The Healing Magic of Epsom Salt Baths

Tomorrow is Day 7 of my Kemetic Detox, and I feel insanely groovy. Brief recap….all was going ok until Day 3. Every morning thus far except for Day 3 I have kept up with my meditation and started the day with fresh coconut water. I slacked on yoga, decided to do hot yoga but not necessarily yoga every day, along with my normal workout regimen of weights and running depending on my energy level. On Day 3, all went haywire. I had a cleansing reaction. In the morning I woke up sweating and with almost fever like symptoms. I don’t panic when this happens because I’ve experienced this before and know exactly what to do. I drank coconut water and pure water all day and by the evening I was feeling great. Strangely enough on Day 4 and 5 I hardly ate anything. I had no desire to eat AND never felt hungry–it was uncanny— but I forced myself to get in a juice or coconut water at least during the day. Today was Day 6.

Part of what happened today in particular that helped me get my groove back was soaking for a half hour in a bath. Someone recently posted a question about a salt bath, so here you go! Baths are magical. You can use them for cleansing physically, clearing your aura (the energy field around you), releasing unwanted energies, or just self-rebirth and setting intentions. When I lived full-time in New York I was a bath taking fiend in order to protect myself from all the chaotic energy in the city. In today’s bath I used the essential oil peppermint, and epsom salts mixed with other dead sea salts. Seriously it was divine, and afterwards I felt like a new woman.

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. Why is this cool? Because the majority of humans are deficient in magnesium.  Magnesium deficiency can lead to stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint pain.  Taking Epsom salt baths relieves joint pain (helped me today cause I was sore from a long run), inflammation, and sports injuries. Epsom salts can also help to relieve cold and  flu-like symptoms, and migraines. They literally pull out impurities from the skin, naturally exfoliate–leading to softer skin,  and improve your circulation. After an epsom salt bath I literally have to lay down for 15 -20 minutes afterwards, because my heart is pounding; after some time it subsides. If you have a heart condition you should consult a doctor prior to taking an epsom salt bath. They also provide guaranteed relaxation as the magnesium is absorbed through the skin and then binds with serotonin the brain, putting you in a relaxed, tension-free state. Added bonus, they are cheap compared to fancier bath salts and you can find them at almost any drugstore.

In my baths I always include epsom salt for all of these reasons, and then throw in some other bath salts. Among my favorites are: lavender, eucalyptus, and moldavite (these gangster salts are infused with the energy of moldavite the crystal—divinely intense). Then you can put in a few drops of an essential oil of choice, and when you get bath crazy like I am you do groovy things like toss in flower petals or herbs. Whatever you do make it your own process. Light a candle, do your affirmations, play some music, but first and foremost, take a chill pill. Nowadays with our crazy schedules, technology, and overall hustle and bustle, you may find it lovely to incorporate this ancient ritual into your life to give you a little R&R with some healing to boot. -XoXo Raw Girl