The first step in achieving health and happiness is to define what it means to you. It is not just our body but our mind and soul that need attention. Unwind and relax as the sights and sounds of the nearby rainforests and beaches allow you to escape completely, rejuvenate and revitalize; a perfect opportunity to explore nature and seek tranquility. In Costa Rica we wrap the elements of beauty in the same place, because one looks good when one feels good.
A trip to the beach, specially in Costa Rica, is almost always seen as an opportunity to have fun, soak in the sun and relax by the poolside with drink in hand. One cannot deny that this is one of the main goals of going to the beach, but in case you didn't know it, being close to the ocean can also be beneficial to your health.
Conchal Beach
Sand, sea breeze, algae and salty water form a cocktail of real medicines for several illnesses or conditions, among them varicose veins, bronchitis and rheumatism, due to their high mineral content, such as iodine and sodium. In addition to health, the sea can provide you with important aesthetic benefits.
To take advantage of the rejuvenating and curative qualities of these elements, people can do activities such as walking on the beach, cover their bodies with sand and algae, and take salt water baths.
One of the most sought-after physical therapies right now is thalassotherapy, which involves, precisely, using the minerals present in sand, water and algae for aesthetic treatments such as exfoliation, nutrition and weight loss. In Costa Rica only a handful of places offer this type of therapy, but it's gaining in popularity very quickly.
Thalassotherapy is used for the most part for aesthetic reasons, but seawater and sand can also be used for physical rehabilitation and posture problems," explained physical therapist Viviana Gutierrez.
Fountain of life and beauty
Gutierrez explained that people can enjoy the benefits of the coast without having to go to a spa or an aesthetics center, just by doing certain things.
Whether you live near the coast or are on vacation there, a very healthy activity, which also adds to relaxation, is walking on the beach. This exercise helps improve blood circulation to the bottom of your feet and legs, so it's recommended for people who suffer from varicose veins.
If you like to get your feet wet while you walk down the beach, you will benefit from the massage given to your feet and ankles by the motion of the waves. For those who would like to firm up their legs and buttocks, walking with the water up to your thighs, raising your legs high in each step, is an excellent exercise for muscle toning.
And even your skin will benefit from being close to the sea, as being in contact with the sun is a form of natural exfoliation, which leaves the skin softer and smoother.
Gutierrez indicated that sand can be used as part of the so-called sand-therapy, which involves covering certain parts of the body in sand and marine algae and leave them exposed to the heat, so that the skin can absorb nutrients more effectively.
Sand is amazingly rich in minerals, same as algae, which are said to have antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, in addition to combating cellulite and flaccid skin. Breathing the sea's air can also cure problems such as bronchitis and help with expectoration, that is, eliminating phlegm faster.
Both sea sand and water are also excellent allies in the processes of rehabilitation, treatment of flat foot, and for curing problems of sensitivity, rheumatism and lumbago.
A person that is standing in the sea improves his or her balance through the coming and going of the waves. Additionally, those who have suffered spine injuries or other types of accidents can receive sea-bathing therapies to improve sensitivity.
It's easier to float in salt water, and that's why it's recommended for rehabilitation exercises for people with spine injuries, lumbago or rheumatism, since the weight of the body doesn't put as much pressure on joints and muscles", Gutierrez said.
So now you know it. The next time you visit the beach, remember that the sea can be, besides lots of fun, a therapy that will improve your life.
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