At Spa Mariana, founder Maciek Lyco recommends an Epsom salt bath after every massage and at least once a week for maintenance. You are probably thinking, “WHY”?
Almost everyone has heard of the term “Epsom Salt”, many of us dismissing it as an ancient remedy that is only still used by old ladies. But as it turns out, this pure mineral compound discovered over 400 years ago in Epsom, England is still one of the most beneficial natural remedies available. Epsom salt is almost entirely comprised of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium is the second highest element in human cells regulating over 325 enzymes and organizing many bodily functions such as muscle control, energy production, and the elimination of harmful toxins. Sulfates also detoxify the body in addition to playing an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins, and digestive tract proteins.
THE BAD NEWS: Most people are highly deficient in magnesium. In fact, due to changes in agriculture and diet, our magnesium levels are a mere 50% of what they were a century ago. Unfortunately, this deficiency helps cause many ailments in America today including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, arthritis, digestive problems, stress and fatigue. And unlike other important nutrients like calcium and iron, magnesium is not easily absorbed in the digestive tract making vitamins an ineffective method of boosting magnesium levels.
THE GOOD NEWS: Magnesium and sulfate are readily absorbed through the skin, making an Epsom salt bath the easiest (and most relaxing!) way to gain the amazing health benefits. There is even an Epsom Salt Industry Council that was formed in 1993 to help spread the word about the importance of both magnesium and sulfates to the human body. According to this council, Epsom salt offers countless benefits for your health, beauty and garden! In addition to the benefits already mentioned, Epsom salt can reduce irregular heart beats and blood clots, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, prevent hardening of the arteries, improve insulin efficiency reducing the incidence of diabetes, relax the nervous system, improve oxygen utilization, prevent or ease migraine headaches and much more. That’s right. A bath can be a natural remedy for easing stress, curing skin problems, soothing back and limb pain, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating cold and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body.
Epsom salt can be found in most drugstores and since the chemical make-up of this compound doesn’t change, brand names are irrelevant. There are dozens of recipes for the various uses available on the internet, but the most simple version is to add two cups of Epsom salt to the bath and soak for at least 12 minutes, three times a week – and you should be well on your way to a healthier YOU!
