The Healing Powers of the Ocean

Getting out in nature provides a wonderful escape from stress, anxiety and negative thoughts. It has been long thought that frolicking in the ocean has even more health benefits; historically doctors would recommend their patients go to the seaside to improve their various illnesses.

At Tree Tribe, we can’t get enough of the ocean, and check out the evidence to support it:

Ocean water can heal skin conditions and wounds.

Ocean water is significantly higher in minerals including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium, and because of this it’s highly useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis. The ocean also has benefits for eczema, a common condition that sea water can soothe.

Being rich in mineral salts such as sodium and iodine, ocean water can be considered an antiseptic, meaning it has wound-healing properties.

Ocean water helps with allergies and sinus issues.

Swimming in the ocean has a saline effect on the sinuses, meaning it helps to flush out the nasal cavities and reduce inflammation. Sea water is extremely cleansing and doesn’t irritate airways.

The director of clinical services at Allergy UK found that people who live by the coast or swim in the ocean regularly have healthier respiratory systems.

Ocean swimming is meditative and relaxing.

Exercising outdoors and in nature has been shown to have huge benefits for mental health. Swimming has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, one study showing that the effects were comparable to antidepressants.

Ocean water provides cold water therapy.

Have you heard of hydrotherapy or cryotherapy? Being in cold water helps your body to repair itself, and it does so with the help of blood vessels circulating oxygen to the muscles, while reducing swelling in the body. Because of the increased blood circulating, the cold ocean improves immunity and muscle recovery.

I think that’s enough reason to plan your next beach holiday!