Everything you wanted to know about Epsom Salt

What is Epsom Salt?

Epsom Salts have been around for a very long time – I know my Mum used to put us in an Epsom Salt bath when we complained of growing pains … but what exactly is it?

Science and Chemistry will tell you it is Magnesium Sulphate (a chemical compound of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen), and history will confirm it has been a ‘go to’ remedy for soothing muscular aches, insomnia and in recent times fibromyalgia.

The key part of the compound is the Magnesium which has been found to be lacking to some degree in most people.

How Does It Work?

I hear what you’re asking – if it is as simple as getting more Magnesium into your system, why not just take Magnesium Supplements?

I would like to remind you of these simple facts:

1. Supplements are taken orally and pass through your digestive system before they can be absorbed into your system. Once absorbed, the chemistry of the supplement needs to travel through your circulation to reach your muscles, and that can take time.
2. The skin is a semi-permeable membrane that also absorbs moisture and chemicals into your system – the greater the area of your skin exposed to the solution, the greater the absorption rate of the chemistry … and better yet, absorption of magnesium through the skin gets to where you want it faster than going through your circulation.
3. Lastly … how great is a warm bath when your body is aching?

Benefits include:

1. Exercise Performance and Recovery -Having an Epsom Salts bath after exercise can help reduce muscular aches & pains and even cramps, both increasing your potential for better recovery and improved athletic performance. This benefit can be supported by recognition of the fact that magnesium helps the body use glucose and lactic acid.It is good to remember as well that you don’t need to be an athlete to want better muscle performance and recovery … maybe you work in a labor intensive job, or maybe you enjoy maintaining your garden – both of these circumstances can leave your muscles feeling tight & achy too, and an Epsom Salts bath will help you feel better!
2. Reduced Pain and Swelling -Magnesium is well recognised for soothing general aches & pains and reducing mild swelling, making it a great option for those living with fibromyalgia and/or arthritis.
3. Promotes Sleep and Stress Reduction -Research has identified that magnesium supports restful sleep and stress management, likely because magnesium helps the brain in the production of neurotransmitters associated with inducing sleep and reducing stress.It is also believed that magnesium plays a support role in the production of Melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

How do WE want YOU to use your Free bag of Epsom Salts?

Simply increase your water intake for a few hours after your massage (about 1 glass extra per hour or so) and then take the time to relax into a nice, hot Epsom Salts bath.

• The extra water will elevate your circulatory volume (give you a little more blood in your veins)
• The hot bath will stimulate your general circulation… and
• The magnesium content of the salts will absorb through your skin and help the metabolic waste that was liberated by your massage to evacuate your body so you feel more relaxed for longer.

The last part of this Post-Massage Self-Care Regime is to gently but thoroughly stretch all the areas you feel (or felt) tension in your body. This will again promote circulation in your ‘trouble areas’ and assist the evacuation of metabolic waste, but more importantly it will help regain flexibility in your muscles, which will in turn help reduce the recurrence of muscular tensions… Sounds simple, but it works!