Blue beach, 5 June 2025 – Beyond its scenic beauty, the marine environment is a real natural medicine chest. The salty breeze, the sun on the skin, the pure air full of minerals and the direct contact with the sea water form a therapeutic cocktail with profound effects on our organism. Science is beginning to understand what the body already knows: the sea heals, balances and regenerates.
1. The sea breeze: Breathing that cleanses and revitalises
When we breathe near the sea, we inhale air charged with negative ions, natural particles that improve oxygen transport to the brain, elevate mood, and reduce mental fatigue. These ions also cleanse the airways, being especially beneficial for people with asthma or allergies.
Scientific source: A study by the University of Vienna published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (2022) demonstrated that negative ions present in marine environments contribute significantly to stress reduction and improved cognitive focus in just 15 minutes of exposure.
2. Saltpetre: Natural defoliant and energizer
Sea salt—that fine salty layer that sticks to the skin—acts as a gentle exfoliant that stimulates circulation and helps remove impurities. Its rich composition of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iodine promotes cell regeneration and soothes skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema.
3. Sea air: Clean oxygen for mind and body
Far from urban pollution, the sea air is purer and richer in oxygen. Breathing it deeply regulates blood pressure, balances the nervous system and improves sleep quality. It has also been observed that walking by the sea increases the production of serotonin, the so-called ‘happiness hormone’.
4. The sun: Vitamin D and vital energy
Sunbathing responsibly actively promotes the production of vitamin D, which is key to strengthening the immune system, absorbing calcium and preventing mood disorders such as seasonal depression. In addition, sunlight synchronizes our biological rhythms, facilitating night-time rest.
5. Seawater: Complete therapy for body and soul
Thalassotherapy—the therapeutic use of seawater—is not a modern fad, but an ancient practice. Seawater is rich in minerals that penetrate the skin and promote detoxification, relieve joint pain, and stimulate circulation. The simple act of floating generates deep muscle relaxation and noticeable stress relief.
Real testimonial:
‘I come to the sea whenever I feel overwhelmed by the city. After a few days here, my skin improves, I sleep better and my anxiety disappears as if by magic. The sea is my medicine,’ says Laura Muñoz, 38, an emotional therapist who organizes healing retreats on the coast of Cadiz.
Conclusion:
The marine environment is not just a landscape; it is a living source of health. Air, salt, sun and water work together as a natural therapy that the body recognises and appreciates. In times when stress and disconnection take their toll on us, returning to the sea is like returning to our origins.
And you, when was the last time you breathed in the sea with intention?
