Whether you are doing Qi-gong, T’ai chi chuan, Yoga, meditating or just walking, practice by the ocean has real therapeutic benefits. The ancient Chinese regarded life force or qi received from the environment of the ocean to have a strong cleansing and purifying effect on the three layers of the body’s energy field, thereby helping to boost the immune system. They believed that the body’s cells absorb the light, energy and resonant vibrations that are stored in oceans, lakes, streams and rivers and now western science is proving them right.

Research tells us the active flow and sound of waves alters the wave patterns in the brain soothing you into a deeply calm and relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help revitalize your mind and your body. Meditating by the ocean has been proven to disperse negative or toxic emotions.

Sea air is mineral rich and charged with healthy negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen. These negative ions help balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical associated with mood and stress. Another health benefit in doing your healing art by the beach in the morning or evening is the beach itself. Oceans, lakes and ponds absorb light, energy and heat from the sun. The sun feels magnified; with just 15 minutes of sunshine the body absorbs 20,000cc of vitamin D through the skin and eyes to our endocrine system. During this process the body releases its "feel good chemicals." To date we have a pill available that supplies only 2000cc. Cancer patients in particular, as well as, people dealing with the health challenges of other auto-immune diseases (Multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis), are associated with inadequate levels of vitamin D. According to research published in the American Journal of Public Health, the natural form of vitamin D, known as D3, may prevent the growth and spread of various cancers, including skin cancers. D3 is normally produced in the skin by being exposed to sunlight and can also be obtained from certain foods.

Whether you live near an ocean, stream, lake, or river practicing a healing art or just sitting by these large bodies of water can offer genuine health benefits.

John M. Walcott is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Qi-gong association www.nqa.org . He is the founder of the Vero Beach Qi-gong Society and the compiler of the Cloudwalker mind body healing system© www.thecloudwalker.com.