At a recent trip to the beach, I had a great discussion with a fellow beachcomber about the positive effects of the ocean on our sense of well-being. We each described how, in almost an instant, our mood seemed to improve, our stresses diminished and long, deep breaths are easier to come by, just by walking along the beach.
Many people are transformed by the sight, smell, touch and sound of moving water, whether it be from a roaring waterfall, rolling waves, babbling brook or peaceful lake. Do you think this transformation is due to stress reduction, or is there something more to the benefits of water?
There is a theory on this phenomenon of being near large bodies of water, and it has to do with (one of) the deepest levels of science: molecules. Essentially, the negative ion (molecules) released from the moving water are beneficial in counteracting the electrical imbalances we all have, caused from free radicals.
"Free radicals" were frequently discussed indirectly in the news and on advertisements a few years ago, in the form of "anti-aging" creams and in nutrition journals warning to avoid "partially hydrogenated oils" (trans fat). The first time I heard about free radicals was from Dr. Andrew Weil, and all I can tell you is that they are bad. Seriously, Dr. Weil says, "[free radicals] are extremely toxic to cells as they oxidize and distort its vital components."
So, if we believe that free radicals are dangerous, and negative ions can counteract them, then this is grounds for a new treatment, right?! There are claims that the negative (hydrogen) ions created from the movement of water (from ocean waves, rivers, streams, waterfalls, even water evaporation) can counteract the 'toxic' effects of free radicals and neutralize the air. The claims sounds great, as this molecular process has said to help increase energy, increase serotonin levels (helping SAD and depression sufferers), improves cognitive abilities and more.
I'm not sure if this will ever be a bona fide alternative treatment, or will continue to be seen as "pop psychology", but it seems as though there is some debate as to the validity of negative ions helping to treat depression and SAD. There are many different methods to be exposed to negative ions; water is one, as is sunlight and negative ion generators (these come with warnings regarding side effects). The question for this treatment is: how much/how often is necessary for exposure to negative hydrogen ions to gain health benefits?
Have you tried any type of negative ion therapy?
Well, my negative ion "therapy" (visiting the beach) is all I need right now, at least once per year. Large bodies of water creates a wonderful setting for problem-solving, gaining perspective, loosening up and chilling out, being "small" before mother nature's creation, and above all, being curious and appreciative about your surroundings and the moment.
I would love to hear your thoughts, as well as any additional information you can add to this discussion.
Sources:
SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder) and Negative Air Ion Therapy
http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb06/sad.html
Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D.
http://www.drweil.com
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Add a Comment8 Comments
I've been ocean front for 3 months now and I seem to have forgotten
all about depression ?
This is as relaxed as I've ever been !
They say the ocean has no memory but I would say it takes your memory !
February 3, 2016 - 11:44amThis Comment
I am all for this theory and quite agree. Anytime Im sad I tend to navigate towards the shore the breeze and sounds smells everything is taken in and my mood is almost instantaneously changed for the better. I never thought there could be a science behind it but I'm glad to know I'm not alone... For the record I have a formal diagnosis of derpression currently and was catagorized early on with sad.
November 27, 2015 - 6:56pmThis Comment
I know this for certain...spending time by the sea definitely changes my mood, my outlook and even my perspective. Essentially, it serves as a natural anti-depressant. When I am feeling sad, my thoughts immediately take me to water...lakes and rivers certainly, but mostly to the ocean, particulary the rocky, sea-glass covered coast of Maine; or, depending on the season, I can easily be seduced by the shells and sand of Sanibel Island, Florida. It's instinctual. As though some inner voice or inner resource knows what I need to heal myself. Sadly, living in Western PA, it isn't as easy as getting in the car and making a day trip....it requires planning and expense. The older I get the more I realize how much my future well-being may rest in part on where I live, thus I am making efforts to find my way there permanently. It's almost as though my happiness...my life...depends on it.
October 7, 2010 - 11:30amThis Comment
Did you ever find that place?
March 3, 2015 - 11:15amThis Comment
I am so glad to have found this article and reader responses. I live in the foothills west of Denver and while it is absolutely gorgeous I feel dried up and landlocked which doesn't help my chronic depression. I'm originally from the East and I most miss the large bodies of water...especially the Ocean. For now because of career, my husband and I must stay put but I can relate to that feeling of being drawn to the water. It always helps tremendously. I could be in the worst depression and going to spend time by water always helps. For the reader who said that they realized that as they are getting older they feel they must go be by the sea, I say do it! I hope it works out. I plan to do the same some day. But in the mean time I have become a Colorado Lake hopper (not that there are many) but we do have some and it helps!
June 12, 2014 - 3:39pmThis Comment
I do wonder how much of this therapy is based on being near the water in-and-of itself, versus the combined effects of being near water AND on vacation (away from bills, responsibilities, work, messy house, etc).
What are your thoughts?
October 7, 2010 - 11:51amThis Comment
I wonder if women are more receptive to the therapeutic qualities of moving or large bodies of water, and to the sound of water, than men. Men have more of a conquering attitude toward water, I think, therefore the need to sail or voyage across the seas and the appreciation for the power of the oceans. I think that men would find more zen in raked rock gardens, again "conquering" the material.
I was born where the mountains meet the sea, so it seems to be in my nature to gravitate toward large bodies of water, rather than streams or rivers. There is definitely a significant change in my overall well-being and attitude when I'm near a lake or ocean, a feeling of being home.
But, I'm scared to death of being out in open sea. Weird, eh? I think that stems from a scary childhood memory of sailing on a steamship across the Pacific...and I'm a Navy brat, haha!
My DH, on the other hand, while he likes the beach, doesn't understand my need to be next to - not just near - water. Living inland for the past 30 years has not been my happiest experience and we're trying to agree upon a waterfront location for our retirement years...that we can afford or that isn't in the path of annual hurricanes.
Glad you were able to enjoy a lovely break at the beach!
September 25, 2008 - 5:32pmThis Comment
I must be loaded up with free radicals after living in the desert for more than 30 years -- about two hours 'down the street' from Dr. Andrew Weil -- no less.
Scientifically, I can't speak about the benefits of water on mood, but I have noticed that I sleep much more restfully when I'm around water and do notice a general change in mood when I make the transition from the beach back to the desert.
And couldn't agree with you more about how large bodies of water create a wonderful setting for problem-solving, gaining perspective, loosening up and chilling out, being "small" before mother nature's creation, and above all, being curious and appreciative about your surroundings and the moment. Very well said. Thanks for sharing.
September 25, 2008 - 3:01pmThis Comment