And now, here I am ALSO letting you know about the benefits of Epsom salt. The main components of Epsom salt are magnesium and sulfates. I am most familiar with the fact that these components of Epsom salt, in combination, relieve muscle pain, especially following any body work session. However, upon further reading about Epsom salt, I discovered that it can also help to relieve stress, improve digestion (especially the absorption of nutrients in the intestines), sleep and the function of insulin, reduce inflammation and detoxify the body. Epsom salt is commonly used in bath water - dissolve 1-2 cups in your warm bath and soak for at least 20 minutes to experience optimal results. It's once the bath water starts to cool that detoxification starts happening, which is why it's crucial to stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes.
It may be a little known fact that a great many people are nutritionally deficient in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to irregular heart rhythm, muscle spasms, mood disturbances such as depression, anxiety and irritability, fatigue, weakness and confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, numbness and tingling. Using Epsom salt is a great way to increase your body's reserves of magnesium. The reason for this is because magnesium can be readily absorbed through the skin by using Epsom salt, as opposed to relying on the digestive system, which may already be under stress. For the purpose of detoxification, Epsom salt is a great way to detoxify. It works by creating a type of osmosis, the toxins moving from within the body, through the skin and into the bath water. Epsom salt is a great adjunct to any detox program you may be pursuing or just on its own.
At Prana Holistic, we recommend that everyone pursue an Epsom salt soak after any body work session such as massage or reflexology. This will continue the process of excavating anything that was released during the session, prevent soreness from any tough knots that were worked on and entice relaxation.
Epsom salt is available at most drug stores or grocery stores. We also sell it here at Prana Holistic, so next time you're here for a body work session, make sure to pick up some Epsom salt to take home and continue the process of relaxation and movement towards better health.
Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic
