Hydrotherapy is one of the most effective tools to help create
a healthier quality of life...
Hydrotherapy simply means using water for treatment of the bodies ailments. Whether using a cold compress for acute inflammation or taking a bath to soothe aching muscles, there are countless ways to use water for healing.
Taking an Epsom Salt Soak is one of the most beneficial ways to do this. The second being a mineral bath which you can use in place of Epsom Salts. Epsom Salt is not standard Sodium Chloride (table salt). It is made up of Magnesium Sulfate which the body then absorbs having powerful health benefits such as:
Regulates over 325 enzymes in the body
Flushes toxins
Reduces inflammation
Relieves muscle soreness
Improves heart and circulatory health
Help ensure proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function
Boosts serotonin
Helps to balance out the calcium levels in the blood
Improves absorption of nutrients
Helps form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins
Helps prevent or ease migraine headaches
And are necessary for formation of proteins in joints while helping with a process that keeps joints healthy.
(This information and more can be found at http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org)
Taking an Epsom Salt Soak is one of the most beneficial ways to do this. The second being a mineral bath which you can use in place of Epsom Salts. Epsom Salt is not standard Sodium Chloride (table salt). It is made up of Magnesium Sulfate which the body then absorbs having powerful health benefits such as:
Regulates over 325 enzymes in the body
Flushes toxins
Reduces inflammation
Relieves muscle soreness
Improves heart and circulatory health
Help ensure proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function
Boosts serotonin
Helps to balance out the calcium levels in the blood
Improves absorption of nutrients
Helps form joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins
Helps prevent or ease migraine headaches
And are necessary for formation of proteins in joints while helping with a process that keeps joints healthy.
(This information and more can be found at http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org)
Soak Precautions...
1. If using to induce a fever it can really help in beginning the healing process. If you are already experiencing a fever of 99 degrees or over, DO NOT SOAK. Your body is already burning off the infection and you may put yourself in danger.
2. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. This is the MOST important part of soaking.
3. DO NOT add soap or anything else that will change the chemistry of the water. It will then become ineffective. Essential oils, however, may be used
4. DO NOT soak with a full belly after a meal. The heat of the water moves the blood away from your organs causing difficulties in digestion and discomfort.
Epsom Salt Soak and Mineral Bath Directions...
NOTE: Epsom Salt can be found at any grocery store, Walgreens, or Rite-Aid usually in pharmacy section by foot care and on the bottom shelf. A good quality Mineral Bath is called Batherapy. This can be found in the same areas as Epsom Salts.
With Epsom Salt use ATLEAST 3lbs. (6 cups). Directions on the container will say 2 cups, but if you are soaking to relieve soreness and want to notice a real difference by the next morning... the more salt, the more effective. You CANNOT use too much Epsom Salt.
"Personally I never use less than 6 lbs. at a time. If I'm really hurting, I'll use anywhere from 8 - 12 lbs. in a soak." - Sarah Taylor
With Mineral Bath you'll want to use 5 - 7 heaping handfuls of the Batherapy powder. Do not exceed this amount unless you have a large tub. In this way, the Mineral Bath is more effective because the minerals are that of a hot spring.
Keep water temperature between 100 - 115 degrees (NO HOTTER). You can use a thermometer to get to know your perfect temperature.
Prepare a pitcher of water with a glass. As your body looses toxicities you will need to keep well hydrated. If you are not hydrated you may receive a headache, upset stomach, and can become light headed.
Soak the target areas for atleast 30 Minutes to 1 Hour while periodically stretching/massaging sore muscles.
If soaking entire body situate yourself so your legs are submerged for 30 solid minutes and then switch so your upper body is submerged for a solid 30 minutes.
Keep focus areas submerged the entire time. As long as it’s in the water it’s working!
After soaking, drain the tub and take a cooling shower to rinse off the salt residue. This will alleviate any itchiness.
Focused Hydrotherapy Directions...
This is for smaller areas of the body such as feet, hands and forearms. It can be used to relieve and treat symptoms such as arthritis, carpal tunnel, congestion, plantar fasciitis, inflammation, etc.
Supplies: A standard cooler (or container) that would normally be used for food and drinks while traveling. If you can comfortably lay your hands and forearms inside it will work.
A second cooler (or container) to fill with an equal amount of ice water. Cold packs may be used in it's place.
Epsom Salt: Use ATLEAST 2 cups in the Hot Water
Mineral Bath (Batherapy): Use NO MORE than 2 handfuls
DIRECTIONS:
For hands and forearms: fill cooler just enough so that when laying your arms flat inside it comes up 2 - 3 inches above the elbow.
For feet: fill cooler just enough to come 2 or 3 inches above your ankles
Soak for atleast 20 minutes while periodically massaging and stretching the area.
NOTE: If suffering from plantar fasciitis, place a ball (golf, tennis, racket) in the water and rub your feet over the top to work out inflammed, tender and tight muscle tissue. Stopping when you hit a tender spot, hold, take deep breathes and wait for that spot to release. You’ll know it’s released when the pain has subsided. DO NOT rub too hard… as this may cause bruising.
Finish with cold plunge in ice water or cold pack for 5 – 10 minutes to reduce any remaining inflammation.
Supplies: A standard cooler (or container) that would normally be used for food and drinks while traveling. If you can comfortably lay your hands and forearms inside it will work.
A second cooler (or container) to fill with an equal amount of ice water. Cold packs may be used in it's place.
Epsom Salt: Use ATLEAST 2 cups in the Hot Water
Mineral Bath (Batherapy): Use NO MORE than 2 handfuls
DIRECTIONS:
For hands and forearms: fill cooler just enough so that when laying your arms flat inside it comes up 2 - 3 inches above the elbow.
For feet: fill cooler just enough to come 2 or 3 inches above your ankles
Soak for atleast 20 minutes while periodically massaging and stretching the area.
NOTE: If suffering from plantar fasciitis, place a ball (golf, tennis, racket) in the water and rub your feet over the top to work out inflammed, tender and tight muscle tissue. Stopping when you hit a tender spot, hold, take deep breathes and wait for that spot to release. You’ll know it’s released when the pain has subsided. DO NOT rub too hard… as this may cause bruising.
Finish with cold plunge in ice water or cold pack for 5 – 10 minutes to reduce any remaining inflammation.