Soothe Those Aches With Epsom Salt
By Paul Rothbart
Life can be hard on the body. Stiffness, soreness, aches, and pains. There are so many ways to hurt at the end of a long week. Taking good care of oneself and getting plenty of sleep are both vital to managing this pain. There is another treatment that many people find helps to soothe those aches. Warm Epsom salt baths have been known to bring relief to several afflictions. They may work for you.
What They Are
Epsom salts are named for a town in the UK where they occur naturally in springs. They are salts chemically and contain magnesium. You can buy them in pharmacies and even in some supermarkets. They are dissolved in a bathtub full of warm water in which you soak.
What They Do
Although unconfirmed by science, it is theorized that Epsom salts release magnesium and sulfates into the water. Through soaking, these minerals are absorbed through the skin. Many people find that an Epsom salt bath soothes muscle pain and relieves stiffness. They are commonly used after a hard workout or after spraining or bruising a joint or muscle. Some people find relief from psoriasis and the pain of ingrown nails. One of the more common uses of Epsom salts is for soaking sore feet. People who stand and walk all day tend to like them for this purpose. Less common uses are for easing sunburn pain and helping with insomnia. There are many claims and none are proven, but Epsom salts aren't harmful and it doesn't hurt to try.
Preparing the Bath
Setting up an Epsom salt bath is not difficult. Fill your tub with very warm water. It shouldn't be hot. You want it soothing but comfortable to touch. Generally, 1-2 cups of Epsom salt are a good amount for a standard tub. Read the packaging and see what is recommended or you could ask your doctor. You should not use Epsom salts in a jacuzzi, hot tub, or any type of tub that has jets. They can clog the jets and damage the tub. Sit in the tub, making sure the part of you that hurts is submerged. Relax and soak for 15 minutes or so then dry as normal. Your doctor can tell you how often you should soak. It can vary from once a week to daily.
With all the little things that can cause the body pain, it can be hard to find relief. Epsom salts are used by many people who find that they soothe those aches. If you find yourself in pain, consider Epsom salts. If nothing else, a warm bath is always relaxing.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Davie, Fla.