Integrative medicine is a field of medicine that focuses on treating both body and mind as well as exploring how they’re connected. A few of the treatments and methods used in the holistic integrative approach to medicine include Reiki, acupuncture and hypnotherapy.
Another instrument integrative doctors frequently recommend for its physical and mental health benefits includes Epsom salt. While no clinical trials have confirmed the benefits from Epsom salt, numerous health practitioners recommend it due to its ease of use as well as its reasonable cost and surgery-like delivery.
What is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is one of the many mineral salts that naturally occur made up that is composed of magnesium and sulfate within forms resembling rocks. The name “Epsom salt” is a reference towards the city of Epsom which is located just only a few miles from London in England which is where the salt was said to be discovered around 400 years ago.
While it’s similar to table-salt It has a bitter taste and isn’t really intended to be consumed. Most users dissolve it in an icy bath to take bathing with the hopes of relieving stress or sore muscles.
How can you use Epsom salt?
The idea is that when you add Epsom salt to warm water, it dissolves the magnesium and sulfate. This enables it to get absorbed into the body via the skin. Numerous user testimonials have proven positive effects from using Epsom salt in this manner.
Scientific research, however, isn’t quite as vocal in its for. There aren’t any conclusive research that suggests that magnesium could be absorbed through your skin in sufficient quantities to treat any deficiencies that may be present in the mineral. Furthermore, the research conducted is a bit sceptical.
However, integrative medical professionals often suggest Epsom salt to those who suffer from muscle pain and mental stress. If you’d like to try this yourself, the process is fairly simple and low in danger.
Pour around 300 grams (1.25 cups) of Epsom salt into a clean bathtub as it is filled the tub with boiling water. (Avoid using Epsom salt in tubs with jets, hot tub or bathtubs with whirlpools or hot tub unless the manufacturer has said it’s OK.)
Once the bath is drawn take a look at the water to determine its temperature and adjust as necessary. You don’t want to scald yourself.
Begin slowly to ease yourself into the tub and let yourself relax. A 15 minute soak should be enough.
When you purchase Epsom salt, ensure you buy a product that’s 100 100% magnesium Sulfate.
The advantages of having using an Epsom salt bath
Despite the absence of evidence from the scientific community, tales of the healing properties of Epsom salt are circulating for centuries, says Umeda, Dr. Umeda. The majority of people dissolve Epsom salt in bath water to release magnesium and sulfate and enjoy the benefits.
Stress relief
Some experts believe that stress relief is derived from the warmth of the bath, others believe Epsom salt is a good way to stabilize mood and relieve depression, anxiety and stress. Indeed, some say that magnesium supplementation increases serotonin (happiness or relaxation hormone) production in your brain.
Muscle pain
Epsom salt is utilized to ease muscle tension and relieve pain in the shoulders, neck as well as the back and skull. For example, by relaxing the muscles that surround your skull, the magnesium in Epsom salt could help relieve migraine or headache. This is also beneficial for sore muscles in the recovery phase following a workout.
Inflammation
Many experts believe magnesium can be beneficial in lessening inflammation in organs within the body. This can help decrease the risk of heart disease as well as improve digestion/bowel movement.
The side effects of bathing in an Epsom salt bath
In general, there’s no need to worry about it exceptions, but there are a few instances where caution is recommended, according to Umeda, Dr. Umeda. Epsom salt baths aren’t suggested for those with
Severe skin inflammation.
Skin infection.
Open wounds.
Very severe burns.
Additionally the consumption of Epsom salt – according to some online “detox” plans tout -is a risky adverse effects, such as severe diarrhea, according to the Dr. Umeda. There are no studies that prove that taking Epsom salt internally is safe or beneficial. Ingestion of it can cause sudden and drastic changes in the bowel’s behavior. this, in turn can be extremely hazardous and cause dehydration and discomfort.
If you’re interested in Epsom salt baths or have any concerns, check with your doctor prior to taking Epsom salts.
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