It is now scientifically proven that surfing may just be the best medicine for a variety of ailments!
We’ve all heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” It seems that since the 1970’s we’ve been moving away from those natural cures and becoming over-prescribed pill heads . The United States is said to be the biggest offender, however France is not far behind. France’s stats show “90% of patients who come out of the doctor’s surgery do so with a medical prescription.” I haven’t seen the data, but I would assume that the figure in the US is closer to 100%.
Luckily for the French, there may be a change on the horizon as a group of Biarritz Doctors have decided to tackle this dependency with the healing powers of the ocean. They are literally prescribing water sports for chronic health issues. The program entails patients doing four months of surfing, paddleboarding and other lower intensity ocean activities. Nicolas Guillet is one of the program leaders and has seen positive results after just six months. They attribute these results to the vitamin D intake, improved blood flow, building core and extremity strength as well as pain relief. One patient reported that her back pain of over a decade was cured by six months of paddleboarding.
Aside from the physical benefits, there are psychological benefits. Breaking waters are said to release negative ions into the air which are thought to improve mood. “Physical exertion along with intense focus often produce flow states which flood the brain with neurochemicals like anandamide and serotonin, the same substances found in antidepressants.”
One of the most amazing aspects of this program in Biarritz is that it’s fully funded by the town and doesn’t cost the French Social security system a dime. The support of local health associations means that it only costs patients 10 Euros to participate. With more positive results to come from this “miraculous” surf treatment the days of saying “surfing is the best medicine” are near!
If you aren’t lucky enough to live in France and participate in this State supported program, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the advice. It has now been scientifically proven that surfing is good for you. Do yourself a favor and get in the ocean as soon as possible!
