Hydrotherapy
Epsom Salt Bath
What is an Epsom salt bath?
An old English remedy
Epsom salts are a magnesium sulphate salt. They get their name from the 18th century town in southern England called Epsom, the place where the salts were first obtained from a mineral spring. Epsom salt baths are a way to enrich the body through diffusion with magnesium, an element that is vital to many of the body’s physiological functions.
Who is this for?
Epsom salt baths can be used to ease stress, reduce headaches, improve sleep, decrease muscle tension/soreness, and detoxify the body. Most people in the general population can benefit from this treatment. People low in dietary magnesium can especially benefit from an Epsom salt bath. Modern agricultural practices often do not prioritize crop rotation and this can lead to foods containing less magnesium than is necessary for optimal health. Magnesium is a vital element for proper cardiovascular and nervous system health. It also plays a role in skeletal muscle contraction, blood clotting, and seratonin production.
Who isn't this for?
An Epsom salt bath may not be recommended if certain contraindications are present. This includes: cardiovascular disease, diabetes related foot conditions, open wounds/burns, severe skin conditions or skin infections. People with heart conditions or those that are very weak, very old, or very young should only try this treatment with proper monitoring.
Possible Side Effects
Fatigue
Prolonged heat exposure can lead to feelings of fatigue, dizzyness, and low blood pressure. Drink plenty of water and take deep breaths and this should pass quickly. End treatment if feelings intensify.
Skin Irritation
Heat exposure can cause red skin which is a normal reaction. In rare cases you could get irritated skin. This usually happens when too much salt is used or if the treatment is done for too long.
Allergic Reaction
In very rare cases you could have an allergic reaction to the Epsom salts. This might manifest as a skin rash. This is an unlikely occurence. End the treatment if you believe you might be allergic.
Required equipment
Epsom salt baths require minimal equipment to perform at home.
What you’ll need:
– Bathtub (or a small basin for foot baths)
– Epsom salts
– Measuring cup
– Thermometer
– Drinking water
– Optional (cold water towel for forehead/neck)
– Optional (essential oils for aromatherapy)
How to do it at home
1.
Prepare
Fill the tub with water that is between 39 and 44 degrees celsius. (36 to 38 degrees celsius for a milder bath) For a foot bath add 250ml of Epsom salts or 500ml for a full body bath. Add in any optional essential oils for desired aromatherapy.
2.
Soak
Soak for 15-20 minutes. Drink water as necessary to stay well hydrated during the treatment. Monitor heart rate or blood pressure every 5 minutes if you are an at risk population. You may wish to place a cold towel on your neck or forehead.
3.
Rinse
After you are finished soaking, carefully exit the bath. Move slowly, you may feel lightheaded after the heat exposure. Rinse off any excess salts with a cool shower or wipe yourself clean with a wet towel. Dry yourself off and get some rest.
Want to learn more?
I endeavoured to see what kind of effects Epsom salt baths would give me personally. You can read more about my experience with this home treatment on my blog page.
References:
Fowlie, L. (2006). An introduction to heat & cold as therapy. Curties-Overzet Publications Inc.