Example alternative therapies dissertation topic 10:

Healing waters, for hands that need healing: The Dead Sea and Lourdes, a review of dermatological benefits.

Requiring primary fieldwork to be undertaken in both Israel and France, this dissertation could be used as a ‘stepping stone’ to further, more advanced, post-graduate research. Involving a thorough review of existing literature as well as the compilation and analysis of personal experiences and those of other users, this dissertation enables the researcher to experience the healing properties of both the Dead Sea and Lourdes first hand, with a specific focus on the skin. Primarily qualitative in its research methodology, it is envisaged that the primary research would be undertaken over a summer vacation so as to enable a wide selection of interviews to be collected. Thereafter presenting the data recorded this dissertation would also benefit from a substantial analysis of historic documents relating to the healing properties related to the waters of both places.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Even-Paz, Z. and Shani, J. (2007). ‘The Dead Sea and psoriasis’. International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 28(1), pp. 1-9.
• Proksch, E., Nissen, H. P., Bremgartner, M. and Urquhart, C. (2005). ‘Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin’. International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 44(2), pp. 151-157.
• Senze, M. and Kowalska-Góralska, M. (2012). ‘Presence of metals in waters from sacred springs in Europe’. Ecological Chemistry and Engineering, vol. 19(1-2), pp. 123-128.