Its a sacred ritual for our body and soul. A time to immerse ourselves in the depths of healing waters and arise a new creature.
What happens when we quiet ourselves and submerge our body in a hot bath? Heaven and Earth collide, spirit and body commune in the steamy stillness...creating the atmosphere for not only healing the physical body, but soul as well.
The following advice is taken from author, Anam Cara Marshall.
A Salt Bath is made with Epsom Salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, which not only draws out toxins, but has health benefits of its own:
• Ease stress and improves sleep and concentration
• Help muscles and nerves function properly
• Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots
• Make insulin more effective
• Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps
• Improve oxygen use
• Flush toxins
• Improve absorption of nutrients
• Help form joint proteins, brain tissue
• Help prevent or ease migraine headaches
STEPS TO DRAW A SALT BATH (DETOX BATH)
1.Fill your bath with water that is as hot as you can. The idea is to create a sweat. As you fill your bath, add 2 cups Epsom salt, (or 1 cup if it is a smaller bath). If your bath water is not filtered you may want to add a cup of baking soda at this time as well, to help neutralize the chlorine and chemicals. While the tub is filling, lite a few candles and place them around the tub, or bathroom to create a relaxing environment. Once the tub is filled, add 5-10 drops of essential oil, if so desired. I like lavender in the evening. This is not required, however essential oils have their own healing properties that assist us during this relaxing, detoxing time.
2. Climb in and immerse yourself up to your neck if possible. You will want to soak for at-least 15min, preferably 20min. Be sure to drink all your water. Close your eyes, relax, and maybe do a little breath work. I sometimes bring in spa music to listen to as well, as it helps pass the time.
3. After 15-20min of soaking, it is time to drain the bath. For those of you that like to feel the toxins being pulled out of your body, a neat experience is to lay in the bathtub as the water goes down the drain. You become very aware of the weight of your body. If this is not your thing, simply pull the drain, and rise up slowly and cautiously…you may feel light-headed, even a bit dizzy…..this does go away as soon as you shower off in cooler water.
4. It is important to shower off, as the salt water has pulled the toxins out…you do not want to leave them sitting on your skin to go back in.
5. Its advisable not to use any harsh soaps or shampoos as your pores are open and will absorb those chemicals, kinda defeating your detox :)
6. Once dry you can apply a natural moisturizer. I like to use organic coconut oil or a blend that I make with organic olive oil, grape seed oil and a few drops of rosemary essential oil. (the olive oil does, over time, stain your clothes…but I LOVE how my skin looks and feels…so I don’t mind). These moisturizers are amazing….it may take a couple days for your body to get used to them…but once it does…you will not go back to store bought lotions with dyes, chemicals or perfumes.
7. I recommend not to eat right away after a bath….if anything drink water….to help flush out the toxins.
8. I also recommend to allow for some more rest and rejuvenation after your detox bath, and enjoy your fresh start.
Comments