Integrative medicine is a subfield of medicine that focuses on treating both the body and mind, and investigating how they are linked. Some of the therapies and methods used in the holistic integrative approach to medicine are the use of acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and reiki.
Another instrument integrative medical professionals frequently recommend for its mental and physical health advantages are Epsom salt. Although no clinical studies have proven the benefits from Epsom salt, a lot of healthcare practitioners recommend it due to its convenience affordable price, and its the least invasive way to deliver.
What exactly is Epsom salt?
Epsom salt is among the many mineral salts that occur naturally that are a mixture made up of sulfate and magnesium in rocks-like formations. Its name “Epsom salt” is a reference towards the city of Epsom situated only a few miles from London in England and where the salt was believed to have been discovered around 400 years ago.
Although it is similar to table salt however, it is a bitter taste, and isn’t intended for consumption. The majority of people dissolve it in the warm water for an in-spray with the intention of relieving sore or stressed muscles.
What can you do with Epsom salt?
The concept is that when you add Epsom salt to warm water it dissolves magnesium and sulfate, allowing it to absorb into the body via the skin. Many user reviews have claimed amazing benefits of the use of Epsom salt in this manner.
Research in the field of science, however, isn’t as loud in its backing. There aren’t any conclusive studies that show that magnesium can be absorbed by your skin in sufficient quantities to correct deficiencies in the mineral. The research that has been conducted is skeptical.
However, integrative medical professionals generally suggest Epsom salt for people suffering from tension in their muscles and mental stress. If you’d like to test the salt yourself, the procedure is fairly simple and low at risk.
Pour around 300 grams (1.25 cups) of Epsom salt into a bathtub that is clean as it is filled by hot water. (Avoid making use of Epsom salt in tubs that has jets, a hot tub, or an whirlpool bath, in the event that the manufacturer states it’s safe.)
After the bath has been drained check the water for its temperature and adjust as necessary. Don’t risk scalding yourself.
Relax slowly into the tub and then relax. A 15-minute soak is enough.
When buying Epsom salt, make sure to purchase a product that is 100 percent magnesium sulfurate.
The advantages of having the Epsom salt bath
Despite the absence of research data, stories about the healing properties from Epsom salt are circulated for many centuries. People typically mix Epsom salt into bathwater to let magnesium and sulfate ions out and benefit from.
Stress relief
Some experts believe that relief from stress comes from the warmth of the Epsom salt bath. Others believe that Epsom salt can help stabilize mood and ease depression, anxiety, and stress. Some even claim that magnesium supplements serotonin (happiness or the relaxation hormone) production in your brain.
Muscle pain
Epsom salt can be utilized to ease muscle tension and ease discomfort in shoulders, neck back, and skull. By relaxing the muscles around your skull, magnesium from Epsom salt can help ease migraine or headache. This can help muscles that are sore during the healing phase following an exercise.
Inflammation
Many experts believe magnesium can be beneficial in decreasing inflammation in organs of the internal. This could help lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and help improve digestion and bowel movements.
The negative side effects from an Epsom salt bath
There aren’t many however there are instances when caution is recommended. Epsom salt baths shouldn’t be used for those with
Severe skin inflammation.
Skin inflammations.
Open wounds.
Burns that are severe.
Furthermore, drinking Epsom salt — as some of the online “detox” plans claim -could cause serious adverse effects, such as severe diarrhea. There aren’t any research studies to prove that drinking Epsom salt by mouth is healthy or safe. Ingestion of it can cause sudden and drastic changes in the bowel’s behavior. which, in turn, could be extremely dangerous and lead to dehydration and discomfort.
If you’re interested in Epsom salt baths or are concerned about it consult your health care doctor before making use of Epsom salts.