Integrative medicine is a field of healthcare that focuses on treating both the body and mind as well as looking at how they are interconnected. The treatments and methods used in Integrative medicine’s integrative method are the use of acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and reiki.
Another instrument integrative doctors often recommend to clients for its mental and physical health benefits is Epsom salt. Although no clinical studies have verified the benefits that come from Epsom salt, a lot of healthcare professionals recommend it for its simplicity of use cost, affordable price and minimally invasive delivery.
What exactly is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is one of many naturally occurring mineral salts, a compound made up of sulfate and magnesium in the form of rocks. “The name “Epsom salt” is a reference to the village of Epsom which is just only a few miles from London in England which is where the salt was supposedly discovered around 400 years ago.
While it’s similar to table salt It has a bitter taste and isn’t intended as a food item. Many people mix it into an icy bath to take relaxing with the goal of relieving sore or stressed muscles.
What can you do with Epsom salt?
The idea is that when you mix Epsom salt with warm water it dissolves the magnesium and sulfate and allows it to be absorbed into your body through your skin. Many years of user reviews claim the benefits of the use of Epsom salt this way.
The scientific research isn’t as loud in its support. There aren’t any definitive research studies that prove that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to treat any deficiencies that might be present in the mineral. And what research has been done is skeptical.
Yet, integrative doctors generally recommend Epsom salt to people with tension in their muscles and mental stress. If you’d like to test it yourself, the procedure is pretty simple and light at risk.
Pour around 300 grams (1.25 cups) of Epsom salt into a bath that is clean, as it fills up with warm water. (Avoid making use of Epsom salt in tubs that has jets, a hot tub, or bathtubs with whirlpools in the event that the manufacturer states it’s OK.)
When the bath is filled take a look at the water to determine its temperature, and adjust as needed. Don’t risk scalding yourself.
Slowly ease yourself into the tub and let yourself relax. A 15 minute soak is enough.
When you purchase Epsom salt, make sure to buy a product that’s 100 100% magnesium sulfurate.
The benefits of taking an Epsom salt bath
Despite the dearth of information from scientists, tales about the healing powers in Epsom salt are circulating for decades. People typically mix Epsom salt into bathwater to release magnesium and sulfate-ions and reap the benefits.
Stress relief
Many experts suggest that stress relief comes from the relaxing bath itself some believe that Epsom salt helps stabilize mood and relieve depression, anxiety, and stress. In fact, some claim that taking magnesium increases serotonin (happiness or the relaxation hormone) production in your brain.
Muscle pain
Epsom salt can be made to soothe muscles and alleviate pain in the shoulders, neck, back and skull. For instance, by relaxing the muscles around your skull, the magnesium in Epsom salt can help ease migraine or headache. It can also help sore muscles in the period of recovery following training.
Inflammation
Many experts believe magnesium can be beneficial in decreasing inflammation in organs of the internal. This can help decrease the risk of suffering from cardiovascular illness and also improve digestion/bowel movement.
Some of the side effects that can be a result of Epsom salt bath
In general, there’s nothing to worry about exceptions, but there are a few instances when caution is advised. Epsom salt baths should not be recommended for people suffering from:
Severe skin inflammation.
Skin inflammations.
Open wounds.
Burns that are severe.
Furthermore, drinking Epsom salt — as some websites “detox” plans tout — can cause serious adverse effects, such as severe diarrhea. There are no studies that prove that the consumption of Epsom salt orally is safe or beneficial. The consumption of the salt can cause sudden and drastic changes in the bowel’s behavior. which, in turn, can be very dangerous and cause dehydration and discomfort.
If you’re curious about Epsom salt baths or are concerned about it make sure to consult your healthcare doctor before making use of Epsom salts.
