Relieve Stress and Depression Through Nordic Walking and Singing Bowl Meditation
Wando County is operating a marine healing program for elderly people with mild dementia and their caregivers, including Nordic walking. ⓒ Asia Economy
[Wando＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] On the 18th, Jeonnam Wando-gun announced that it conducted a marine healing program on the 13th for 20 participants, including elderly people with mild dementia and their caregivers.
This marine healing program was designed to utilize marine resources such as sunlight, sea breeze, marine aerosols, and the sound of waves to help the elderly improve their immunity, relieve depression, increase physical activity, and maintain their health.
The program was conducted in cooperation with the Wando-gun Health Medical Center and took place at the Marine Climate Healing Center located in Sinji Myeongsasimni, where the concentration of oxygen anions is 50 times higher than in large cities.
First, participants had their blood pressure and blood sugar levels measured, followed by stretching exercises to loosen their stiff bodies.
Next, after learning the basic movements of Nordic walking, they walked along a beach filled with marine aerosols?tiny particles of seawater beneficial for respiratory health such as the bronchi?for about 40 minutes.
While Nordic walking, participants used a "singing bowl," which means "singing bowl," to relax their muscles that are not usually used and had a sound meditation session.
The singing bowl sound meditation is performed lying down in the most comfortable posture possible; the sound and vibrations of the singing bowl lower brain waves, helping to relieve stress and relax tension.
Participants said, "My back was bent and my legs hurt, but holding the stick (Nordic stick) and walking seemed to naturally straighten my back," and "During meditation, the sound was so beautiful that my mind became calm and I fell asleep without realizing it."
A county official stated, "As COVID-19 prolongs, the number of people complaining of stress and depression is increasing, especially elderly people aged 65 and over with cognitive impairments such as mild dementia, who are more vulnerable to COVID due to physical changes and weakened immunity," adding, "We will continue to identify vulnerable health groups and expand the marine healing program to help improve health and heal the mind and body."
The county plans to conduct a marine healing program for COVID-19 response personnel and medical staff on the 17th of next month, and the general program will continue until early December.
For inquiries about the marine healing program, contact the Marine Healing Support Team at the Wando-gun Marine Healing Officer's Office.
Wando＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil ckp6737@asiae.co.kr
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