Delving into the enriching experience of nature’s medicine
During my 6 month drive around the USA, I swam in lakes, rivers and waterfalls nearly every day, and every time I did, I felt that a part of me healed, both physically and spiritually.
When I realized how much my body craved water, and how much of a tolerance I built to swimming in icy cold 50 degree glacier water, I knew the hype was true about cold plunges and the healing powers of water.
A study by the University of Oregon found that brief 15 minute hot water baths benefit arthritis, lowers blood pressure, relieves muscle spasms, cramps, internal congestion and relaxes the body.
Brief cold water baths, about 3 minutes or less have positive effects like lowering extreme fever from disease or heart attack, and increasing energy level. A cold water bath also stimulates the body, promotes resistance to disease and increases vitality.
Water has a unique ability to lift our spirits by restoring and refreshing the mind and body, but it goes deeper. Surfers and sailors are say there is something spiritual about being out on the water. The tranquil sounds of moving water and the beauty and serenity of bodies of water are compelling reasons to leave your other thoughts and worries behind.
Flowing water has a calming effect on people because of the soothing sound of rushing water which can be meditative and calming.
Water’s healing capacity as a medical treatment is well-documented historically. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, stated that "nature should be used to heal the body”. He was a strong advocate of baths as medical treatment nearly 2500 years ago. Spas and bathhouse were initially created as places of healing and cleansing, then later became the social gatherings they are today.
Bath houses or spas offered a variety of healing options like hot or cold water baths, sea or mineral water treatments, showers, steam and sauna rooms, or exercise and therapy in the waters. Many of the illnesses and injuries from ancient times were cured or assuaged with ‘the waters.’
Water cures have fallen out of favor in recent centuries, but there is a reason people feel so connected to water. It's still there, it hasn't lost its healing powers, and it's available to us whenever we want.
Everything we need to heal ours, nature has already given us. We just gotta get out and see for ourselves ✨🧚🌿🌊💧💦
