To Epsom or Not?

​At the end of my treatments, I always tell my patients that an Epsom salt bath is part of their home care for that evening. For the most part I get a look of response that says, "Meh, who has baths?" or the best one, "I am a man, I am not going to have a bath." So here is the reasoning behind my home care suggestion.

Epsom salts are actually not a salt at all but a naturally occurring mineral composed of magnesium and sulfate. While sulfate has a wide range of health benefits, I primarily focus on magnesium. By mixing in 2 cups of magnesium in your bath water and soaking for at least for 15-20 minutes, you are absorbing the magnesium in through your skin by act of osmosis. The definition of osmosis is the movement of solvent molecules from area of high concentration(bath water) to area of low concentration(body) through a semi-permeable membrane (skin).

Many primary health care providers believe Magnesium is the most important mineral for the human body due to its health benefits. The health benefits include but are not limited to:

1) Protein synthesis
2) Regulation of muscle and nerve function (reduces spasm/aches)
3) Aids in production of energy
4) Development of bone
5) DNA and RNA synthesis
6) Plays a vital role in absorption of calcium and potassium

The above 6 benefits are key in promoting healing after a treatment, work-out sessions or general daily activities. So please, heed my advice and run yourself a hot bath with those Epsom salts after our treatments. Your body will thank you. 

Nissa Cochran RMT