can harm a person also live in different ways. Therefore, I will talk about the dangerous inhabitants of each of the seas popular for recreation separately:
How to sunbathe on the sea:
Most bad period for sunbathing and sunbathing - from 11 am to 4 pm.

Sunscreen on the beach should be applied regularly. If you spend hours on the beach without sunscreen, you are more likely to get burned. Apply sunscreen to your body before heading to the beach, and be sure to take it with you to use throughout the day. Water and sand are strong reflectors of the sun's rays, further increasing the chance of getting burned. Don't skimp on sunscreen, put on plenty of it to make sure your skin is safe.

Use waterproof sunscreen so that it does not wash off in water. It is best to use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher with a broad spectrum of protection that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Apply sunscreen at least thirty minutes before going out in the sun and then apply every two to three hours when you are already in the sun.

Do not forget apply sunscreen to all areas exposed to the sun. Use a lip balm with SPF protection, apply sunscreen on the ears and on the scalp where there is no hair. Even if you're wearing a T-shirt in the water, still apply sunscreen all over your body.

The skin around the eyes should be protected from the sun. dark glasses.

Since the skin becomes dirty very quickly in summer, it is necessary to take care of its cleansing. After washing with warm water without soap, it is best to cleanse the skin with a tonic, and then apply a light texture moisturizer to it, since oily creams do not allow skin cells to “breathe”.

Mediterranean sea water. Cyprus, Protaras. The color of the water is absolutely fantastic, some kind of unreal, as if paint was poured into the water. The photo does not accurately convey the color, in fact it is even brighter.
Benefits of sea air

Sea air is a real source of health for a person. Daily walks along the seashore can bring our body much more benefits than visiting a doctor and taking medication. That is why doctors recommend at least a two-week annual vacation at sea: the resulting health boost will strengthen the body's immune forces, raise the tone, which will last for a long time and help resist many infections throughout the year.

Sea air is saturated with salts (iodine, sodium, sodium chloride), which our body perceives not only with breathing, but also with open areas of the skin. The absorption of these compounds promotes cell regeneration and maintenance of normal intracellular pressure, which is important for slowing down the aging process. In this regard, long walks along the coast are ideal for healing the body, when the sea is slightly agitated or after severe weather: at this time, the concentration of substances necessary for the body is maximum.

The most suitable time for a walk along the coast is in the morning and sunset hours. During the walk, you can stop and perform simple breathing exercises. For example, slowly inhale the air, filling the stomach first, and then the chest. Then hold the exhalation for a few moments and completely empty both the chest and the diaphragm, while slightly bending the knees.

After the sea, it is good to take a walk among the trees: the air here is neutrally or negatively charged, which balances the positively charged air from the sea and has a calming effect.

There is nothing better on a summer vacation by the sea than a refreshing dip in the sea water. Its benefits are undeniable. But have you ever wondered how they affect your body, skin and hair? Find out what salt water actually does and whether it's worth diving into it for a long time. So, sea water for hair and skin - is it good and bad?

Salt is one of those things that we should avoid in daily life, especially in food. Its excess causes water retention in the body and leads to unsympathetic swelling in the eye area. However, the properties of salt do not need to be afraid when it comes to hair and skin care. Moreover, the action of salty sea water in summer should be used as actively as possible. The rest of the time, you should not avoid the useful pools of sea water. Why exactly?

Water of the seas and oceans - natural cosmetics

Sea water is one of the best natural cosmetics, and the higher its salinity, the richer the effect. Its beneficial properties were known in ancient Greece, where thalassotherapy was used - medical procedures with sea water.

Minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, potassium and calcium contained in this natural product, contribute to the fact that immersion in the sea or ocean depths becomes a kind of nutritious cocktail for our skin. Bathing in salty waves provides the body with an excellent skin tightening procedure, hair cleansing and natural volume.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of staying in such natural and artificial reservoirs.

Sea water for the skin: the benefits and harms of "salt care"

pros

Bathing in the sea and ocean can have beneficial effects both for the body as a whole and for the skin, cosmetologists assure. Of course, this only applies to contact with water, which meets certain requirements for purity. What are the benefits of sea water for the skin?

It has a draining effect and helps to lose weight, improves blood circulation and smoothes the skin, thereby contributing to the fight against cellulite.
Bathing like this is a good spa treatment that detoxifies the body and skin thanks to the oxygenation, cleansing and gentle exfoliating action of the salt (natural peeling).
Exfoliating the skin and stimulating it to renew itself is not the only benefit of sea water for the skin. Staying in the depths of such a liquid is a kind of therapeutic compress that does an excellent job with inflammatory diseases, including acne, as well as more serious dermatological problems such as eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Sea salt fights bacteria, stimulates regeneration processes, softens and soothes.
Helps heal minor wounds. Even people with sensitive skin can enjoy the antiseptic, healing, and nourishing benefits of seawater. Because, unlike cosmetics, the risk of irritation is very small.
Natural salt can also help regulate excessive sebum production and “unblock” clogged pores.

Is sea water bad for skin?

It is worth emphasizing that after leaving the sea, you need to wash off the salt in the shower. Exposure to the sun of skin that has left salt on it can lead to severe allergies and irritation, experts warn. Sunscreen cosmetics (even waterproof ones) do not protect her from the possibility of such problems.

The best effect in terms of skin care and smoothness can be achieved with short but regular baths. If you go too far with staying in sea water, then you can harm yourself - overdry the skin. Then it will be more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays with all the ensuing consequences.

Sea water for hair: benefits and harms

pros

Sea water for hair: possible harm

It is difficult to talk about the negative effect of sea water on hair. Rather, it would be appropriate to recall the negative impact of its insufficiently good rinsing and exposure to sunlight. In the long run, this will dry out and rob the strands of shine. But a few vacation sea baths, of course, will not be able to greatly affect their condition.

As in the case of the body, after contact with healthy sea water, the hair should be thoroughly washed and rinsed. Left out in the sun, they can dry out a lot and lose their luster.

Take care of them before bathing by applying a layer of your favorite oil. Valuable minerals will still be able to function and benefit, but the hair will be less susceptible to UV damage and dehydration.

Thus, the question of whether sea water for skin and hair is good or bad is decided in favor of the first. However, the body and head must be rinsed after contact with it so that the salt does not remain on them for too long.

Most of our planet is covered with water. The body of man and animals consists almost entirely of it. Therefore, it is not surprising that water plays a leading role in the life of the creatures inhabiting the Earth. In our material, I would like to talk about what thalassotherapy is, what are the benefits and harms of swimming in sea water, how rest near the coast affects the state of the human body.

A few words about thalassotherapy

The concept of thalassotherapy was introduced by the famous German therapist Friedrich von Halem. The results of research on the benefits of swimming in the sea were presented to the public by a specialist back in the 18th century. A little later, the British physiologist Richard Russell wrote a treatise on the healing properties of salt water. Since that time, doctors began to consider swimming in the sea as an effective therapy for a wide variety of ailments.

Thanks to the expansion of knowledge in the field of thalassotherapy, the demand for the services of instructors who introduced the population to the secrets of keeping on the water increased markedly. After all, a few centuries ago, mainly sailors knew how to swim. Since the rest of the population simply did not see practical application in such a skill.

With the advent of the doctrine of thalassotherapy, many Europeans began to regularly visit the sea coast for recreation. The first coastal resorts began to emerge at the end of the 19th century. In the same period, bathing suits were invented, the fashion for which contributed to the introduction of people to swimming in the healing salt water.

In fact, the benefits of sea water for humans were noted in the treatises of the ancient Greek scientist, physician and philosopher Hippocrates. It was he who first suggested using it for the purpose of healing wounds, eliminating bruises, as well as treating skin diseases, in particular, lichen and scabies. In those gray days, the benefits of sea water for joints were already known. It was believed that rest near the coast helps to eliminate the ailments of the nervous system. Sea water is often used as a laxative. She also treated headaches.

Composition of sea water

What are the benefits of sea water? A beneficial effect on the human body is due to its special mineral composition. Sea water contains the following substances:

Mineral salts - contribute to the accelerated outflow of fluids from body tissues, accelerate metabolic processes in the body.
Calcium - has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system, eliminates depressive states, drives away insomnia, makes it possible to get rid of convulsive conditions, osteoporosis.
Magnesium - prevents allergic manifestations, relieves nervousness and irritability.
Potassium - normalizes blood pressure, prevents the occurrence of hypertensive conditions, relieves tissues from swelling.
Iodine is an essential element for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. The trace element has a positive effect on intellectual activity.
Iron - takes part in the formation of red blood cells, oxygen enrichment of body cells.
Silicon - improves the condition of the skin, increasing its firmness and elasticity.
Selenium - prevents the formation of pathological cells in tissues.
Sulfur - disinfects the skin, effectively fights the development of all kinds of fungal manifestations.

Who benefits from swimming in the sea?

As modern studies show, the benefits of sea water for the body are, first of all, in the development of positive dynamics for the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Bathing in disperse the blood, saturate the body fluids with minerals and enrich the tissues with oxygen. For this reason, relaxing at sea is recommended for people who suffer from heart ailments, have problems with pathological jumps in blood pressure.

The benefits of sea water is the accelerated renewal of the cells of the human body. Bathing in it is recommended for people who have failures of metabolic processes in the body. Visiting sea resorts makes it possible to strengthen the immune system, calm the nervous system, and improve skin condition.

Of particular benefit is bathing in the sea for pregnant women, persons who are at the stage of rehabilitation after serious illnesses. After all, the sea is a real storehouse of minerals that are required for normal life and restoration of the body.

Sea air

A visit brings considerable benefits to the organs of the respiratory system and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Staying under the sun helps open the pores of the epidermis. Thus, trace elements that are in the air are literally absorbed into the skin. It also contains negatively charged ions, volatile phytoncides, which are released from vegetation.

Evaporation of sea water, rich in salts and iodine, has a positive effect on the condition of the lungs. The tissues of the respiratory tract are gradually softened and cleared. That's why it's so easy to breathe on the coast. Moisture-saturated air constantly moisturizes the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, which helps to retain dust particles and prevents the penetration of pathological microbes into the body.

Sea water - benefits for weight loss

Bathing in salt water makes it possible to get a beautiful figure, make the body more attractive and toned. The high concentration of mineral salts and useful elements contributes to the rapid removal of toxins from the body. The impact of waves on the body is something akin to an anti-cellulite massage. If regular bathing is combined with activity on the shore, the fats in the tissues of the body melt before our eyes. The benefits of sea water for the human body in this case also lies in its iodized composition. It is this substance that burns excess fat reserves in problem areas.

Strengthening gums and teeth

The benefits of sea water, in addition to all of the above, is to strengthen the teeth and gums. The presence of concentrated calcium and bromine in such a salty liquid seems to be a good solution for its use in rinsing the mouth. However, it is recommended to use only pharmaceutical sea water for these purposes. It is not worth rinsing your teeth and gums directly off the coast. Indeed, in such water, in addition to useful elements, there are many pathological microorganisms.

Wound healing

Sea water is known for its healing effect. Bathing in it looks like a good solution for people who have all kinds of abrasions, cuts, insect bite marks on their bodies. The concentrated mineral salts contained in such a liquid act like an antibiotic, disinfecting wounds. Thus, swimming in the sea leads to their speedy healing.

Features of swimming in different seas

It is useful to rest absolutely at any coast. At the same time, being near a particular sea has its own characteristics:

The Black Sea - a positive effect for the body due to the abundance of oxygen in the coastal space, a moderate amount of mineral salts in the water. Coniferous vegetation on the coast saturates the air with negatively charged ions and phytoncides, which have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Sea of Azov - is considered one of the most useful in the world. Its waters contain an abundance of iodine, hydrogen sulfide and bromine. Such elements are involved in the normalization of metabolic processes. The presence of healing mud in combination with moderately humid steppe air makes the Sea of Azov a real hospital.
The Baltic Sea is one of the coolest waters in the world. Therefore, the place looks ideal for people who decide to join the hardening of the body. The combination of substances that are released from pine wood with mineral salts helps to improve immunity.
Dead Sea - waters contain the highest concentration of mineral salts. This composition activates metabolic processes in the body, improves blood circulation, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.

What is good and dangerous sea water? The benefits and harms of bathing in it are considered below:

Before entering the sea, it is advisable to spend about 10-15 minutes on the shore, being in the shade. This approach will avoid a shock state for the body due to temperature contrast.
Arriving at the resort, for several days it is recommended to swim only once a day. Over time, it is worth increasing the number of sea baths to two or three. At the same time, it is better that the breaks between bathing are at least half an hour.
You should not linger in the sea until you are blue in the face. Hypothermia leads to a decrease in the protective functions of the body and, as a result, the development of colds, cystitis, bronchitis, and other ailments. To prevent this from happening, upon exiting the water, vigorously rub the body with a towel.
Harm to health causes swimming in the sea immediately after eating. However, you should not be too active in water on an empty stomach. After all, with such behavior, long-distance swims can lead to the development of tachycardia and a feeling of general malaise.
When leaving the water, it is better to stand on the shore for a few minutes, and not immediately run into the shower. Only in this way the skin will absorb the beneficial substances that are contained in the sea.
Those for whom swimming and being in cool water are contraindicated due to poor health will benefit from douches and foot baths.