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Epsom Salt Soaking 101
Consider having 4-6 lbs of epsom salt for soaking in a warm tub after your massage to enhance the healing process. The body uses the magnesium in the epsom salt to allow the muscles to relax and release metabolic waste and tension. This can be found in the first aid section of grocery and drug stores, an inexpensive way to heal the body when one is out of balance from heavy exercise, stress, dietary distress, alcohol consumption, and exposure to smoke or allergens.
Epsom salt soaking is not recommended for pregnant women. Pregnant women and people with extreme dry skin issues can enjoy a safer detox bath with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar in the tub, a cool rinse when done is still a good idea.
For neck and shoulder discomfort, take a hand towel and pour 1 lb of salt in a long line along one long side of towel, roll tightly into a long snake and have within reach of tub with some fresh drinking water. Fill tub halfway with mixed warm water and 2-3 lbs of salt, get in and adjust the water level and temperature to your desire. If you plan on soaking longer due to increased health issue or mental stress or just because you love yourself, have 2-3 lbs of Epsom salt within reach of tub so you can drain some water and add more hot water and salt to recharge your therapeutic bath.
If you don’t care to relax in the tub and you like showers, or if you wake up with a stiff neck and need a quick fix, consider a salt shower. Make the neck towel as mentioned above, pour 1-2 lbs of epsom salt on the floor of shower where you would normally stand, close drain to allow the water to collect at your feet during your shower, take the warm wet neck towel, place around your neck and proceed with shower as usual. Near end of shower remove salt around neck and open drain, finish with a rinse.
After the soak of 15-20 minutes (or more if you can allow yourself), please be sure and rinse off, some people find a cold water rinse to refresh, seal hair for less frizz, close skin pores, and other benefits. If you allow yourself the time to relax and be quiet, you may find answers to the questions you ask yourself. Be nurturing and supporting of yourself. Use this time to recharge your batteries; fully charged people get more done with less stress. After a rinse one can seal in the moisture with a simple oil rub and towel off. Consider the use a light oil like sunflower or a mix with a heaver more nourishing oil like olive, any oil you can eat will be more nourishing than a man made lotion or oil, less to clog pores or cause allergic reactions.