 The fabled beauty that lies within the Dead Sea basin is not a secret - but the grand effectiveness of its healing powers are. Spanning from Jordan to the West Bank in Israel, the enchanting tea-colored seas and its deep, salty waters stand as a symbol of purity, health and vitality. The splendor of natural elements on the Jordanian side of the lake caused it to be dubbed long ago as “the most fertile spot in Judea." Thousands of years ago, the fruitful banks attracted the likes of King David and Herod the Great as a home for relaxation and reflection… after all the Byzantine Empire certainly caused a fair amount of stress – even for kings. The concentrated mud and salts were used by the Ancient Egyptians for mummification or preservation, (and as recent as fifteen minutes ago by me to exfoliate and restore my dull winter skin.)
Today, this just may be the ideal place on earth for the upkeep of your health. From the low-allergen content of the air and the low atmospheric pressure, to the reduced glare of ultraviolet radiation and high mineral content in the water and earth (mud), the Dead Sea is widely studied among scientists, health nuts, spa-goers and travelers worldwide for the vitality that the waters provide. Why is a sea that rich with such powerful healers called “dead”? The high saline and mineral content make it impossible for aquatic sea life and plants to survive – allowing some of the purest water on earth to remain. The salt content ranges from 30%-35% (about 9%,) while the earth’s oceans average about 3%. Curative Benefits – Mud and salt extracted from the sea is one of the beauty industry’s most touted weapons to tighten and firm aging and damaged skin, removing impurities and toxins from tissues and cells while increasing circulation. After just one use, cellular regeneration and restoration begins, resulting in more radiant, healthy skin. Skin Softener – a natural exfoliant, Dead Sea Salts are soft and gentle and easily absorbed into the skin while washing away dead skin cells. Use circular movements (always - this increases circulation) and expect a light tingle. Eczema and Psoriasis – Reduced UV rays and substantial levels of sodium are powerful cures for these irritating skin conditions. While the term “pouring salt on a wound” carries a different and often negative connotation, this is opposite with sufferers of such skin disorders. As a long-time sufferer of eczema as a child, I can attest that salt from marine waters does cure the condition. In my case it happened in Hawaii – ending my 17-year bout with eczema (and inspiring my vegan bodycare brand, Hawaiian Skin.) The combination of salt water and Thalassotherapy for an extended period of time resulted in clear, happy skin – which I have had with ever since. Disinfectant – The waters provide natural cleansing properties, deeply penetrating dermal cells and eradicating hardened sebum. Sebum (a product of the Sebaceous gland,) is a naturally occurring fatty acid that secretes wax and oil, resulting in such skin conditions as acne, sebaceous cysts, hyperplasia, sebaceous adenoma & sebaceous gland carcinoma. Oh, you can also count on the minerals removing dirt, makeup residue and free radicals.
Related therapies - There are many healing and wellness therapies that take advantage of unique environmental conditions, including: - Climatotherapy: Use of environmental healing factors to benefit health including: humidity, barometric pressure, sunshine, climate, temperature, and atmospheric properties.
The Dead Sea (also called the "Salt Sea,") is facing considerable water level loss every year due to environmental factors in the region and global warming. So, keep it on your wander-radar, and enjoy the brilliant healing waters while you can. |
