By Nancy Brooks, BMusA, Art.Dip., RMT

Soaking in a bath with Epsom salts is a relaxing way to increase your levels of magnesium and sulfate, a time-tested pairing known for easing tired muscles.

A naturally occurring mineral from a spring in the southeast English town of Epsom, the salts offer a passive self-care option for the home (although a soak may not seem so passive if you first have to clean out your tub – persevere). It will be so worth the effort!

Here’s why: while magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, sulfate draws out toxins; found in Epsom salts, both are absorbed through the skin. Doctors and researchers agree that a warm Epsom salt bath nurtures the body, mind and spirit to safely replenish magnesium levels, which leads to reduce inflammation in the body. There’s also an added bonus: the presence of magnesium aids in the chemical release of the mood elevating hormone serotonin, which promotes a state of wellbeing and relaxation. Yay!

As a Registered Massage Therapist, I regularly recommend the healing powers of Epsom salt to seal the deal from the treatment my massage patient has experienced earlier in the day.  After the body, mind and spirit have been therapeutically challenged to release unnecessary tension, the result is often some mild muscular irritation and inflammation, which causes a depletion of the body’s magnesium levels.

If you struggle with cardiovascular issues or are pregnant before your soak it up in an Epsom salt bath, please consult with your doctor.   Once you’ve got the green light to salt it up, dump 2 cups of Epsom salt (purchased from your local pharmacy or health food store) into hot running water and let the soaking begin! Relax in the bath for 10 to 20 minutes.  While in the bath, I invite you to drink some water from a non-breakable glass to keep hydrated and spend some time visualizing all the stresses of your day just melting away!

Sources:

Daniluk, Julie RHN, NNCP: Meals That Heal Inflammation p.259

Click to access report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_sulfate

http://www.livestrong.com/article/278847-how-do-epsom-salts-reduce-swelling/

http://www.greenecoservices.com/green-health-and-beauty-epsom-salts/

Nancy J Brooks has enthusiastically been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario since 2000.  Upon completion of her Massage Therapy diploma from Sutherland-Chan School and Teaching Clinic, Ms. Brooks felt compelled to immerse herself in both rehabilitative and spa treatment settings; her goal was to understand and experience the myriad approaches to healing.

Nancy asserts that life-long continuing education is the cornerstone of personal and professional vitality.  Her holistic treatment philosophy has evolved through the following post-graduate courses: Evidence-based Medical Acupuncture; Injury Prevention and Intervention for Musicians and Performing Artists; Fascia Release using NISA; Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage and Body Wraps; Neural Dynamics and Pain Management; Muscle Energy; Introduction to Qi-Gong; The Physiology of Moksha Yoga Postures; Landmark Education; The Magraw Method; When the Artist’s Body Says No; Compassion Fatigue Prevention; RMT Business Seminar; Ukulele 101.

For more information about Nancy or massage therapy at the Integrative Health Institute, contact Nancy at nbrooks@integrativehealthinstitute.ca