Since the ocean covers 71/% of earth's surface, holds 97% of earth's water, is the greatest source of oxygen, food and medicinal ingredients and is home to 80% of all living organisms, it plays an important role in all of our lives.  However, there is nothing like the role it plays in our lives when we can be near or in the ocean.

As you sit on the ocean beach listening to the great roar of the waves, feeling the ocean breeze blow through your hair and enjoying the warmth of the sun on your skin, you just feel wonderful.  Have you ever wondered why?  It turns out that there is a significant amount of science behind the great feelings you have as you sit on that beach.

Stress Reduction Benefits.

I am sure that we all realize that listening to the waves pounding on the shore has stress reduction benefits.  The waves put us in a meditative state.  There are many benefits to meditation including increased happiness, improved peace of mind, better concentration, more spontaneity and creativity.  And meditation is said to help you discover the purpose of life.

Many of us do not meditate on a regular basis.  When you are next to the ocean, I believe it is very hard not to meditate and receive all of the benefits of meditation!

From a scientific point of view, the minerals in the sea air decrease stress and increase a sense of well being.  Salt in water preserves the melatonin, tryptamine and serotonin levels in your brain.  This helps with fighting off depression or improving your sense of well being.

Research has also shown that sounds of waves alter wave patterns in the brain resulting in a calmer state.

Water temperature also plays a major role in your emotional health when swimming in ocean water. Cool ocean water in the spring and fall months provides a soothing treatment for your nerves while warmer waters in the summer months relax your muscles, according to Dr. Connie Hernandez and Dr. Marcel Hernandez of Pacific Naturopathic in Mountain View, California.

Sea Water Contains Many Minerals.

Studies indicate that the minerals contained in the ocean's water help with arthritis, psoriasis and even depression.  Other skin diseases such as rosaeca, eczema and rashes from plant allergies or heat are positively affected by the ocean water.

Ocean water contains iodine which boosts thyroid function and improves the immune system.  When you are in sea water the amount of oxygen carried throughout your bloodstream is improved and more nutrients are carried through your bloodstream to fight off free radicals. And ocean water improves circulation of blood to organs.

Sea Air Also Provides Benefits.

As the waves break on the shoreline, air particles break apart releasing ions into the atmosphere.  Some scientists claim that sea air contains an abundance of negatively charged ions.  In today's society we have too many positive ions in our life.  You may know positive ions by another name - free radicals.  Because electricity, computers, TV and electronics are all sources of positive ions in our lives, it is easy to see why we have a shortage of negative ions.  Increasing our exposure to negative ions has many health benefits including enhancing the immune system, increasing alertness and improving concentration.

So schedule your trip to the beach today and enjoy immense health benefits!