Why You Need a Detox Bath

I always recommend a detox bath because it is one of the easiest and most affordable healing therapies. A detox bath helps to facilitate and stimulate the body’s natural detoxification system.
In our modern world, our bodies are subjected to more toxins than ever before. We are surrounded by toxins on all fronts, from the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and even the medications we take to supposedly improve our health. Without a detox these toxins can harm the body by causing irritation and inflammation.
The body has a natural detoxification process that works to remove and metabolize the compounds in these toxins. Unfortunately, this process is limited and cannot always remove all toxins, so it is up to us to help our body detox more efficiently.
There are a number of different ways to improve the natural detox process, such as yoga, acupuncture or drinking green tea, but I have found an Epsom salt detox bath to be especially useful and very enjoyable. So, the typical detox bath requires the use Epsom salts, which is also known as magnesium sulphate, but there are other natural products that can be used as well.
Epsom salts have been used for centuries by many different cultures and is known to have lots of health benefits. Lucky for us, they are easy to find and quite inexpensive as well.

How it Works:

The skin is a very porous membrane that regularly takes in minerals and eliminates toxins daily. Both magnesium and sulphate are easily absorbed through the skin and then enter the bloodstream. When you use Epsom salts as a mineral base within the bath water, you create a process called reverse osmosis. This causes salt and other harmful toxins to be pulled out of your body and allows the magnesium and sulphates to enter your body.

The Benefits:

• Eases stress
• Improves focus and concentration
• Better sleep
• Regulates the activity of over 325 enzymes
• Helps to prevent artery hardening which may result in blood clots
• Makes insulin function more effectively
• Reduces inflammation
• Relives pain and muscle cramps
• Improves the body’s oxygen use
• Flushes out toxins that have built up
• Improves the absorption of nutrients
• Helps to form proteins that are good for joints and brain tissue
• Can prevent and help ease migraines
• Helps to heal skin conditions

Not only will an Epsom salts bath improve your overall health and well-being, but it will also strengthen your immune system over time and prevent disease. You can take an Epsom salt bath a few times a week, but I have found the best results by soaking for at least 20 – 30 minutes once or twice a week.

How to take an Epsom Salt bath:

Most people suggest that you add about two cups of Epsom salts to your bathwater. However, if this is your first time taking a detox bath, I would recommend only half a cup. As your body gets used to the intense detox, you can increase the amount until you are able to use the suggested two cups. I started off with two cups the first time I tried this and it resulted in making me dehydrated and moody. So, start with less and see how it makes you feel afterwards. It should make your body temperature rise for a while afterwards, as you sweat out even more toxins. You can even add some essential oils to the bath. This allows you to relax more and benefit from some aromatherapy. Spend at least 15 minutes soaking in warm water. Do not use soap or other bath oils as it will affect your detox. Afterwards make sure to relax for a while to fully absorb the healing properties and so that you don’t overexert yourself. Most importantly, stay hydrated! You should drink water before and after your detox bath, as the hot water and sweating will make you lose water faster than usual.

So, do yourself a favour one day this week. Run a nice warm bath and add some Epsom salts and essential oils and enjoy the soak while your body heals. Take this me-time to do some breathing exercises or even meditation, so that you heal your mind, body and soul!

What is your favourite way to relax?