Embark on a Healing Journey for Mind, Body, and Soul
If you are seeking a vacation with a healing twist — I have you covered! Whether it’s a natural healing journey with a focus on spirituality or improving overall physical health, we will explore some of the most unique spots to heal mind, body, and soul. Some may be just around the corner, others across the world. For those who are craving a travel experience that goes above and beyond just a relaxing vacation, have a look at the following off-the-beaten track destinations.
The Dead Sea
Straddling both Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is legendary for the healing attributes of its water and mud. There is a scientific reason for this: the waters are loaded with magnesium and potassium, along with other beneficial minerals. The black mud is also brimming with healing mineral-rich compounds. Guests apply the mud to their face and skin, then take a long soak in the sea. As an added benefit, the high salt content in the water promotes a relaxing buoyancy.
Lithia Park
A visit to Southern Oregon’s Lithia Park in Ashland is another location known for its healing waters. You can stay at Lithia Springs Resort to soak in the lithium and sulfur-rich waters and enjoy the peaceful garden. Alternatively, the city center has a drinking fountain where you can drink the spring water that reportedly addresses skin diseases, digestive issues, sore muscles, and poison oak. While the sulfur smell and taste may take some getting used to, the water can be taken internally. See here for additional information about the health benefits of micro-dosing lithium — including alleviating long-haul syndrome and mood disorders.
Le Monastère des Augustines
For those needing solace for their soul and a more spiritual focus, Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec City, Canada is an outstanding option. Here you can enjoy the history of the monastery along with more modern activities such as aromatherapy massage, yoga, and meditation. A healthy breakfast is enjoyed in peace-promoting silence and the surrounding nature is excellent for practicing the healing art of Nature Rx.
Ibusuki Sand Bath
Located along the shores of Ibusuki, Japan, people have been traveling to this strip of coastline for over 300 years to enjoy the sandy volcanic hot springs. It is the only natural sand bath in the world and helps to improve circulation, promote relaxation, encourage detoxification, and calm systemic inflammation.1 It’s a unique, all-natural sauna treatment where the hot springs warm the sand to a health-promoting 122-131ºF. If you need something closer to home, SoJo Spa Club in New Jersey imported 120 tons of the volcanic sand from Ibuski to recreate the therapy in the United States.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Dating back to the 13th century, this former salt mine in Kraków, Poland showcases intricate salt carvings and structures located 440 feet below the earth’s surface. When workers of the mine noticed their respiratory and skin conditions improved when they spent time in the cave, therapeutic halotherapy was born. Today people can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine for healing treatments — including therapeutic massages.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
Of course, if you are traveling to a health destination, you certainly want to avoid picking up a bug during your flight or when in public. This is why I always recommend being prepared with my Travel Pack and Eastern Blend. Both are small enough to pack in your carry-on, but can make a world of difference between a restorative healing retreat — or fighting contagious illness. Considering severe acute respiratory syndrome is now a year-round risk – I say an ounce of prevention is always best!
Our Travel Pack includes immune-boosting, low-sugar Elderberry Extract, antimicrobial Usnea Throat Spray, and a tin of our All-Purpose (First Aid) Salve that can be applied to the inside of the nose as a preventative against contagious illness or used on wounds.
This powerful trio can help you avoid catching the latest bug making the rounds. Elderberry is also known to shorten the duration of colds and flu if you do become ill.
Another formulation I always keep on hand while traveling is our Eastern Blend. A potent extract of Chinese skullcap, Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese knotweed, and cordyceps mushroom, these research-backed herbs address a wide-range of health concerns, including: viral and bacterial infections, respiratory illness, Lyme disease, diabetes, anxiety, insomnia, cardiovascular issues and more. It has powerful anti-inflammatory action and helps to boost/modulate the immune system.
I personally begin taking this formulation a week before travel and continue for a week after arriving back home. Combined with our Travel Pack, I have found both to be exceptionally helpful in keeping me and my family healthy and safe while traveling and in public.
Whether you’re embarking on a journey to a healing retreat, heading off on a fun-filled family vacation, or navigating bustling crowds, these carefully crafted formulations make perfect travel companions. Visit my apothecary today to discover more!
Nicole Apelian
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Eastern Blend Defense Tincture
Travel Pack
References
- Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of Ibusuki Hotspring sand bath (Sunamushi). Nobuyuki TANAKA, Hideyuki NOMURA. J Jpn Soc Balneol Climatol Phys Med (2014) 77 (5)
