Is it useful to look in sea water? Beneficial properties of sea water for human health

A quiet and calm sea surface or waves rushing ashore in a storm - any weather on the coast is sure to delight. But in addition to pleasure, this is a unique opportunity for recovery. The healing properties of sea water have been known since ancient times. Today, sea water is actively used to treat and prevent a variety of disorders in the body.

What are the benefits of sea water?

Blood circulation

The temperature of the human body is always higher than the temperature of the water, and the time of year does not play a role, since even in summer the water in the sea does not exceed 28°C. When immersed in water, the body cools down, and accordingly, the blood vessels constrict, while blood flows more intensely to the internal organs. However, after some time, blood vessels dilate and blood circulation throughout the body improves. The person feels warm, the heartbeat quickens, and breathing becomes deeper. This process has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system, strengthens vascular walls, normalizes heart rhythm, and also serves to prevent disturbances in the functioning of the heart, the development of stroke or heart attack.

Even with simple movements in water, the minute and stroke volume of the heart increases by a third, which has a positive effect on the condition of a person with vascular insufficiency. By the way, sea water contains potassium, a trace element necessary for the normal functioning of the heart.

Nervous system

Sea water is an ideal assistant for disorders nervous system. For example, in a state of apathy or nervousness, it helps to achieve emotional balance. Magnesium, lithium, bromine, dissolved in sea water, have a calming effect, helping to stabilize the level of serotonin and melatonin in the body. By the way, seasonal mood swings often arise from a lack of vitamin D, which is produced in the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. A sun rays enhance the anti-stress effect of sea water.

Leather

Patients with dermatological disorders will also benefit from bathing. Even with such ailments as eczema, neurodermatitis, keratoderma, psoriasis, lasting improvement is possible. Due to the presence of trace elements and living microorganisms, sea water has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. Wounds, acne, and fungal infections respond better to treatment. In addition, sea water enhances the regenerative abilities of the skin.

Staying on the coast has a beneficial effect on the skin, it is cleansed at the cellular level, while the complexion improves, the skin becomes more elastic and becomes velvety. By the way, waves are a wonderful massager, gently massaging the body, they help improve blood circulation, stimulate tissue restoration, and activate. Moreover, during bathing, active energy consumption occurs and calories are burned, so a person trying to get rid of excess weight or cellulite, being at sea will certainly be beneficial.

Hair

The condition of the hair improves; water with a huge amount of microelements strengthens the hair follicles and normalizes the oiliness of the hair. However, after bathing, you should rinse your hair with fresh water, as salt attracts ultraviolet rays, which can lead to dryness; This is how you can get split ends in your hair.

Thyroid gland

Iodine in sea water normalizes function, strengthens the nervous system, and promotes cell restoration. In addition, the body's adaptive abilities are regulated; sea baths are an excellent way to harden, this will certainly affect the immune system.

Poisoning

Sea water is an excellent assistant in the fight against toxic poisoning; even with excessive alcohol consumption, a person will feel relief a short time after arriving at the seashore.

Musculoskeletal system

Patients with musculoskeletal diseases musculoskeletal system they feel much better at sea, since sea water reduces swelling of the joints, improves blood circulation, during swimming the load on the spine is reduced, mobility in the joints improves, movements are performed easily, because, based on the laws of physics, body weight in water is much less. This effect is useful for restoring physical activity in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system or heart disease.

Indications and contraindications

As it turned out, sea water has a restorative and strengthening effect on all human organs. With the right approach, almost any disease can be treated with improvement. Perhaps the magical effect of water is explained by the fact that its composition resembles blood. Moreover, out of 94 chemical elements, which are present in nature, about 81 are found in the body, approximately the same amount was found in sea water. In a word, sea water is a concentrated mixture of salts and trace elements. Calcium, which restores tissue, prevents depression or improves coagulation, sodium and chlorine, which help normalize balance in the body, and a dozen other elements - it is their presence that explains such an amazing effect of sea water.

However, in some situations, swimming in the sea is contraindicated. It is not recommended for people with the following pathologies:

allergy to iodine;
oncological diseases;
severe exhaustion of the body;
acute infectious diseases;
fever, bleeding;
exacerbation of diseases, as well as severe pathologies in the stage of decompensation; severe hypertension.

Where you can relax - popular sanatoriums by the sea

Today, on the coast of any sea, sanatoriums are located literally at every step. However, before choosing a resort, it is better to consult a doctor, since each sea has its own characteristics.

Black Sea

The Black Sea is ideal for patients with diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The healing properties of the Black Sea water are due to a moderate amount of salt, a variety of microelements, as well as hydrogen sulfide.

One of the best in the south today is the Rus sanatorium, built in the heart of the Black Sea Riviera, in the middle of a unique dendrological park, the flora in which is selected so that there are always phytoncides in the air that have healing properties. The sanatorium specializes in disorders of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, metabolic disorders, pathologies of the genitourinary area.
Sanatorium "Moscow" meets travelers at the entrance to Old Gagra. Transparent ionized mountain air and sea water of the Black Sea, private small-pebble beaches with a small strip of sand 100 meters from the building - your vacation will be unforgettable and useful.
The resort complex in Yalta “Ai-Danil” is located in a relict juniper grove at the foot of a mountain range on the Black Sea coast. The beach is a hundred meters from the building; on the territory of the complex there are also closed, open and contrast pools with sea water.

Sea of Azov

The Sea of Azov is recognized as one of the most unique in the world; it contains 92 chemical elements. The main ones are iodine, hydrogen sulfide and bromine. By the way, healing features Sea of Azov reach their peak before the storm and immediately after the storm ends. One of the most popular on the coast is the Yeisk sanatorium, located in the historical part of the city. There are two types of vacationers here mineral water, silt mud therapy and, of course, healing water and air. The complex specializes in pathologies of the spine and joints, disorders of the nervous system, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as genitourinary diseases.

Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is different from others - it is not so warm in the summer. Pines growing nearby are a source of phytoncides, in combination with sea air and coastal water - perfect place for patients with pulmonary diseases and heart diseases. In addition, Baltika is recommended for people with cancer pathologies. One of the famous ones is the Yantarny sanatorium and resort complex. A fairly mild climate, stunningly clean ionized air, pine forest, sandy beach, and peat mud have turned the resort into a unique place.

Sea water at home

Sooner or later, but any vacation comes to an end. You can often see vacationers collecting water from the sea into containers to take with them. Unfortunately, this is a useless exercise: the microorganisms present in it die after two days, the water simply loses its healing properties. But you can still get sea water at home. All you need to do is buy sea salt at the pharmacy chain and prepare the solution according to the recommendations in the instructions. Rinsing the nose for a runny nose or sinusitis, gargling for a cold, inhaling an aerosol and even taking baths with sea water will be available at home.

A seawater pool is an alternative to relaxing on the coast

What to do if, due to a busy work schedule or family circumstances, a trip to the sea is impossible? It turns out that today recovery with the help of sea water is possible even without leaving the city. It is enough to visit a spa salon or health resort center. Here, spacious swimming pools with sea water are available to visitors. Most often, water is delivered from underground mineral springs or obtained by diluting medicinal salts that are extracted from the seabed.

Swimming pools with sea water in Moscow

For example, at the Kimberly Land fitness club you will find four 25-meter tracks, underwater music and lighting. In the spacious seawater pool in the La Salute fitness center, lined with natural stone, you can get help from an experienced trainer. The water undergoes several degrees of purification with silver and copper ions and undergoes ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, the pool is safe even for children and allergy sufferers.

Moreover, some complexes have heated swimming pools. In this case, a more complete healing effect can be achieved, since when heated, microelements penetrate the body better. In addition, due to evaporation, there is an effect on the respiratory system. Disinfection of water in swimming pools is carried out using ultraviolet light, ionization or sand filters. And without the use of chlorine, which would destroy all the beneficial properties of sea water. By the way, today some companies offer services for arranging such a pool in a private home.

There are not many treatment methods in the world that would have a small list of contraindications and the absence side effects. Sea water is one of these methods, which was given to us by nature itself. Moreover, unlike other methods, swimming in the sea is accompanied by a lot of positive emotions. And if the sea season is not yet open or a vacation to the sea is impossible, do not despair: you have the opportunity with sea water, where relaxation is possible even in winter, when the temperature outside is sub-zero.

Oksana Matiash, general practitioner

Illustrations: Anastasia Leman

Sea water is surrounded by many myths. Some say that it is extremely good for health, others - on the contrary, that apart from being an “object for bathing”, sea water does not bring any benefit. Which of this is a myth and which is the truth?

Myth one. “Sea water cures all diseases”

The term “thalassotherapy” (sea treatment) did not arise out of nowhere. Sea water is similar in composition to blood plasma, so it is able to penetrate through the pores of the skin into the blood, enriching the body with mineral salts. This “salt supplement” is extremely beneficial for health. Therefore, patients with diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous and musculoskeletal systems After a vacation at sea, they feel literally born again. It is believed that the saltier the sea, the healthier it is. This statement is generally true, however, with a small reservation. Some seas have their own healing specialization. Therefore, ideally, each disease requires its own sea.
Each of the seas has its own place in the ranking of usefulness and “specialization”. Therefore, ideally, each patient needs to “find his sea” to treat the disease.
Dead Sea
The saltiest in the world (260-310 g/l of water). Moreover, 12 of the 21 minerals that are present in water of the Dead seas are no longer found in any body of water. Bromine vapors make the climate on the coast mild, they also reduce the aggressiveness of the sun, so it is almost impossible to get sunburned there.
What it treats: The Dead Sea is a real clinic for diseases of the joints and supporting apparatus, and skin diseases. Even patients with psoriasis (which is considered incurable) after a holiday at the Dead Sea experience long-term, stable remission.
Cons: When diving in the Dead Sea, you must be extremely careful not to get any sea water in your mouth or eyes. Due to the high concentration of salts, the likelihood of salt burn is high. Swimming enthusiasts are unlikely to like the Dead Sea - intense saline solution literally pushes you out of the water, so it’s impossible to swim here.
Red Sea
Salt concentration is 38-42 grams per liter of water. This is one of the warmest seas (water temperature in summer is +32°C). It has the richest underwater world, and the famous coral reefs attract diving enthusiasts from all over the world.
What it treats: the dry climate for which the Red Sea coast is famous is an ideal place for patients with bronchopulmonary diseases.
Cons: It is very hot here in summer and too windy in winter. There have been cases of shark attacks on swimmers in the Red Sea. The underwater reef area is home to many poisonous fish.
Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean seas
Salt content - 40 grams per liter. They differ in the degree of purity (the purest is Adriatic) and climate. The Adriatic and Aegean coast - low humidity and coniferous forests, the Mediterranean - hot summers and high humidity.
What it treats: prevention and rehabilitation of a wide range of diseases. High humidity is not indicated for patients with bronchopulmonary diseases.
Cons: price for vacation. Find budget place during the season it is extremely difficult. Black Sea
Salt content 18 grams per liter. Many experts consider this concentration to be ideal - excess salt does not irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and for therapeutic effect This amount of salt is quite enough.
What treats: cardiovascular, endocrine diseases, ailments of the musculoskeletal system.
Cons: not the cleanest sea.
Sea of Azov
Lightly salted (10 grams per liter), but unique in composition. Contains 92 health-promoting minerals. In addition, there are active mud volcanoes on the Azov coast (the mud contains iodine, bromine and hydrogen sulfide, which strengthen muscles and normalize metabolic processes). The climate is dry, steppe.
Disadvantages: small, industrial enterprises are located along the entire coast.
What it treats: diseases of the endocrine, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems.
Baltic Sea
The lightest salted sea (8 grams per liter). It is appreciated by vacationers who do not like heat and crowds of people. There are many coniferous forests on the Baltic coast, which fill the air with healing phytoncides.
What cures: holidays in the Baltic are ideal for elderly people and patients with heart disease vascular diseases, as well as those for whom hot climates are contraindicated.
Cons: The coldest sea - the water rarely warms up above 20 g, which makes swimming possible only for those who are prepared.

Myth two. “Since the sea is so useful, you need to swim as long as possible”

To get the benefits of sea bathing, you need to swim for at least 10-15 minutes. During this time, the body manages to adapt to temperature conditions, skin pores open, water-salt exchange begins. Doctors are wary of prolonged sea bathing. It is known that salt water has greater thermal conductivity and heat capacity - it absorbs more heat from the body, so you freeze faster in sea water than in fresh water. No matter how warm the water may seem to you, you need to either move actively in the sea or go ashore after 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, a cold cannot be avoided.
The first symptom of freezing is the appearance of goosebumps on the body. They arise due to the fact that cold receptors act on the hair follicles - and the hair on the body “stands on end.” The final signal is blue lips, which indicate deep cooling of the body. It’s better not to allow this to happen, but if something like this happens, go ashore. You need to rub yourself thoroughly with a towel and warm up in the sun.

Myth three. “The warmer the water, the better”

The optimal sea water temperature is 22-24 degrees. Although sea water contains components that have antiseptic and antibacterial effects, in places with large crowds of people the water is so heavily polluted that further heating creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Myth four. “After swimming, there is no need to rinse off the water - the sea salt remaining on the skin will continue to heal”

This is partly true. The effect of sea water continues for about 20-30 minutes after swimming. However, the body releases toxins from its cells during swimming. It's better to wash them off. In addition, if your skin has ulcers or cuts, sea salt may cause irritation.

Active research into the benefits and harms of the sea began less than 100 years ago. But even in ancient times, healers prescribed walks along the sea coast to restore strength. The sea is not only healing water and a lot of entertainment. This is oxygen-saturated air, sun-warmed sand and centuries-old stones that burn the skin. In the complex, this is the most powerful natural healer, which you can visit with almost no restrictions.

Chemical composition of sea water

In all seas and oceans, the composition of water is almost the same, but the concentration of substances varies. So the Dead Sea is considered the saltiest, and the Baltic Sea the most “fresh”. In the classical sense, sea water is an oxygen molecule connected to two hydrogen molecules. But it is sea water that contains a huge amount of impurities.

These are mainly metal salts. It is estimated that 1 kg of liquid contains an average of 35 g of salt. That is why in tropical countries the extraction of table salt from sea water is developed. Here is a list of elements that are present in water:

sodium;
bromine;
magnesium;
potassium;
fluorine;
chlorine;
calcium.

These are the main 8 elements whose ions are present in any sea water. Less than a century ago, German scientists found gold in water, albeit in insignificant quantities. The water of oceans and seas contains the most chlorides and the least carbonates. This significantly distinguishes it from fresh river water. And that is why sea water tastes salty and bitter.

The benefits of seaside holidays

Holidays on the coast involve close contact with natural healers. These are water, sand, air, sun and stones. Together, they have a unique effect on the external integument and internal organs of a person. It’s not for nothing that healing at sea is considered so popular and, most importantly, effective.

Under the influence of external natural factors Many processes are activated in the human body:

metabolism;
skin regeneration;
cleansing mucous membranes;
stimulation of heart contractions;
cholesterol breakdown;
oxygen saturation;
decrease in blood pressure.

The benefits of swimming in sea water are based on direct contact with the elements, and it is the massage of the body with waves that gives the positive effect. Under their light pressure, blood circulation and metabolism in the upper layer of the skin are stimulated. The bronchi expand and the depth of breathing improves - this good workout for the lungs and prevention of bronchitis.

2-3 weeks in the coastal zone allows you to strengthen the immune system, cleanse the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, carry out light hardening of the whole body. Children are especially sensitive to this, as they remain charged with solar and sea energy for many months after returning from the resort.

The benefit of sea air is the saturation of the body with ions of useful metals through the respiratory system and partially through the skin. This is a passive healing that is suitable for people with cardiovascular diseases, weakened by long-term illnesses or operations.

The benefits of sea water for the body

Purified sea water is now included in many therapeutic and prophylactic nasal sprays and gargles. Its alkaline environment has a positive effect on the skin and especially mucous membranes. It has been proven that regular swimming and diving for 2-3 weeks gives stable remission for sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the ENT organs.

Sea water, rich in salts, has antibacterial properties. Its components, upon systematic contact with mucous membranes and skin, kill pathogenic microbes and fungi. They are afraid of the ubiquitous staphylococcus and streptococcus - the main causative agents of inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx. If there is a fungus on the skin or nails, sea baths will help get rid of them or achieve stable remission.

Important! The most valuable components in water are iodine, bromine and calcium. It is their deficiency in the body that causes disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, nervous and endocrine system.

Bromine is a natural sedative, regulates the transmission of nerve impulses, reduces emotionality and nervousness, gives good sleep. Iodine is useful for the thyroid gland both for the prevention of pathologies and for maintaining normal functioning. Calcium is responsible for the strength of teeth and bones, normal work immune system.

The sea for children is an opportunity to partially cope with vitamin deficiency, weakened immunity, and chronic diseases of the ENT organs. Through the skin and nasopharynx, sea water nourishes skin cells with oxygen, increases hemoglobin, and helps eliminate waste and toxins. If you alternate sand baths with sea baths, the healing effect increases significantly.

Sea water treatment

Thalassotherapy is the name given to sea water treatment in official medicine. This method of healing is used in all seaside health resorts. The benefits of the sea for the human body are a comprehensive health improvement that covers all systems and organs. Diseases for which treatment with sea water is indicated:

metabolic disorders;
obesity, cellulite;
psoriasis, dermatitis;
allergy;
sinusitis, vasomotor rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoids;
tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis;
depression, increased excitability, neuroses;
asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia;
arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis;
rheumatism;
gynecological diseases.

It is believed that salty sea water has a more active effect on the body when it is heated to body temperature. These are the baths that sanatoriums offer their patients. A greater effect is achieved by combining water heating with hydromassage or shower. Under the influence of an active jet of water, a massage effect is achieved. Thanks to this, the skin warms up, the pores open, and beneficial microelements enter its deep layers. From there, they travel through the blood vessels to the internal organs, bones and joints.

The procedure is especially useful for people with problems with the musculoskeletal system or those who have suffered injuries or surgeries. Sea water in this case stimulates the healing processes of wounds and scars, and also activates the restoration of the integrity of cartilage. The benefits of swimming in the sea, although not as high as in the shower or hot tub, but also gives a good effect, especially in combination with warming sand baths.

Purified and heated sea water is used to wash the nasal sinuses for sinusitis and rhinitis; sea water also relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes for allergies. For chronic diseases of the ENT organs, it is also recommended to rinse with sea water every day for 1-2 minutes 5-6 times.

Sea water is also useful for weight loss. When bathing, everyone becomes more active metabolic processes, starting from the skin and ending with the bloodstream. Thanks to this, the processes of burning fat and breaking down cholesterol are launched. The main thing is not to make up for the lack of energy spent during swimming with sweet buns.

Hardening is another healing effect of sea water. Its temperature in the world's oceans varies depending on the region, but is always more than 10 °C lower than body temperature. With regular water procedures, blood vessels are trained, which narrow and expand under the influence of contrasting temperatures. In addition, the body increases its adaptive abilities. Such hardening best affects children's health.

Sea water for skin

Problem skin reacts positively to sea water. For the effect to be visible, baths must be regular. After bathing, do not immediately take a shower, but allow the beneficial minerals to be absorbed into the skin. Sea water is beneficial for skin and hair due to the following properties:

disinfects;
saturates with oxygen and minerals;
improves blood microcirculation in the surface layers of the skin;
regenerates;
promotes tanning.

With pimples, acne, blackheads, they dry out, inflammation disappears, and wounds from old rashes heal. The antibacterial properties of water prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microbes, which protects the skin from repeated rashes.

For atopic dermatitis of an allergic nature, sea bathing is also useful. When combined with sunbathing, long-term remission is achieved. New rashes do not appear, and old ones heal.

Sea water increases the formation of melanin, the pigment that provides tanning. In moderation, it is beneficial and protects the skin from burns.

Walks along the sea coast

Walking along the coastal area is also good for your health. The main thing is to do it correctly. Firstly, walks are done barefoot, alternating trips into the water with a walk on the sand. Secondly, it is important to choose areas of land with sand and pebbles. Thirdly, do not interrupt your walks for 2-3 weeks, regardless of the weather.

During walks, blood oxygen saturation increases, blood circulation and heart rate are normalized, and lymph is accelerated. Through the respiratory system and partially the skin, ions of useful metals enter the body, which reduces the concentration of free radicals and their negative impact per person. Walking on sand and pebbles activates points on the soles of your feet, which are responsible for the functioning of internal organs.

Walking is beneficial for absolutely everyone, but is especially valuable for people with nervous disorders and cancer.

What are the benefits of sea air?

The first, and most important thing, how sea air differs from others is its purity. It contains no dust, gases, or slags. Active oxygen, ozone and sea water particles make it very useful for children, people with respiratory diseases and allergy sufferers. Sea air treats asthma, bronchitis, and helps the lungs recover from pneumonia.

Important! The concentration of beneficial ions in the air decreases at a distance of 1000 meters from the sea.

It is best to walk and breathe the sea air at the very edge of the water, no further than 200 meters. Here the air is saturated with tiny particles of water. This is an almost healing aerosol that moisturizes mucous membranes and disinfects them. This air is also good for the skin.

Breathing is useful not only while walking or swimming. Actively increases health levels by fresh air under a canopy. At this time, the heart rate normalizes, blood pressure levels return to normal, and the immune system is strengthened.

The benefits of swimming in various seas

At sea, this means activating the work of muscles and all internal organs. But due to the peculiarities of the chemical and ionic composition of water in different reservoirs of the world, the degree of this benefit varies. To understand where it is better to improve your health, you can study information about the seas from experts.