Epsom Salts Bath And Aromatherapy

By inducing copious perspiration, the old-fashioned Epsom salts bath is one of the most effective methods for eliminating metabolic wastes through the surface of the skin. Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) are inexpensive and can be purchased from most chemists. Ask for a large bag of 'industrial' Epsom salts. Alarming as this may sound, it just means the grains are coarse and therefore more suitable for the bath. The more expensive finely powdered version is sold in small quantities for use as a proprietary laxative.

 

The Epsom salts bath eases muscular aches and pains, and can even ward off cold and flu symptoms. It is also a superb relaxant during periods of prolonged stress. Due to the alkalising effect of Epsom salts, the treatment is also highly beneficial to sufferers of rheumatism and arthritis. The salts relieve pain by drawing acidic wastes (mainly uric acid) from the muscles and joints through the pores of the skin.

 

As if this was not enough, according to a well-known health guru, the effects of the Epsom salts bath go far beyond chemical detoxification. From an energetic point of view, magnesium sulphate dissolved in a body of water creates a static, unified, electrical field. Immersing yourself in this field helps neutralise excess electrical charges in the body, thus creating a magnetic balance. In practice, this means that an Epsom salts bath can counter the effects of low-level radiation, such as that experienced as VDU stress or jet lag.

 

Best results are achieved by taking a warm Epsom salts bath (95°F or 35°C) once or twice a day as required. For arthritis or rheumatism, however, the bath should be taken once a day for a week and then on alternate days until there is marked improvement; thereafter, take an Epsom salts bath once a week. If possible, try to rest for at least two hours afterwards, and avoid becoming chilled.

 

The method is as follows: dissolve 450 g (1 lb) of Epsom salts in a few pints of boiling water and add to your bath. Relax for about fifteen minutes, but do not use soap as this interferes with the beneficial action of the salts.

 

Essential oils can be added to the water, but this is primarily for the psychotherapeutic effects of the aroma. True, the skin absorbs essential oils more efficiently when it is warm and moist, for example, during and after a 'neutral' bath. However, the skin cannot absorb essences very efficiently if it is busy throwing off toxic wastes through profuse sweating. An aromatherapy massage oil containing essences such as lavender, chamomile and cajuput can be massaged into the skin an hour or two after the Epsom salts bath. The oil will also counter the drying effects on the skin caused by the Epsom salts.