Integrative medicine is a field of healthcare that focuses on treating both mind and body and exploring the ways they interact. Some of the treatments and practices used by integrative medicine’s holistic approach include acupuncture, hypnotherapy and reiki.
Another option integrative doctors frequently recommend for its mental and physical health benefits can be Epsom salt. Although no clinical studies have confirmed the benefits that come from Epsom salt, numerous healthcare providers promote it for its convenience as well as its reasonable cost and surgery-like delivery.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is among the many mineral salts that naturally occur that are a mixture that is composed of magnesium and sulfate within rocks-like formations. “Epsom salt” is the name given to it “Epsom salt” is a nod to Epsom, the town Epsom which is located just a stone’s throw away from London in England in the UK, where the salt was said to be discovered about 400 years ago.
While it’s similar to table salt, it has a very bitter taste, and isn’t intended to be consumed. The majority of people dissolve it in the warm water for bathing with the hopes that it will ease sore or stressed muscles.
What is the best way to use Epsom salt?
The idea is that when you pour Epsom salt into warm water, it dissolves the magnesium and sulfate. This enables it to get absorbed into your body through the skin. Many user reviews have claimed amazing benefits of using Epsom salt in this manner.
However, scientific research isn’t quite as vocal in its backing. There are no definitive research studies that prove that magnesium can be absorbed through your skin in sufficient quantities to correct deficiencies in the mineral. And what research has been conducted is a bit sceptical.
But, integrative physicians generally recommend Epsom salt for those suffering from muscle pain and mental stress. If you’d like to test it for yourself, the process is easy and not too high in danger.
Put about 300 grams (1.25 cups) of Epsom salt into a bath that is clean, as it gets filled the tub with boiling water. (Avoid using Epsom salt in tubs with jets, hot tub, or in a whirlpool tub or hot tub unless the manufacturer has said it’s safe.)
After the bath has been drained check the water for the temperature and adjust it as necessary. You don’t want to scald yourself.
Relax slowly into the tub, and then unwind. An hour of bathing should be enough.
If you are buying Epsom salt, be sure to purchase a product that is 100% magnesium sulfate.
The benefits of an Epsom salt bath
Despite the inaccessibility of evidence from the scientific community, tales of the healing powers in Epsom salt are circulated for ages, according to Umeda, Dr. Umeda. People typically dissolve Epsom salt in bath water to release magnesium and sulfate-ions, and benefit from.
Stress relief
While some experts suggest that stress relief can be attributed to the hot bath itself Others believe that Epsom salt aids in stabilizing mood and ease depression, stress and anxiety. Some even claim that taking magnesium increases serotonin (happiness or relaxation hormone) production in your brain.
Muscle pain
Epsom salt is used to relax muscles, and relieve discomfort in the shoulders neck back, and skull. By relaxing the muscles around your skull, the magnesium in Epsom salt can help ease headaches or migraines. This is also beneficial for muscles that are sore during the recovery time following an exercise.
Inflammation
A few experts also suggest magnesium can be beneficial in reducing inflammation in internal organs. This could help lower the risk of heart disease as well as improve digestion/bowel movement.
Effects of an Epsom salt bath
Generally, there aren’t any exceptions, but there are a few instances where caution is advised, says Dr. Umeda. Epsom salt baths shouldn’t be used for people with:
Severe skin inflammation.
Skin infections.
Open wounds.
Severe burns.
Additionally taking Epsom salt – according to some online “detox” plans claim -could cause serious side effects such as severe diarrhea, warns the Dr. Umeda. There aren’t any studies proving that taking Epsom salt internally is secure or beneficial. Taking it orally can result in sudden and dramatic changes in bowel movements; which, in turn, can be very dangerous and cause dehydration and discomfort.
If you’re interested in Epsom salt baths, or have some concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before using Epsom salts.
