We rarely stop to consider that our skin is the largest organ of the body. Our skin is far more than just a protective barrier. It is porous and one of the major conduits our body utilizes to absorb/eliminate substances. In reality, 20% of the toxins eliminated from your body do so via the skin.
Hydrotherapy is excellent for soft tissue injuries, aching muscles, arthritic joints and acute injuries. It is also effective in reducing stress and it aids in relaxation. Further, it soothes skin issues and can aid in balancing the immune system. Soaking is a wonderful way to support detox and promotes peaceful sleep.
I like to make a blend of different natural salts. If adding essential oils, I do add an emulsifier to keep the oil from floating on top of the bath water.
There is extra benefit in including Epsom Salt in the mix as research indicates that magnesium is one of the most overlooked deficiencies in conventional medicine, with an estimated 90% of people being deficient. Magnesium is important and spearheads more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
My favorite blend is:
- 1 ½ cups Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
- ½ cup Natural Salt (Pink Himalayan, Dead Sea Salt, or other)
- ½ teaspoon Sunflower Lecithin or Turkey Red Oil (as an Emulsifier to bind the Essential Oils)
- 20 drops essential oil (Can use a combination of essential oils, but just 20 drops total. Lavender, rosemary, peppermint, rose geranium or lemongrass are all nice)
- ½ cup finely powdered herbs (lavender buds, dried rose petals, chamomile, rosemary leaves, etc.)
- 2 Tablespoons finely powdered oatmeal (optional, but very soothing to inflamed skin)
Simply mix together in a bowl and then store in a glass jar with a lid. Use approximately ½ cup of the mix per bath. If you have plumbing concerns or want to use whole flowers or herbs, place mixture in a muslin drawstring bag and place in tub.
So relax into a warm, healing bath and let the stresses of the day fade away.