Epsom Salts - Perfect Post-Exercise and Massage Remedy

By: Erin Ziprick, RMT

Have you ever wondered why most massage therapist recommend using Epsom Salts after an intense workout or after a massage treatment? How can salts be related to decreasing muscle tension and removing toxins from body? They are just salts, it’s no big deal, right?

Epsom salts are actually not a salt but a compound of magnesium and sulfate. They are found originally at a spring in Surrey, England and have been commonly used as a natural remedy in households all over the world for hundreds of years. Not only do the salts have health benefits but as well as beauty, gardening and house hold uses.

The salts are primarily comprised of magnesium and sulfate and they both play a major role in the way our bodies function. “Magnesium is important in that it helps keep enzyme activity regular in your body and helps your bodily functions run smoothly.” It regulates over 325 enzymes in the body but as well as reduces inflammation, improves muscle and nerve function, and prevents hardening of arteries and blood clots.

“Sulfate also plays an important role in the way in which your body works. It has a role in formation of brain tissue and joint proteins, and it can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract.” Sulfate also helps improve absorption of nutrients, flush out toxins, and help eases migraines.

The health benefits of using Epsom Salts is to:
* Relax the nervous system, relieve stress
* Cure skin problems
* Sooth back pain and aching limbs
* Ease muscle strain
* Heal cuts
* Treat any cold and congestion
* Draw toxins out from the body.

One of the most common ways to absorb all the amazing benefits of Epsom Salts is through a bath. The skin is the biggest organ in the body and is very porous which easily allows absorption into the body. Try drawing an epsom salt bath after your next massage to relax your muscles further!

Steps on an Epsom Salt bath:
1. Fill your bath tub up with warm water
2. Put in 1-2 cups of Epsom Salts in the water and mix together. Make sure that the salt is dissolved before getting in.
3. Soak in the water for 15-20 minutes.
4. After the bath, take a quick shower to wash off any access salt on your skin.

ITS VERY IMPORTANT!! To keep hydrated before, during, and after the bath. Remember that this bath is detoxifying to your system and to get ample results, you must drink lots of water. Enjoy!

References
http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/epsom-uses-benefits.asp
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/epsom-salt-baths.htm

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