Just one day at the beach has innumerable benefits beyond fresh air and a feeling of relaxation. Ocean health benefits include elements like ocean air, sand, sea water, deep sea water, and even aquatic colors. All ocean elements have unique and powerful qualities that far exceed a bit of fresh air and vitamin D. Ocean health benefits are similar to its composition; massive with a refreshing splash of surprise, depth, and mystery.
I never gave much thought to why I felt so calm, content, and happy after a day at the beach as a child. I played in the sand, I splashed in the waves, and searched for seashells but didn’t know that all the while I was reaping incredible ocean health benefits.
Years later in my health journey to becoming autoimmune-free, I have been dazzled by Mother Nature’s unending generosity and perfect design to help us live optimally.
As wonderful as it feels to have toes in the sand, breathe in the salty sea breeze, wade in refreshing water, gaze at a body of water in a constant state of movement, there is so much more the ocean is providing and you likely have intuitively felt it deep in your bones.
The ocean has unique health benefits in each of its elements. Some may not be surprising, but as with any research I do, there is always a delightful aha moment, “That’s why I feel that way… now, it all makes sense.”
Health Benefits of Ocean Air
What is the first thing you notice nearing a beach? Maybe the windows are rolled down or it’s when you first step out of the car. The smell. It is refreshing, pleasant, and calming and there is data to support why we feel so soothed breathing in ocean air. It can literally relax you; the smell of the ocean has a soothing effect on our brains due to breathing in negative ions, which can be calming. Negative ions speed up the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and can help balance serotonin levels; leaving us feeling relaxed and happy. Studies have found that negative ion therapy can be used to treat symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and can ease depression, which Mother Nature provides in her calming ocean air.
Ocean air has emerging therapeutic qualities, otherwise known as salt therapy, or halotherapy. The therapy is under-researched, but some believe ocean air to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Some scientists theorize that salt particles may have the ability to kill off microorganisms in the lungs, or that the salt in the air contributes to the reduction of inflammation and mucus. The maritime air is also rich in iodine and magnesium.
Health Benefits of Sand
Sand is a natural exfoliant; walking barefoot in the sand or digging your toes in will soften the skin naturally. Touching skin to earth also provides grounding benefits: which studies show reduces stress, improves sleep and circulation, reduces inflammation, may help to alleviate pain as well as chronic fatigue, and the list miraculously goes on. Grounding is a whole topic within itself. After a period of time grounding you may feel a sensation of feeling centered or quite literally… grounded.
A 2015 study from the UK found that people sleep on average 47 minutes longer the night after they spend time at the beach than those who were not at the beach. Although the exact reason is uncertain, it is believed that stress levels are reduced allowing one to sleep more soundly after a day at the beach.
Sand walking improves proprioception; your body’s ability to sense motion, position, action, and equilibrium. Instead of wearing thick-soled shoes, the 3000-7000 nerve endings in our feet are stimulated and engaged; connecting us further to our environment and experience. The sand is a safe and gentle environment to restimulate neuromuscular activity in the feet and legs.
Health Benefits of Sunshine
Another component to a lovely day at the beach? Sunshine. The sun’s rays can provide a healthy dose of vitamin d. The sun also strengthens the bones, kills bacteria, boosts mood, helps to regulate sleep rhythms, reduces depression, and boosts the immune system. And yes, even on an overcast day you can still reap the benefits of the sun. If you haven’t watched my video on the ancient healing practice of sun gazing, be sure to check that out as well for an even deeper dive on the health benefits of the sun.
Health Benefits of Ocean Water
Speaking of diving, let’s talk about ocean water. Ocean water is a natural exfoliant and opens pores. Immersing your head in the ocean will also exfoliate the scalp; ensuring your hair gets more nutrients to hair follicles. The ocean salt also has anti-fungal properties and helps get rid of fungal induced dandruff.
Salt water is detoxifying, which helps to pull impurities from the body and skin inhibiting bacterial growth and skin infections. It is rich with trace nutrients, like magnesium, calcium, potassium, chromium, selenium, zinc, and vanadium.
Did you know why it feels so calming to stare at ocean water? Staring out to sea can change brain wave frequency, naturally inviting us into a mild meditative state. The sheer vastness of the ocean, its ever changing-state, the ebb and flow of waves, and the sea’s innumerable swells relaxes the brain, providing a gentle and soothing sensation.
Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water
Deep sea water has its own unique health benefits and plenty! Deep sea water is classified as sea water that is pumped up from a depth of over 200m. Other than the aforementioned trace mineral content, research suggests deep sea water can help overcome lifestyle-related problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, as well as skin problems. Moreover, deep sea water may lower cholesterol, blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and may improve antibacterial activity. The potential health benefits are nothing short of incredible , and this is just the short list, so I am sure we will be hearing so much more about deep sea water as science unravels additional data in years to come.
Intangible Ocean Health Benefits
The aquatic shades of the ocean are associated with wisdom, calmness, openness, peace, and not surprisingly… depth.
As I have mentioned in my video about Mother Nature’s health benefits, being in a natural environment makes me feel deeply connected to all things. Nature (for me) is a gift beyond the physical and provides both mental and spiritual benefits as well.
The ocean’s health benefits go way beyond a day of relaxation at the sea. You also may get a better night’s sleep! It is time incredibly well spent and worth a trip to the beach any day. The next time you are at the ocean, you’ll know you are doing your mind, body, and soul an immense healing service.
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