Healing Waves | Jersey Channel Islands
For individuals living with neurological conditions and/or disabilities, day-to-day life poses numerous barriers both physical and mental. These barriers can amplify stress levels and mean that simple tasks many of us take for granted, can prove extremely challenging.
In recent years scientific researchers have started to look carefully at the calming effect nature has on the human mind, with increased involvement from neuroscientists. Such studies are continually finding that natural bodies of water can help to enhance nature’s healing qualities.
It is now thought by some that taking to the sea can have a significant effect on our health and overall wellbeing. “According to current research in cognitive neuroscience (which now echoes much historical wisdom), when you spend time around water, what happens is very good indeed.” Nichols, W 2015.
SOME OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF THALASSOTHERAPY:
- Listening to the ebb and flow of waves and the swell of the sea naturally soothes and relaxes the brain.
- It has been said that looking out to sea can change our brain wave frequency, luring us into a mild meditative state.
- The colour blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace
- The fresh salty sea air is full of negative ions, believed to help alleviate depression
- The increased levels of Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, soaks into our skin makes us feel good.
- It gives you time to contemplate and reflect
- Many people use the ocean as inspiration, and studies have shown that time spent in the ocean can help boost creativity.
Water activities not only provide the ‘neuro typical’ with benefits, but also those with mental health conditions and Autism. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition can often have significant sensory difficulties being both hyper and/or hypo sensitive, meaning over or under reactive to stimuli in their day-to-day environment.
Knowing only too well the benefits the ocean holds for us all, Max Wiltshire, Sean Burke and Dominic Booth set out to create the charity now known as Healing Waves. Healing Waves enables individuals despite their condition and/or disability both neurological and physical to access the ocean in a safe way to participate in water sport activities. This is so they can experience the therapeutic benefits that the ocean holds for us all.
We offer Ocean Therapy through guided surf, paddle and flow sessions. These water sports are used as a vessel, helping our athletes to gain more self-confidence and communication skills, whilst providing therapy and respite for all. Water sports can stimulate the ‘stoke’ like feeling and can promote a sense of accomplishment and empowerment in our Athletes, whilst families, friends and carers cheer them on from the side lines. We encourage loved ones and carers to participate in sessions, helping to strengthen the (often strained) bonds which are vital for healthy relationships.
Ultimately, it is our aim that our Athletes and their families are treated to a well-deserved day of relaxation, fun and respite. Each session is a valuable and beautiful experience where there are no labels and where all who get involved are Athletes!
Healing Waves strive to ensure that each of our Athletes has a unique and valuable experience, and leaves feeling not just more relaxed, but also more empowered and confident in their own abilities, transferring this into their everyday lives and in turn improving their quality of life.
A love of the ocean, water sports and a desire to help those in need brought the Healing Waves family together. Every session brings something new and special that cannot be described. The only way to experience this is by being there on the day.
