Month: September 2019

Health Benefits of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a lake in the Middle East, bordering Jordan and Israel. One of the reasons why the Dead Sea has gained so much popularity is as a result of its incredible health benefits, including treating skin conditions and providing full medical wellness. Though not a new attraction, the Dead Sea has been around since time immemorial. Each year, thousands of people book a guided tour with Gold Carpet Touring to visit its shores and in most cases benefit from its healing capabilities.

At about 1,000 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is by far the lowest point on Earth. That’s not all. Its salty content is nine times more than that of the ocean waters. Thanks to the pleasant climatic conditions. the Dead Sea boasts a high concentration of minerals, such as bromide, magnesium, calcium, etc. Many of the nutrient composition of the Dead Sea are rare and hard to come by anywhere else around the world. This is one of the reasons for its uniqueness

Conditions and Treatment

The Dead Sea The for its healing properties. Top on the list of sickness it cures include eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory diseases, just to mention a few. There are many ways of treating various ailments. For some, you may need to soak yourself in the seawater while others may require applying moisturizing creams and products on the affected areas.

The rich nutrient of the Dead Sea mud helps rejuvenate the skin by drawing out impurities. In addition to that, Dead Sea mud helps improve blood circulation and eases your nerves. Anyone suffering from rheumatism and arthritis will benefit immensely from the Dead Sea mud as it serves as a great pain reliever.

Major health benefits of the Dead Sea include

• Treat psoriasis effectively

• Reduce skin impurities

• Soothes chronic back pain

• Provides relief for arthritis

• Treat acne and eczema

What Else Can I Do?

Perhaps you may be wondering, Can I visit the Dead Sea even I don’t have any ailment? Of course, you can. You don’t have to suffer from a specific condition to get the most out of your trip to the Dead Sea. There are plenty of interesting activities to do and places to see, some of which include visiting the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, exploring the Massada Museum, relax and unwind at Ein Bokek beach or enjoy a Desert Safari – the list is endless.

Bottom Line

It is important to note that Dead Sea mud doesn’t work in the same fashion as prescription medication despite the fact that both are working to achieve the same goal – making you strong and healthy. However, Dead Sea mud is a very low-risk way to improve your health condition. Equally impressive is the fact that the treatment is ideal for all skin types.

More importantly, Dead Sea mud and its product should only be used externally. You may likely complicate issues when you consume it in large quantity, as it has already been proven to have a toxic effect.

Legend has it that Mary was told by the archangel Gabriel she would give birth to the son of the God, and where she uttered her consent saying: “Let it be done to me according to your word”. According to the Catholics she received the message at her home in the village of Nazareth. According to Greek Orthodox tradition, she received the message while drawing water from the well near her home – known today as “Mary’s Well”. Both locations have churches commemorating this event, known in Christianity as the Annunciation, hence the name given to the churches.

The Roman Catholic church, known as the Basilica of the Annunciation –is the largest and most renowned of the churches in Nazareth. Built upon what is believed to be the original site of Mary’s home, the church is a two story-building, while inside, on the lower level is a grotto believed to be the original home of Mary.

The site was first used as a shrine in the 4^th century BC, when an altar was built in the cave that Mary had lived. Later during the Byzantine period a larger church was commissioned, funded by Saint Helena, mother to Emperor Constantine I, who helped found churches commemorating important events in Christianity. At around the same time, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of the Nativity were also founded.

A second church was built over the Byzantine structure by the Crusaders, which was never fully completed because of the Moslem victory at Hittin. Excavations were done in the area in 1909 revealed several Romanesque capitals made by French artists that had never been installed. The Franciscan priests were allowed to remain to take care of the church, however between the 13^th and 17^th centuries, which was a time of many political upheavals, the priests were expelled and massacred, and local Christian families helped take care of the church.

In the 17^th century the Franciscans were permitted to return, and when they built a small structure to enclose the holy grotto that is venerated as the house of Mary. About a century later permission was given for a larger structure to be built, which was further enlarged in the 19^th century, becoming a gathering place for the entire Latin community in Nazareth.

In 1954 the structure was completely demolished to make way for the construction of the current basilica, which was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Muzio. Building of the church was completed in 1969, and to date it is the largest Christian sanctuary in the Middle East. The Basilica contains a gallery with mosaics representing some of the most important Marian devotions in different countries. The towering cupola, surmounted by a lantern symbolizing the Light of the World, covers the massive two-story basilica, which is in strikingly modern architectural style and colorfully decorated. The outcome of Mary’s consent is carved in Latin across the façade over the triple-doorway entrance: “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

The lower level of the basilica enshrines a sunken grotto that contains the traditional cave-home of the Virgin Mary. The cave is flanked by remnants of the earlier churches that stood on the site. Inside the cave stands an altar with the Latin inscription “Here the Word was made flesh”. To the left of the cave entrance is a mosaic floor inscribed with the words “Gift of Conon, deacon of Jerusalem”. The deacon may have been responsible for converting the house of Mary into the first church on the site, around 427.

Israel boasts many beautiful and historic churches of various denominations that are scattered all over the country. If you’re visiting the country, Gold Carpet Touring recommends visiting these significant Holy Land pilgrimage attractions. These religious sites with unique architectural beauty play a significant role in the Christian world today.

1. Church of All Nations

Location: Jerusalem, Mount of Olives

Located in the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the Church of All nation is a Catholic church which has proximity to the Garden of Gethsemane, the place where Jesus prayed prior to his arrest. The magnificent architectural beauty of the building is great for photography. So if you’re looking for that killer shot to post on your social media, find your way to Church of all nations.

2. Church of the Nativity

Location: Bethlehem

This is unarguably the world’s oldest complete church dating back to the 6th century. The site houses top attractions which include the Grotto of the Nativity and the Church of St. Catherine. Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of the Nativity is built over the cave venerated as the birthplace of Jesus. If you’d like to explore a religious site so steep in history, visit this basilica.

3. Church of the Annunciation

Location Galilee, Nazareth

This is a popular church located in the Galilee region. Perhaps, you’d like to explore where Mary, the mother of Christ once lived and received the news from archangel Gabriel that she would conceive and deliver of a baby boy who would be the savior of the world. The appearance of archangel Gabriel and Mary’s consent is what is known today as Annunciation. This ground has been home to several earlier churches including the Byzantine church, a Crusader church, Franciscan church and now the present church which was built in 1969. No trip to the Holy Land will be completed without visiting this attraction. Explore the remains of Mary’s home and marvel and the architectural exuberance of the church.

4. Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Location: Jerusalem, Old City

And when it comes to pilgrimage tours to Israel, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is top on the list. Located in the Christian Quarter in Old Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is believed to be the traditional site of the crucifixion of Jesus, otherwise known as Calvary of Golgotha. Also, the church gained prominence for being the site where Christ was buried and resurrected. A decade after the crucifixion, a wall was built around it.

More so, the church is reputed for being the world’s holiest Christian site. Even though the church has been renovated severally, the architectural masterpiece is astonishing.

5. Church of the Beatitudes

Location: Galilee, Tabgha

The Church of the Beatitudes is the site where Christ delivered the Sermon of the Mount. Built in the early 20th century, the church sits right next to the remains of a 4th-century church. This is by far a popular attraction amongst tourists. Just within 3 km away from the Church of the Beatitudes is Capernaum, the town where Jesus ministered and lived. This is also where Jesus uttered some words in the bible. These phrases include Blesses are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God’ and Blessed are the Meek for they shall inherit the earth.

These historical sites are best explored in the company of a local guide. Many of these religious sites attract millions of visitors annually, especially during peak periods. They are indeed a must-visit for all.