The pursuit of healing for pain or suffering in physical, mental, or spiritual forms is an issue that can point to no one single solution. So, the ways in which we go about seeking our own personal enlightenment will continue to differ. Both folklore and science remind us that certain locations on earth hold prominence for their abilities to heal and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. Here are 10 places that, for a vast number of years, have been known to have a positive impact on a person’s health and wellness and, for those reasons, continue to draw crowds today.
Lourdes, France
Lourdes has long been one of the most popular destinations for travellers and religious followers. It is a place of prominence for those who believe miracles are possible even when the darkness seems overwhelming. Spiritual healing is said to emanate from bathing in pools of water from Bernadette’s spring, where many cases of verifiable healing have been witnessed throughout history.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Many local shamans and wellness experts recommend visits here to facilitate overall wellness. Folklore dictates that when a perceptive person places their forehead to the Intihuatana stone, it channels their vision to the spirit world.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
One of the noted 25 wonders of the world, the Blue Lagoon is a standout feature in Northern Europe for its unique health benefits of actively treating skin ailments and conditions. The minerals derived from the earth’s core within the lagoon are known to be effective for people with eczema and psoriasis.
Hell’s Gate, New Zealand
A natural spa that known for skincare and healing properties, it was first discovered by Rotorua Maori more than 7,000 years ago. The sacred site, now open to the public, includes natural features such as Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Legend has it that warriors bathed in the sulphurous waters to heal their wounds after battle.
Dead Sea, Israel
The Dead Sea is famed for its capability to aid in the healing of many different forms of physical health conditions that are common in today’s society, from joint pain and arthritis to psoriasis and heart problems. The science behind the process points to the 33% salt content and a wealth of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and other minerals in the water. When a person comes into contact with these minerals combined with the salt and sun, it can have a remarkable effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Mount Banahaw, Philippines
Claims of Banahaw’s mental and spiritual healing powers can be traced back to biblical times. The belief in this region of the world remains strong and is testament to the thousands of visitors that pass through the caves, passages, and tunnels to earn their seven years of forgiveness for all sins. A cloudy water pit reachable only by ladder is said to have phenomenal healing powers for anyone who dips themselves in it seven times.
Uluru, Australia
Considered one of the most important sites for indigenous culture, aboriginal leaders are known to climb into an obscure cave to say a prayer for the health and rejuvenation of the planet and its inhabitants. Visitors to the ancient natural wonder, known to many as Ayers Rock, are forbidden to climb it out of respect for the people who worship the grounds it has been formed in. In contrast, anyone who removes a piece of the rock may incur a spiritual curse for as long as they keep it on their person.
Ubud, Indonesia
Ubud has been known as a mystical destination on earth that is rich in spiritual enlightenment and healing. It owes much of its fame in Westernized culture to the movie Eat Prey Love, which shone a light on the myriad wellness benefits of travel to a land steeped in calmness and emotional reawakening. Meditation and yoga are two of Indonesia’s traditional activities for recharging the mind and body. Masses of local people rejoice in prayer within the city’s abundance of temples and shrines. Introductory guides on Ubud and other places of spirituality in South East Asia are easy to come by.
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