The Dead Sea, located in the Jordan Rift Valley on Israel-Jordan border, has been a health destination since ancient times, and to this day it’s internationally renowned for the restorative properties of its mineral-dense water. Each year, thousands of people travel to its shores to ease ailments such as psoriasis, arthritis and heart conditions.
A Unique Wonder of Nature
The Dead Sea is 1,000 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth, and it has almost nine times the salt content of the ocean. The high levels of salinity and the concentration of minerals that keep fish and other aquatic species from growing in the Dead Sea are the reason it got its name, but it’s a bit of a misnomer.
While it may be one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, it’s also one of the most nutrient-dense. Thanks to the unique climate and conditions that formed this rare inland sea, it contains a high-concentration of minerals, such as magnesium, bromide, calcium and potassium. Many of the minerals in this aquatic anomaly cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
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A Rejuvenating and Healing Destination
The greater density of minerals in the Dead Sea creates a noticeable difference in buoyancy for soaking, allowing nutrients to seep into the skin and joints. (Visitors who go for a dip in these waters feel like they’re floating rather than swimming). The nutrient-rich minerals of the water and unique quality of the air make the Dead Sea a rejuvenating place for people with many varying health conditions.
Skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne are noticeably improved after a good soak. Indeed, soaking in the Dead Sea for about an hour a day can improve skin ailments up to 88 percent. The magnesium found here is believed to improve circulation and skin hydration while reducing inflammation.
Those suffering from arthritis and joint pain or recovering from joint surgery find relief in the Dead Sea. Not only does the greater buoyancy of the water and the warmer climate soothe aching limbs, but the sea’s minerals stimulate greater circulation, which sends nutrients directly to the affected area, removes stiffness and helps turn on joint repair genes. Many enthusiastic travelers with arthritis find it harder and harder to see the world like they used to, but a visit to the Dead Sea will check one of the most interesting places on Earth off the bucket list while easing their tired joints.
People with certain heart conditions can find reprieve here, as well. The area of Jordan that surrounds the Dead Sea is a low-elevation and high-oxygen location, which means that people with certain heart conditions can reap the rewards from this extremely hospitable environment. There are plenty of hikes and activities for those seeking exercise as a form of relaxation, as well.
The Dead Sea, with its lack of development and vegetation, has a relatively low level of allergens and pollutants compared to other places in the world. Those with respiratory issues will enjoy the unique atmosphere and delight in the ability to breathe a little easier.
[See: The 12 Best Heart-Healthy Diets.]
A Worthy Journey
Recent investments in the area have improved the roads and access to the remote location, allowing greater opportunities for travelers to experience its direct benefits without sacrificing modern conveniences. There are several first-class spa facilities and resorts that offer mud baths, massages, facials and other detoxifying health treatments luxurious enough to make any visitor feel like royalty. Several of these resorts also offer private beaches that allow total relaxation when soaking in the water of the Dead Sea.
In recent years, it’s become popular to recreate or bottle the nutrients found here and to ship them all over the world. While this may be beneficial to some, the only real way to fully reap the benefits of the Dead Sea is to visit it in person. Visitors from all walks of life come here each year for its health benefits.
[See: 9 Ways to Boost Your Immune System.]
The unique health benefits of the Dead Sea, including the mineral content of the water, the low allergens and pollutants in the atmosphere, as well as the high oxygen levels, make for an extremely unusual but restorative and healing vacation.
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How a Trip to the Dead Sea Can Benefit Your Health originally appeared on usnews.com
