A seaside climate is characterized by high enough atmospheric pressure, fresh air with increased ionization, fresh wind, even temperature, high levels of ozone in the air and suspensions of sea salts. Being near the sea and inhaling the sea air is particularly useful, as the air is rich in microscopic drops of seawater, contains a large number of sea salts and phytoncides of seaweed. The intensive solar light, small amount of ultra violet radiation from the sun’s rays and lack of rapid temperature changes also salutarily influence the work of our organism. Furthermore, sea air contains the ions of:
- potassium (has anti-allergic properties);
- calcium (strengthens the connective tissue);
- magnesium (reduces swelling);
- bromine (calms one down);
- iodine (rejuvenates skin cells, has beneficial effect on the thyroid body).
Interaction of potassium with iodine normalizes blood pressure, the work of heart muscle, contributes to the normalization of acid-base balance and water balance in tissues and cells. In addition, the sea air is free from bacteria and dust. The sea air is saturated with the tiny particles of sea water which constantly wash and moisten the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract.
The sea climate contributes to:
- regulation of metabolism;
- increase of amount of hemoglobin and erythrocyte in blood;
- enhance of breathing and blood circulation;
- quenching and strengthening of the body;
- stimulation of heart-vascular system;
- prevention of the diseases of endocrine and nervous systems;
- decrease of blood pressure.
Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen by neutralizing damaging free radicals (positive ions). Negative ions also balance levels of seratonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress [2, 3, 4, 5].
Sea air and water are invaluable to the skin, the body’s largest organ. Sea water helps to cleanse the skin, opens pores, and the skin receptors virtually absorb useful micro and macro elements, mineral salts and organic substances. The sea air has healing properties, it contains “air vitamins”:
- flying phytoncides;
- negatively charged air ions;
- oxygen.
There are three types of air treatment:
- staying in the air in the clothes (rest or motion);
- sleeping in air (day and night);
- air baths (When a person is under a canopy on the beach, the scattered ultraviolet radiation has a very mild impact because of its low intensity. It stimulates the organism and increases the mood).
The evaporation of sea salt and ions of iodine are beneficial to the respiratory tract, soften and purify it that make breathing on the coast so easy. Sea air is undoubtedly healing for various diseases of the respiratory system and helps in the treatment of chronic lung disease, laryngitis, genyantritis, sore throats, quinsy and sinusitis [1].
However, the sea air is not good after surgery because of the high humidity that prevents rapid healing of wounds.
Thus, the air we breathe greatly affects our health. The sea air promotes physical, psychological and emotional well-being, helps to relax and release tension. It promotes good health, boosts our immune system and enhances circulation. Sea air is particularly recommended for people suffering from chronic diseases of the upper respiratory and nervous systems.
References:
1. Does the sea air have healing powers? http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/08/12/does-sea-air-have-healing-powers/ (accessed May 10, 2015).
2. Healing properties of the sea. http://aqua4balance.com/healing-power-of-nature/the-sea/healing-properties-of-the-sea.html (accessed May 10, 2015).
3. Science proves the curative power of sea air. http://www.newsmax.com/Health/Health-News/sea-air-curative-healing/2015/04/24/id/640637/ (accessed May 10, 2015).
4. Sea air and its healing properties. http://www.beachhealthretreat.com.au/sea-air-healing-properties/ (accessed May 10, 2015).
5. Three more health benefits of being beside the sea. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-102698/Three-health-benefits-sea.html (accessed May 10, 2015).
