IT'S NO WONDER THAT THE DEAD SEA HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH, REHABILITATION, RECREATION AND BEAUTY SPA RESORT.
Follow the mineral-rich muddy footprints of Herod, Solomon and Cleopatra to the legendary Dead Sea and resorts developed round its adjacent hot springs. This famed health destination, at the world's lowest dry point, is known for helping with rheumatic and skin problems.
IT'S NO WONDER THAT THE DEAD SEA HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL HEALTH, REHABILITATION, RECREATION AND BEAUTY SPA RESORT.
The Dead Sea is the only place in the world that combines it all; year-round hot weather, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, therapeutic UVB solar radiation, a mineral-rich salt sea, world famous mineral-rich mud, thermomineral hot springs and luxurious spas.
Research has shown that the combined climatic factors have a long lasting positive therapeutic effect on dermatological diseases such as psoriasis ,eczema and rheumatic or degenerative joint diseases.
So next time you are weighing between a fun vacation or a health retreat, choose the Dead Sea - and enjoy the best of both worlds!
The Dead Sea Lives!
In the last century, the Dead Sea area has become the largest natural spa in the world. Optimal combination of weather, natural resources (Dead Sea minerals) and geographical location makes this region a complete holistic experience for body and soul. Dead Sea minerals and mud from the Dead Sea strengthen all body systems; desert plants and a variety of herbs that grow in the region have been known since Biblical times to cure and heal diseases and their symptoms. Dry climate contributes to the healing process and solar radiation, the suns UV rays that are a usual threat, and rightly so, become means of healing for the body in the Dead Sea.
Water, Dead Sea minerals and Mud
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and is the largest deposit of minerals essential for proper functioning of the body. Spreading Dead Sea mineral mud from the shores of the lake on the body, face and even hair, have an ideal combination of minerals for our skin.
48 different types of minerals are in the lake, making it a unique natural phenomenon. The combination of the Dead Sea minerals allows you to float on the water and relax your muscles and body. Bathing in the water of the Dead Sea facilitate the absorption of substances through the skin so that the improvement in the skin is almost instantaneous and visible after a short period.
Bathing in the sea or the application of black mud directly on the skin enriches the skin with a variety of Dead Sea minerals.
Potassium Potassium participates in regulating the production of natural fat in the skin, increases the level of moisture.
Magnesium Magnesium stimulates protein synthesis and helps create energy
.Bromine Bromine helps to heal and soot inflammation.
Calcium Calcium protects the cell membranes, regulates permeability and normalizes the activity of the cells.
Sodium Sodium improves cell metabolism and helps maintain moisture levels.
Manganese (MN) Manganese acts as an anti - oxidant, increases blood flow to the capillaries, improves condition connective tissue.
Zinc Zinc helps renew cells, stimulates synthesize elastic fibers, neutralizes free radicals, balance the secretion of fat, prevents infections, and even sunscreen.
Strontium Strontium relaxing and reduces skin irritation shape centered.
Elements of these valuable Dead Sea minerals our body does not produce and therefore our body needs from an external source.
Sulfur springs, found on the shores of the Dead Sea and black mud from the bottom of the lake also have these valuable Dead Sea minerals. The Dead Sea is saturated with effective protein and algae fossils such as Dunaliella (rich in vitamins beta - carotene and amino acids) that help slow the aging process of the skin.
Together, all these elements make the Dead Sea and the Dead Sea minerals a valuable natural source of health and beauty for skin, body and mind.
Climate Factors
Sun and dry climate as a cure.
Exposure to sunlight is dangerous and can cause skin cancer beyond being a major cause of premature aging of the skin. Only the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, sunlight exposure helps cure chronic skin diseases using Heliotherapy (heliotherapy). This method combined with Thalassotherapy method (immersion in water of springs or the Dead Sea) has been proven to be the most effective cure of severe skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (atopic dermatitis) and Vitalgo, acne and more.
Heliotherapy
The uniqueness of solar radiation at the Dead Sea is characterized by the composition of both UVB and UVA rays. UVB (short rays) rays are known to have less radiation and UVA (long rays) rays are weak at such a low point. Differences in the composition of the radiation and unique climate conditions are due to natural filters in the atmosphere.
These three components act as a filtering screen reducing the intense and harmful rays of the sun.
* Being the lowest point on earth the solar rays are scattered by air molecules, water vapor and aerosols.
* There is a dense haze of aerosols (minerals) over the region caused by evaporation of water due to the extreme heat in this region throughout all seasons.
* The ozone layer also contributes to the attenuation of ultraviolet rays.These natural factors allow a longer stay under the sun and help to cure inflammatory skin conditions. This type of therapy should be given or used under carefully measured conditions to insure the deep layers of the skin are not damaged or harmed.
Special climatic data of the Dead Sea and their healing abilities have been tested by a large number of physicians in clinical trials around the world. Studies have shown beyond any doubt, that Heliotherapy helps in healing skin diseases and disorders. Today, the Dead Sea is known as the best natural treatment of psoriasis and known to have some of the world's best solarium sites.
Desert Vegetation The Dead Sea and the Judean Desert region's ecosystem are quite remarkable. In this dry area it's hard to imagine that plants are able to survive despite the drought and heat. Plants have adapted to these dry conditions by sending roots deep into the sand. These roots are covered with a wax substance that helps collect any water or moisture in the air. These plants were gathered and used in ancient times and were effective in healing many diseases of the body, mind and soul.
Resistance to harsh environmental conditions gives extracts derived from plants of the desert the ability to moisturize and revitalize your skin. Today, living a modern lifestyle usually comes with stress, along with accelerated aging process due to environmental damage. These interfere with normal functioning of our bodies systems, slowing regeneration of the skin and speeding up the aging process. Around the Dead Sea there are many spas where you can experience a variety of natural extract remedies to encourage the restoration and regeneration capabilities of your skin and see and feel immediate results.
Variety of desert plants (medical plants) unique to the Dead Sea area:
Moore Myrrh extract - Extract derived from the myrrh trees roots, grows in harsh environments and is known to be used by ancient kings for its quintessential scent. Today, after scientific research shows that the rich myrrh is effective as an antiseptic substance that prevents chronic inflammation in the body and aromatherapy fragrance that soothes the soul.
Wild thyme - THYMUS SERPILLUM
Desert plant known as an anti - cellulite and firming agent. The extract is known to be rich in oils. The leaves contain caffeine extract, Rosemary acid, oleic acid, and Ursula acid. Additionally the plant is rich in anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and as an anti-bacterial extract. Gives a cool feeling on the skin.
Artemisia - ARTEMISIA
A resistant shrub growing in the Judean Desert and the Negev. This shrub has thick roots that are covered with a waxy-cool layer helping it to prevent evaporation of water. Wormwood is mentioned in the Bible as a medicinal herb healing diseases and wounds. Known to be used in cosmetic use for its rich source of anti-oxidants and soothing of the skin.the plant also acts as an anti - inflammatory by inhibiting the activity of Hhialoronidz (enzyme Hyaluronic Acid) in the skin. Inhibiting this enzyme activity prevents the skin from sagging and leaves the skin ample, fresh and youthful. The plant also contains Sntonin oil with healing properties. The Artemisia is used primarily in the Chinese medicine of "moxa" practice (heat sticks).
Rumex crispus - RUMEX
Desert shrub with healing properties that provide an answer to a wide variety of skin problems. The plant delays cell division making it a perfect cure for a variety of skin problems such as psoriasis, seborrhea or dandruff. Contains tannins (anti - oxidant), oxalic acid which causes mild peeling of the skin, as well as minerals and vitamins from group B.
Saltbush - ATRIPLEX
Plant that grows in dry and salty lands (in sizes 15 different types), it succulent, sometimes the color red, pink or white, but most species is green - gray. The leaves taste salty and hence the name. The plant is mentioned in the Book of Job and in ancient times was used as a seasoning and cure stomach aches. Used cosmetic ingredients plant feed produced excellent skin or moist extract, soothing and rich in minerals eases muscle pain and promise massage gives a feeling of tranquility.
Allachmilo - ALCHEMILLA VULGARIS
Plant growing in the Judean Desert. Its used as a anti - bacterial, antiseptic and natural preservative. It helps to balance the level of progesterone and contributes to delay the aging process of the skin. Among the active ingredients phenols, tannins and plant sterols are used as an ingredient in anti - aging, salicylic acid gives a gentle peeling of the skin.
Balsam - BALANITES ROXURGHII
A typical plant in the Jordan Valley and the Judean Desert. Contains disinfectants and oil known as "balm of Gilead". Its used for massage, muscle relaxation, and against joint pain.
Jujube - ZIZYPHUS JUJOBA
Jujube tree is used as an important element in Chinese medicine. The plant mostly grows in the Judean Desert. The fruit produces an extract that neutralizes free radical activity and gives the skin moisture. Also contains soothing substances that induce calmness and prevent insomnia.
Dialogue partners - ZYGOPHYLLUM
Desert shrub used to treat and soothe the skin. Contains moisturizing ingredients that absorb water. Gives an immediate sense of comfort to the skin.
Skin Diseases & Treatments
Dead Sea – A natural healing spa
Very few places in the world can boast the ability to cure diseases just by their existence. The Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, is also the only place where healing of a variety of skin diseases and muscle aches occur by just floating in the mineral rich water.
Countless studies have shown that rare combination of natural forces in the Dead Sea create unusual conditions for natural healing of skin diseases. In the middle of the last century the Dead Sea became a focus of top doctors and professionals because of its unique healing abilities. The ability to heal is not only because of the minerals found in the Dead Sea but also to do with the sun and relaxed resort atmosphere. These components have encouraged tourists from around the world to flee to the Dead Sea seeking natural healing without chemical or drugs, by the sun, by bathing in the water of the Dead Sea and with a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Various skin diseases find relief in the Dead Sea. Some of the most common diseases are: Vitalgo, utopian dermatitis (atopic dermatitis), Aichtiozis (Ichtyosis), acne vulgaris (acne vulgaris) and even skin cancer in the early stages (Micozis Fongoaids). Arthritis and fibromyalgia (pain in the muscles and tendons) are also amongst the diseases and disorders that benefit from the Dead Sea.
The most common skin disorder that benefits from the minerals and sun of the Dead Sea is Psoriasis. Extensive studies of psoriasis, in 1996 (Stone - Paz), 1998 (Halevy and Skolnick) and 2003 (mountain) have all found a major link between the Dead Sea and relief of Psoriasis. The studies found that 76% of visitors with Psoriasis that came to the Dead Sea have achieved an improvement of 75 points in the index symptoms (PASI) during an average of 23 weeks after treatment. In addition, they've found that the skin (with Psoriasis symptoms) does not develop resistance to natural therapies (such as in regular cortisone / steroid treatments and drugs).
Treatment can be repeated as many times as needed in order to achieve easement with Psoriasis symptoms. Studies have shown that after each treatment for psoriasis the same level of success was achieved.
What is psoriasis disease?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, also known under the same umbrella as auto-immune diseases. Auto-immune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system attacks rather than defends the body. Psoriasis is a hereditary disease, typically found in immigrants from Europe. In general, Psoriasis erupts at any age but typically it occurs between the ages of 20-30 and ages 50-60.
When Psoriasis erupts at a younger age it is usually expressed in a more harsh way on the body.
A Psoriasis outbreak in the skin is caused by accelerated distribution of epidermal cells (top layer of skin). A Psoriasis outbreak generates large red areas on the skin with very dry spots where the skin cracks, often accompanied with an itching sensation. Psoriasis affects the skin, nails and may also appear in the lips and tongue.
Dead Sea treatments for Psoriasis:
The Dead Sea area offers four major types of treatments that based on natural resources of the region:
- Solar radiation - Heliotherapy - controlled sunlight exposure.
- Minerals - Balneotherapy - Immersion in pools of thermal mineral rich water.
- Dead Sea – Thalassic therapy - bathing in the lake.
- Mineral mud – Pelotherapy - body wraps with mud heated salt water.
Heliotherapy
Treatment for Psoriasis through exposure to the sun and climate of the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Treatment for psoriasis is effective throughout the entire year. During the summer months, sun exposure is shorter, 3 hours per day and during the months of winter the exposure can be up to 7 hours a day. Average length of stay for heliotherapy in connection with Psoriasis ranges from ten days to three weeks stay, depending on the severity of the disease.
Because the air in the Dead Sea is dense with Bromine and various metals are used as a filter to filter the sunlight, the rays do not cause dangerous skin burns. In addition to the air there is 5% more oxygen than at sea level. The special combination of sun and oxygen are vital to the healing process - it normalizes the process of cell division, lowers stress levels and allows for longer periods of sun exposure. Sun exposure of this type has been proven to help relieve of psoriasis.
Balneotherapy and Thalassic Therapy
This therapy is based on dipping/swimming in the waters of the Dead Sea and thermal mineral springs that are scattered through the region in close proximity to the shores of the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea water is rich in minerals and salt. Its salinity is 10 times higher than oceans and seas - 345 grams of mineral salt per liter of water. Minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium penetrate the layers of skin and help heal psoriasis. In addition, all 21 Dead Sea minerals are essential for the normal functioning of the skin so the healing benefits persist longer and work on all types of skin diseases, psoriasis in particular.
Pelotherapy
Is a therapy method for treatment of psoriasis, which is based on wrapping the entire body in the mineral rich mud of the Dead Sea. This method is commonly used in treatment of psoriasis.
Mud extracted from the Dead Sea is rich in minerals and antiseptic properties. Covering your body completely (in particularly areas with psoriasis) helps instill the mineral in the body. Parallel to this, being covered in mud helps perform purification and cleansing of the top layer of skin and body. This contributes to a significant improvement in the external signs of the psoriasis.