If the reason you’re vacationing is because your boss told you to “go jump off a pier”, don’t feel bad. It may be one of the best suggestions he’s come up with! The brochures about Mauritius promised you sun, sand and sea, but did they tell you about VAT (value added things). Especially considering that being in, around or jumping into the sea is one of the best therapies.

Mauritius is surrounded by a therapeutic gold mine. The ocean is a living organism, the waters of which are constantly regenerated by tides and currents. Over 60 trace elements, apart from calcium, magnesium, iron, iodine, manganese, zinc, copper and potassium, are found in the sea and are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. There is even a physiological similarity between sea-water and blood plasma that was well documented by biologist Rene Quinton in 1904.

Your largest organ – the skin – can receive nutrients via the same osmosis your cells use to feed themselves. Nutrients penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream 20 minutes after you enter the water. You can enhance the process by taking some sand and rubbing it gently over the skin to remove dead cells and increase circulation.

If you have joint or back problems and can’t “jump” into the water, no problem! If you weigh 80 kg on land, you technically weigh only 8 kg in sea-water due to its density as opposed to 20 kg in fresh water. Bathing is great for all ages and can safeguard our mobility by keeping our joints and ligaments supple. Exercises, like twisting and stretching, become non aggressive and all movements become light and graceful.

After a few visits in the sea, you will feel your muscles feel toned, your breathing easier and you may even lose a few pounds due to the ions and hydrostatic effect of the water. Seaweed, just as amazing as sea-water, concentrates all important nutrients found in the sea, making it an excellent supplement to take! Spas in Mauritius offer thalassatherapy – health and relaxation treatment using sea-water, seaweed and mud. Depending on its temperature, seawater achieves remarkable relaxing, pain relieving, slimming and rejuvenating effects.

Your boss will be amazed at how refreshed your attitude and outlook have become and getting your old job back will be easy when you agree wholeheartedly with him that his advice to “jump off a pier” was right. You don’t have to tell him in detail how much you deserved it!

<B>Angela KEESSOONDYAL</B>