The Dead Sea region is considered one of the world’s leading and most unique healing sites for the treatment of skin and lung diseases. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come here every year from around the globe, in order to benefit from the healing qualities of the long sunrays, unique minerals and bromide-rich air.
The four classical Elements of Life together make up a place with unique healing characteristics.
Fire
The Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth, is 423 meters (1388 feet) below sea level. As a result, the rays of the sun have to travel a longer distance than usual before they reach the ground. The long sunrays have a positive effect on the body, contributing to the healing of diseases such as psoriasis.
Earth
The natural mud excavated along the shores of the Dead Sea is rich in minerals and salts. This mud has recognized medicinal properties, and is used both for the medical treatment of skin diseases and for cosmetic treatments. The world-renowned AHAVA factory bases its product line on the characteristics of the area in general and on the unique Dead Sea mud in particular.
Air
Dead Sea air is dry and oxygen-rich, with a six percent higher level than anywhere else in the world. In addition, the air is saturated with bromide and magnesium. This unique composition helps in the treatment of lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and helps to calm the nervous system. Clinics in the Dead Sea area host “winter camps” for patients from Europe.
Water
The Dead Sea region boasts three types of water: Dead Sea water, thermo-mineral water, and mineral water for drinking. The high concentration of salts in the Dead Sea, 350 grams per liter, is what gives it its special buoyancy, which is helpful in hydrotherapeutic treatments. In addition to salts, Dead Sea water contains 24 different minerals, including sulfur, which has known medicinal benefits.
As a result of the unique healing characteristics of the region, the Dead Sea has been recognized as a leading health site, and various clinics have been set up along its shores, in order to treat patients suffering from a variety of diseases with the unique mud, water, sunrays and air characteristic of the region. In addition, Kibbutz Ein Gedi has established a skin biochemistry and biotechnology laboratory, which performs in-depth studies of the affect of the region’s special qualities, with emphasis on skin care.