Gifts from the Sea
They call her Yemaya, Goddess of the living Ocean, considered the Mother of All. She is most often depicted as a mermaid, or simply a beautiful woman standing amidst the waves. Her name in Yoruban (West Africa), is a contraction of Yey Omo Eja, which means “Mother Whose Children are the Fish”. As all life is thought to have begun in the Sea, all life is held to have begun with Yemaya. She is motherly and strongly protective, and cares deeply for all Her children, comforting them and cleansing them of sorrow. She is said to be able to cure infertility in women, and cowrie shells represent Her wealth.
In Brazil, she is called Imanje, and offerings of blue and white flowers are cast into the Sea in her name. Imanje’s colors are blue and white, and she is said to wear a dress with seven skirts that represent the seven seas. Sacred to her are peacocks, with their beautiful blue/green iridescence, and ducks.
To the Yoruban people, Yemaya was everything that sustained them, especially with the diaspora which brought them to the New World on the slave ships. To Brazilian fisherman, she brings plentiful fish and safe passage in stormy seas, and holding closely those that perish into her watery depths.
Wherever we live, Yemaya reminds us that even the worst catastrophes can be endured and that, with her help, we can learn to negotiate the ebbs and flows of change in our lives with her wisdom, courage, and grace. Now that we are headed into our yearly migration to the seashores for the upcoming season in the sun, Yemaya is a wonderful symbol to remind us of our deep and lasting connection to the ocean.
As modern humans, we draw sustenance, healing, and beauty benefits from the bounty of the seas, much as our ancestors did. But unlike previous people, if we can’t go to the ocean, luckily, we can bring the ocean to us. Following is a small sampling of some of these gifts that will enable you to experience Yemaya’s generosity no matter where you live.
Thallosotherapy:
From the Greek word Thalassa meaning “ocean,” true Thalassotherapy includes incorporating all of the healthy marine elements by way of water exercise, ingestion of salty air, absorbing minerals through the pores, and eating healthily. Thalassotherapy involves the medicinal use of seawater from all sensory facets – it is an experience of true and whole wellness.
These are some of the benefits Thalassotherapy provides:
Relaxation
Improved Circulation
Boosted Immunity
Improved Sleep
Muscle Toning
Natural Cleaning Properties
Cellulite Reduction
Respiratory Improvement
Reducing Inflammation
Psychological Well Being
Rene Quinton (1866 – 1925), also named the “French Darwin”, was a naturalist, physiologist and biologist. In 1904, he was the first to discern that human blood and seawater contained identical nutrient ratios. He endeavored to solve the mysteries of sea water and its compatibility with living organisms by proceeding to carry out several scientific experiments in hospitals. The results he obtained were dramatically unexpected: several people who were expected to die, did not, and recovered fully. His introduction of this theory contributed to the practice of Thalassotherapy on the coasts of southern France, and gave birth to this form of sea-based therapy, now found all over the world in all kinds of spas, fancy or plain.
Thallosotherapy works when trace elements of minerality from magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium are ingested into the lungs and pores, circulation is improved, providing natural moisture and adding life to the skin. Mud baths, hydrotherapy (bathtub soaks), massage and wraps usually include techniques from this ancient ritual.
Mineral deposits found deep in the ocean boost immunity, resilience and firming qualities in the skin. Seaweed, algae and sea-salt renew dry skin by removing dead skin cells and restoring moisture while producing a radiant, natural glow. Oceanic minerality also aides in cellulite reduction by detoxifying fat deposits and increasing circulation. Just perfect for bikini time!
Wave at Little Bay
Dead Sea Salts:
Cleopatra, knew a good thing when she saw it. This queen of ancient beauty was legendary for her magically youthful looks throughout her whole life, even as she got older. The real secret to the beauty of her silky skin was the anti aging effect of bath salts, mud and cosmetics made with Dead Sea salt. It was gathered for her at the factories she had built on the shores of the nearby sea. The ruins of those factories from the First Century B.C., can still be seen today at Erin Brooke and Erin Geed and they stand as testimonials to the ageless beauty power of Dead Sea bath salt.
Nothing like regular salt, Dead Sea salts are comprised of a wide variety of minerals which are present in a high concentration. Whereas regular sea salts is made up of over 90% sodium, salt from the Dead Sea is only about 10% sodium and the rest is made of minerals which are essential for the proper function and health of skin. The minerals present in the salt (mostly magnesium, potassium, bromine and calcium), are also naturally present within skin cells but commonly get depleted which can cause severe dryness, wrinkle development, and dull looking skin.
People from all over the world travel to the Dead Sea to get relief from their skin ailments such as Psoriasis, Eczema and more. There are many spas and skin therapy centers located on the shores of the sea to take advantage of the healing powers of this most unusual body of water.
Not every one who wants to enjoy the healing and beatifying effects of Dead Sea salts can afford to pay the money or take the time to travel to the Dead Sea. Dead Sea salts are now available and imported from Israel to recreate the effects in your own bath tub. Bath salts from the Dead Sea come in many sizes, scents and colors, some mixed with essential oils and some just the pure salt. (See the Sidebar for easy recipes using Dead Sea salts and essential oils.)
Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables, often called seaweed, are some of Yemaya’s most beautiful jewels, adorning the waters with life and providing us with a food that can enhance our diets, from both a culinary and nutritional perspective. Sea vegetables can be found growing both in the marine salt waters as well as in fresh water lakes and seas. They commonly grow on coral reefs or in rocky landscapes, and can grow at great depths provided that sunlight can penetrate through the water to where they reside since, like plants, they need light for their survival. Yet, sea vegetables are not plants, or animals — they are actually known as algae.
There are thousands of types of sea vegetables that are classified into categories by color, known either as brown, red or green sea vegetables. Each is unique, having a distinct shape, taste and texture. Although not all sea vegetables that exist are presently consumed, a wide range of sea vegetables are enjoyed as foods. The following are some of the most popular types:
- Nori: dark purple-black color that turns phosphorescent green when toasted, famous for its role in making sushi rolls.
- Kelp: light brown to dark green in color, oftentimes available in flake form.
- Hijiki: looks like small strands of black wiry pasta, has a strong flavor.
- Kombu: very dark in color and generally sold in strips or sheets, oftentimes used as a flavoring for soups.
- Wakame: similar to kombu, most commonly used to make Japanese miso soup.
- Arame: this lacy, wiry sea vegetable is sweeter and milder in taste than many others
- Dulse: soft, chewy texture and a reddish-brown color.
The consumption of sea vegetables enjoys a long history throughout the world. Archaeological evidence suggests that Japanese cultures have been consuming sea vegetables for more than 10,000 years. In ancient Chinese cultures, sea vegetables were a noted delicacy, suitable especially for honored guests and royalty. Yet, sea vegetables were not just limited to being a featured part of Asian cuisines. In fact, most regions and countries located by waters, including Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and coastal South American countries have been consuming sea vegetables since ancient times.
Presently, Japan is the largest producer and exporter of sea vegetables. This may explain why many of these precious foods are often called by their Japanese names.
When thinking about shopping and cooking with sea vegetables, look for those that are sold in tightly sealed packages. Avoid any that have evidence of excessive moisture. Some types of sea vegetables are sold in different forms. For example, nori can be found in sheets, flakes, or powder. Choose the form of sea vegetables that will best meet your culinary needs.
Store sea vegetables in tightly sealed containers at room temperature where they can stay fresh for at least several months.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
- Make homemade vegetable sushi rolls by wrapping rice and your favorite vegetables in sheets of nori.
- Slice nori into small strips and sprinkle on top of salads.
- Keep a container of kelp flakes on the dinner table and use instead of table salt for seasoning foods.
- Combine soaked hijiki with shredded carrots and ginger. Mix with a little olive oil and tamari.
- When cooking beans, put kombu in the cooking water. It will not only expedite the cooking process, but will improve beans’ digestibility by reducing the chemicals that can cause flatulence.
Sea vegetables are an excellent source of iodine and vitamin K and a very good source of folate and magnesium. They are also a good source of the B-vitamins riboflavin and pantothenic acid. In addition, sea vegetables are a good source of the minerals iron and calcium.
As a beauty ingredient, seaweed can’t be beat; probably why it is a staple of so many natural spa treatments and beauty products. Seaweed is high in anti-bacterial properties that work well for the treatment of acne. Red seaweed is best for drawing out impurities and toxins and regulating oil levels on the face. When applied topically, seaweeds draw out toxins from the body, and your skin will absorb its nutrients through the pores. Seaweed has the ability to work gently to purify and detoxify, while promoting circulation and healthy skin rejuvenation.
It’s anti aging effects — potent antioxidants and cell regenerating properties, does wonders to promote tissue regeneration activities in the skin to create skin elasticity. It’s maybe one of the reasons why Japanese people have such youthful looking skin. Much of their diet and skin care ingredients are dominated by the use of seaweed and in particular Wakame. For an external treatment, a seaweed bath can help to maintain hormone balance, and increase blood flow at the surface of the skin to make your skin more supple, smooth and radiant, for a more youthful appearance.
So many good things are offered up to us, from what may seem like a never ending source. But the oceans everywhere are suffering and in peril from inconceivable human abuse. (Floating Pacific island of plastic garbage the size of Texas, anyone??) We cannot survive without the oceans, without their water, their food sources, nor without the emotional nourishment they provide. The beauty and inspiration we find from just looking at a photo or painting of the ocean strikes a primal chord within us. Perhaps if we keep the knowledge of Yemaya close in our hearts, her power will help to remind us of just what we have to loose.
Sidebar:
Recipes for healing with Dead Sea Salts and Essential Oils
Detox: Juniper and Cypress
Energize: Grapefruit and Ginger
Calm & Soothe: Lavender and Roman Chamomile
Immune Booster: Eucalyptus and Bergamot
For every 8 ounces of Dead Sea salts, mix in 2 or 3 drops of each essential oil to start (online sources are good for purchase of both plain (unscented and unmixed with any other substances) Dead Sea salts and essential oils. Natural food grocers all carry them as well). Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated, and their aroma is released over time. Put your salt mixture in an airtight container for a day or so, then smell again. If you still want them stronger, then add a couple more drops.
When you get ready to have your soak in the bathtub, throw in a couple palmfulls of your mixture, and keep the water just comfortably warm. Water that is extremely hot will cause your body to start sweating and purging in reaction to the heat, and while this is a good thing under other circumstances, in the case of working with the salts, you want the body to do the reverse: absorb, rather than release. Give yourself a good 20 minutes at least, longer if possible, to allow your body to fully absorb the salts and the essential oils.
A quickie version of a whole body bath soak, is to just soak your feet. The feet are wide open portals for the action of the salts and oils to enter into your circulatory system. After a long, stressful day, nothing is more relaxing than a good foot soak in a pretty bowl. Make sure the water level is at least up to your ankle bone. Drop a few flower petals or fresh herbs such as rosemary or spearmint into the bowl, and you’ve just given yourself a high dollar spa treatment!
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