The enigmatic 'Sea of Salt'

Under a motionless, dazzling blue sky with the mountains of Jordan in view, the heat beats down every day of the year onto an amazing body of water that is known as the Dead Sea. The 'Sea of Salt,' as it is often referred to, lies at the bottom of a tectonic trench that was formed during a geographic cataclysm more than two million years ago. This trench is more than 400 meters below the Mediterranean, making it the lowest point on Earth.

The Dead Sea is actually a lake bordered on the north by the Jordan River but having no outlet on the south. Absolutely nothing lives in this water; no fish, algae or mollusks. Dramatic saline formations resembling rocks or artistic sculptures rise above the surface.

The Dead Sea has a greater solid content than any other body of water, 30% compared to about 6% solids in ocean water. The water density is comprised of potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride and bromides. Whereas ocean salt contains more than 97% sodium chloride but only trace amounts of magnesium and potassium, the salt from the Dead Sea is unique for its high proportion of potassium and magnesium ions and its relatively low sodium ion content.

The atmospheric pressure at the Dead Sea is the highest on the planet, making it very dry. There is 15% more oxygen in the atmosphere here than in the Mediterranean. The combination of the atmosphere and the mineral rich water make the Dead Sea an unusually therapeutic natural wonder.

At the turn of the century, scientists and physicians sought proof of the reported healing effects of the water on both skin and respiratory ailments. In the 1950's, physician studies concluded that authentic salts extracted from the Dead Sea have a proven therapeutic effect on skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. Regular bathing in these salts was shown to provide great relief from such psoriasis symptoms as itching, burning, flakiness and muscle and joint aches.

Beyond these therapeutic effects for the skin, the University of Jerusalem has provided evidence that Dead Sea Mineral Salts also stimulate circulation and encourage the skin to renew itself. In addition, subcutaneous penetration helps relieve aches and pains in joints and muscles, providing much relief for those whom experience rheumatism and arthritis. A sense of deep relaxation is derived from frequent baths in Dead Sea Mineral Salts.

Today, the ancient Dead Sea remains a precious and mysterious jewel of healing and relaxation for those who visit and for those who experience its vast therapeutic powers in the comfort of their own home.