Those who love the lake know they feel physically and mentally rejuvenated after spending time near healing water.
The healing power of water is utilized by numerous groups across the country for therapy. Veterans, cancer patients and those with special needs are among the focus groups using lakes and rivers for therapy.
The Healing Wild
Despite technological advancements increasing the time we spend indoors, we are still innately connected to the natural world.
Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, an organization who uses nature to aid struggling families and adolescents, explains that since the beginning of time “people have gone to the wilderness to seek vision, experience a deeper sense of self and reality and find healing.”
Furthermore, The Addiction Recovery Guide, explains that outdoor therapy increases positive feelings of self by deepening one’s connection to, and ability to survive in, the natural world.
The Healing Water
Everything from the sound and reflection of water, to the movement of the body in the water has an uplifting result on the mind and soul.
Some people realize the healing effects of water and share their experiences with target groups needing therapy.
The subjects of these therapies range from veterans to those with special needs.
Healing Water for Veterans
One organization, Team River Runner, gives veterans and their families a challenging atmosphere where they can use leadership and team building skills to overcome the negative feelings associated with being injured while serving the country.
Another, Paddle for Peace, “allows nature to help heal the wounds of war.” They use kayaking as outdoor therapy for war veterans. Heroes on the Water also utilizes kayaking fishing.
The non-profit organization combines this activity and other outdoor therapy to “relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate” military veterans.
Other Special Needs Groups
Special needs-focused water therapy groups are not limited to those with mental or physical handicaps.
First Descents is an organization that provides resources for people ages 18-39, who are fighting cancer. This group encourages cancer patients to climb, paddle and surf.
Other organizations, such as Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, which serves the physically disabled, has provided opportunities for those with special needs to ski and kayak for more than 30 years.
The healing power of water and aquatic sport therapy is also used today for people suffering from dementia, chronic back pain, arthritis and more.
“Try to leave the Earth a better place than when you arrived.” ~Sidney Sheldon