Many fascinating figures from the pages of history have been attracted to this regionThrough the ages, desert dwellers and nomad sought refuge here in caves, . monasteries and palaces. Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt. Jesus was baptized here. The secretive Essene sect left us the Dead Sea Scrolls near here. Herod built his mountain fortress at Masada. Canaanite Kings. Prophets of the old Testament, the new Testament and the Koran. Cleopatra, who came here to enjoy the beauty-enhancing properties of the natural springs.

The Masada

It was in this natural and spiritual ambience that our cultural history had its genesis.

The Dead Sea is one of the most saline lakes in the world. It is fed mainly by the River Jordan in the north and by perennial springs and streams from the east and west.  

Having no outlet, the Dead Sea is a “terminal lake” which loses huge amounts of water by evaporation into the hot dry air.   

(click for enlargement)

The main climatic features and factors at the Dead Sea -
which relevant to theraphy- are: 
 

Year round sunny skies.   
Dry non-polluted air.   
Less than 50 mm mean annual rainfall.   
Summer average temperatures 32c-39c.   
Winter average temperatures 20c-23c max. and 11c -14c min.   
Weakened UV radiation, particular the UVB (erythrogenic rays).   
High oxygen partial pressure due to the low altitude. 

The composition, intensity and stability of solar radiation at the Dead Sea combine to create ideal conditions for heliotherapy.

The low relative humidity, high air temperatures and low rainfall are important biometrological factors. The climate of the Dead Sea is dry and hot during the summer months. In the winter months, maximum air temperatures reach 20c-32c and minimum temperatures do not usually drop below 10c. Average annual rainfall is about 50 mm, with clear, sunny skies for about 330 days a year.
Instead of receiving treatment at a conventional clinic during the cold months of European winter, patients can benefit from treatment at the Dead Sea a warm sun in carefree environment.

High barometric pressure 

Located 400 m below sea level, the Dead Sea has the worlds highest recorded barometric pressure (800 mm Hg). The oxygen-rich air along the Dead Sea contains 6-8% more molecules per cubic meter compared to sea level. As shown by Kramer et al, these are beneficial conditions for patients with end lung disease.

Pollen free and bromine rich atmosphere

Another important factor at the Dead Sea is the pollen-free atmosphere. The air along the shores of the Dead Sea contains high concentration of bromine (20 times higher than in Jerusalem, for example). Bromine has a recognized tranquilizing effect, and is therefore regarded as beneficial in reducing nervous tension.
Shani et al, found that the serum bromine level of people working outdoors was significantly higher in comparison to indoor workers in the Dead Sea area, apparently due to the high level of the air bromine.

As stated earlier, the Dead Sea is a terminal lake which receives its inflow from the Jordan River in the north. This has produced one of the saltiest lakes in the world with an average salinity of 345g. of salt per liter of water, compared with the ocean 35g. per liter.
The water has a high specific gravity and great buoyancy, making it easy to flow on its surface.

Dead Sea mud is actually sediment of the sea. Also called pelloid, mineral-rich mud has proved highly beneficial for therapeutic as well as cosmetic treatments.

Patients at the Dead Sea find themselves in an environment which helps to promote relaxation and reduce the stress which is often to the onset aggravation of disease. patients are encouraged by the large number of “fellow sufferers”, and much of the social strain alleviated by normalization patients social life.