Today I wanted to explore seawater immersion (often referred to as ‘thalassotherapy’ the Greek word for sea or ocean ‘thalassa’), and specifically, in the context of nature’s vast and boundless ocean.

Personally, while I grew up in mountain country, I spent all my school holidays at my grandparents, who lived by the ocean. I feel somehow that just like with my MaMa and Pa, I have a very deep and special relationship with the ocean. Every time I am in the ocean, I immediately begin to appreciate just how big and vast this life is, and that while I think I may (or may not) play an important role, that I am only a very small part of a much bigger picture. I feel a sense of calm and quiet readiness as I am one with the ocean’s movements and allow myself to follow its lead. For me it's another way of practising saucha* in my everyday life.

So WHY does ocean swimming feel so good? WHY would you NOT want to go for an ocean swim? And HOW can we maximize its benefits? Let’s take a look…

1. WHY does ocean swimming feel so good?

• Beneficial for your skin – Seawater contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc which aids in hydration, reducing inflammation, promoting cell renewal, and improving the skin barrier. In addition, the high levels of salt in seawater act as a gentle exfoliator helping to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother, softer, and more radiant. As salt does draw moisture out of the skin it is always a good idea after a swim to wash your body with fresh water and apply a gentle moisturizer.

• Aids in respiratory wellness – Seawater is great for your respiratory system. It acts as a natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory agent, which helps clear airways, reduce mucus viscosity, and soothe the respiratory tract.

• Good for circulation, cell health and antioxidant systems – There is emerging evidence that the combination of seawater and cold temperature can boost circulation and stimulate your immune system by increasing your white blood cell count and supporting antioxidant systems (which is a crucial component of and a determinant of overall cellular health, being the foundation for overall bodily function, repair, and disease prevention).

• Supports a healthy circulatory system – Ocean swimming is a low impact exercise, gentle on joints and good for cardiovascular health. The resistance from water and horizontal body position makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, while the minerals in saltwater can further boost circulation. Regular ocean swimming is also an effective way to manage weight and reduce stress, both of which benefit heart and blood vessel health.

• Promotes a sense of calm and balance – The rhythmic motion of swimming fosters a sense of mindfulness, helping to let go and focus on sensations of movement and beauty of surroundings. Feeling centered and at peace. Even infrequent exposure to blue spaces (coastal areas) is associated with lower stress levels and improved mood. The act of ocean swimming (or any swimming for that matter) is a form of mindfulness and provides a valuable escape from daily stress.

2. WHY would you NOT want to go for an ocean swim?

   Interestingly, there are some reasons why some people prefer not to go to the beach and not venture into the ocean water, despite all its benefits. These include:

• Fear of the ocean, referred to as ‘thalassophobia’ (which is distinct from aquaphobia, which is a general fear of water). Some who suffer from thalassophobia experience physical reactions like rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and nausea, or/and emotional and behavioral responses such as intense anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance of large bodies of water.

• Fear of swimming or drowning, due to not having learnt to swim or due to considering themselves a ‘non-swimmer’. This causes some to become scared to enter or even go near the ocean as they do not feel confident enough to do so.  

• Fear of the unknown, due to the inability to see the bottom of the ocean or concern for what may lie beneath the surface. This can create a major source of anxiety that leads to a person's imagination fantasizing about possible dangers. Sometimes, a person’s fear or negative perception of the ocean can be influenced by news, social interactions or past experiences.

  I have good news! There are steps that can be taken to overcome fears relating to the ocean and seawater immersion. Examples include learning to swim, practicing deep breathing, using relaxation techniques, gradually increasing exposure to the ocean, create safe spaces to practice (i.e. ocean pools or sheltered bays where you can stand or see the bottom of the ocean) and consider engaging a healthcare professional to support your journey.

3. HOW can we maximize its benefits?

• Ocean Swim Safety – Always remember general water safety measures such as never swimming alone, obeying all posted signs and flags, swimming in life-guarded areas wherever possible, swimming according to the conditions, and using sun protection (e.g., sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing). Did you know, most ocean rescues are due to rip currents. So, if caught in a rip current, stay calm, don't fight the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current, then swim back to the beach at an angle.

  Always supervise children when in or around water. My personal rule of thumb is to always have an adult who can swim at arms distance from a swimming child. Remembering that lifeguards aren’t babysitters, and we are responsible for looking after our children in and around water.

• Schedule it in! Be Consistent! – Consistency is the key for long-term health benefits, however, if location or time prevents frequent ocean swims, remember that even swimming once a month or every now and again can still have positive short term impacts your health and well-being.

In conclusion, I believe seawater immersion is magic! It continues to blow me away by its sheer power, serene beauty, and with the right knowledge, potential for enhancing our everyday well-being. Did you know, my husband never learnt to swim as a child. His life path led to him to first learn to surf with friends, then to scuba dive, and only then through these seawater immersion experiences he thought it might be a good idea to learn to swim by undertaking formal swimming lessons. He now swims at least once a week for fitness and as many weekends as possible in the ocean for fun with the family.

So, I ask why not plan steps towards a regular dip in the ocean and let nature’s medicine work its magic.

*'Saucha' (translates to 'cleanliness' or 'purity') is the first of the Niyamas, together with the Yamas, forming an ethical framework for living in harmony with one another, and experiencing deep inner peace.

** For more information on seawater immersion and 'blue space research' refer: Dr. Mathew White's research on 'environment, climate & health'; Sarah L Bell's research on 'Seeking everyday wellbeing: The coast as a therapeutic landscape'; Article by Farz Edraki - ABC Everyday.