Vitamin Sea : Ways To Use The Healing Magic Of The Ocean

We live on a planet covered by majestic deep blue seas. In fact, 70% of the Earth's surface is underwater. Our climate and health are both intimately connected to the ocean, as half the oxygen we breathe is being produced by plants growing in the sea. It makes sense that if the sea is our source of life here on Earth, then the ocean could contain secrets to our health that just don't exist on land. So let's explore exactly how to tap into the power of the sea to expand our health.

The beach helps us recharge. Is there anything better? I’ve just returned from a trip to Port Douglas and there’s just no place as relaxing, beautiful or pleasant and no place that combines the simple pleasures of unplugging and enjoying nature.

Many people (me included) feel a certain magnetic attraction to the beach. Well, it turns out there are some physiological reasons why that extend past just the simple relaxation… Certainly, the waves and smell of the salt air are great for relaxation, but the beach itself provides some subtle health benefits.

Sunshine is a great source of vitamin D

The most natural and substantial source of vitamin depends on how much UVB light gets through to you. The light reacts with a cholesterol related compound and metabolites into Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, creates healthy skin and helps improve mental health.

Sand is a natural exfoliant

Do you ever wonder why it feels so good to walk on sand? It’s because there are somewhere between 3,000 & 7,000 nerve endings in each foot that awaken when you walk across those tiny grains. Wet sand acts as a natural exfoliant and peels off dead skin cells from your feet (and really anywhere else on the body) leaving them renewed and much softer.

Find your happy place

Sunlight has been shown to decease depression, common sense would tell us that people tend to be happier in the warmer months and less so in the gloomier winter months, but it’s been scientifically proven that sunshine can make us happier, as with increased sunlight exposure, levels of serotonin increase, having a positive effects on factors such as stress, sleep and appetite.

Seawater preserves elasticity of skin

The ocean is full of anti aging minerals that can counter the decline of your skins elasticity among other things…. This is great, great news! As we grow older, our skin as well as other things, tends to lose its tightness and suppleness.

Among several benefits, swimming in seawater can help increase your immune system function, improve circulation, improve your mood, promote overall well-being and hydrate your skin.

A day at the beach will get you moving without even trying

I know when I’m at the beach I’m usually engaging in some form of physical activity, right? Whether you are swimming, surfing, beach cricket, volleyball, SUP’s, yoga or even just walking through the sand to find a nice spot to lay out towel and read a great book, it’s a rare day when you go to the beach and do nothing.

Detox Yourself

Unplugging is good for the mind, body and soul. Let go of the tablet and smartphones and allow yourself a technology free escape to this oasis to help you re-center and decrease your stress levels. When we are constantly plugged in it can be associated with stress, loss of sleep and depression, plus who wants sand in their devices.

Meditative sounds of the waves

Since ancient times, humans have assigned healing and transformational properties to water. In ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicinal wisdom, and traditional Chinese medicine, the water element is crucial to balancing the body and creating physical harmony. Water has symbolized rebirth, spiritual cleansing and salvation.

Even our affinity for water is even reflected in the near-universal attraction to the color blue. We're naturally drawn to aquatic hues, the color blue is overwhelming chosen as the favorite color of people around the world.

Emotionally water inspires us to be more compassionate & connected The emotion of awe invokes feelings of a connection to something beyond oneself, a sense of the vastness of nature and an attempt to make sense of the experience.

You switch from a 'me' orientation to a 'we' orientation, experiencing feelings of awe can increase our capacity for connection and empathy, that 'one with the universe' feeling,"

Getting creative

When at the ocean we allow our minds a chance to rest and wander freely and when we do, the mind switches into a different mode of engagement, known as the default mode network -- the brain network associated with daydreaming, imagination, consolidation of memories, self-referential thought, insight and introspection. The default mode network is extremely important for creativity, insights and transformations.

Want to treat yourself to the ultimate de-stressing combination?

Ananda Yoga Hub is hosting a yoga retreat to the sun drenched tropical island of Gili Meno this September / October. I’d love for you to join me for an all inclusive 7 days 6 nights retreat in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, – Gili Meno, Lombok.

This retreat is specifically designed to help you experience bliss and all of the delightful benefits of finding your Vitamin Sea. With daily yoga for all levels, special workshops, cultural excursions, delicious meals and plenty of time to relax, this retreat will be a dream come true.

To find out more information, click HERE. We would love to have you.

The beach is a magical place that can recharge you and help you stay fit physically, mentally and spiritually. For those reasons alone, beach visits are seriously healthy, not to mention pretty pleasant. Just remember to wear your sunscreen.

Namaste : Amanda