By Virginia Jasmin Pasalo

 

WHY is the beach so important for many people? For some, it is enough to hear the sound of the waves, to see the horizon, to feel the gentle caress of the waves, to be one with its rhythm. Others go to the beach to begin the day, without a reason, except to feel good. Yes, walking on the beach boosts our mood, increases the level of energy to face the day, and connects us to the now.

Few know that the beach heals, physically and emotionally. Living near the sea had cured many people with asthma, even those who visit occasionally get some form of relief from the salt water. I get relief from pain just by burying my feet on the sand.

In ancient Egypt, burying feet in sand, also known as sand therapy or sand burial therapy, was prescribed as a traditional treatment for various medical conditions, particularly with physical pain and muscle tension, a practice revived in the 1980s.

The body absorbs magnesium as we walk barefoot in the sand, a mineral that helps stabilize blood pressure, heart rhythm and involved in “300 enzyme systems” that regulate biochemical reactions. According to natural healing practitioners, walking barefoot stimulates acupressure points that increases blood circulation in the feet and lower legs.

These therapeutic benefits should impel us to keep our beaches clean. Clean beaches attract tourists, and are natural places of contemplation in their pristine state, without the construction of imposing physical structures. Most important, as Lyn Rosario Alberto reminisced, the beaches of Lingayen and Bonuan are repositories of childhood memories and sentimental adventures of youth.

 

San-aroan

(Composed 27 November 2014)

untulin-tulin la lamet ed buer
ira’y duaran man-aroan
maliket, maganat, man-aapoy

akalot iramay sigay tan sener-sener
ya akaugip ed petang ya umpapaoay
ed abot na katat tan dila da

makapalinguan ed taker na paknaan
ya intilak tan man-alagar ed abong
diad madaluyon ya biec taew

 

The lovers

(English translation)

the lovers once again, roll in the sand
ecstatic, hurried, fiery

the crabs and the seashells and the frogs
burn in their sleep in the heat
coming out of their skins and their tongues

makes them forget, bonds of commitment
forsaken, and waiting in a house
across a turbulent sea

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments