A Gift from God

The Sea is good for your health...

Vietnam has more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline with such famous beaches as Bãi Cháy (Quảng Ninh Province), Sầm Sơn (Thanh Hóa Province), Thuận An and Lăng Cô (Thừa Thiên-Huế Province), Nha Trang (Khánh Hòa Province), Phan Thiết (Bình Thuận Province), Vũng Tàu and Long Hải (Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu Province).

Sea vacations are very good for your health in a variety of ways. Seawater has good effects on human skin, muscles, bones, and the digestive and respiratory systems. Sea air is fresh and good not only for healthy people but also for those suffering from asthenia or those in convalescence. The small temperature difference between day and night helps boost appetite, sleep and relaxation.

Thalassic (of the sea) therapy has made full use of the sea's advantages for a long time. Saltwater stimulates the skin and the nervous system, accelerating metabolism. Sea waves and swimming boost the respiratory system, bringing more oxygen to the cells; this also stretches blood vessels and thus facilitates better blood circulation. Muscles and bones can develop well with the help of swimming through the resistance of sea waves.



Tips on thalassic therapy



 - You should let your sweat dry before plunging into the sea. Do not swim on an empty stomach. Keep moving continuously while you are in the water in order to keep your body warm. To prevent muscle cramps while you are swimming, avoid excessive movements in the water.



 - Despite its advantages to health, the sea and its atmosphere are not good for those suffering from bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney and ear inflammations. Water therapy is not good for those who have mental illnesses or are intolerant of the coolness of the seawater.



 - Do not become exposed to too much sunlight. Apply anti-sunlight lotions 30 minutes before bathing or sunbathing; repeat the application after every two to three hours. It is better to wear anti-ultraviolet sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful radiations of the sun.



(This article is adapted and translated from the Vietnamese original by Dr. Vu Dinh in Suc Khoe & Doi Song magazine - issue No. 388, June 2006)