A simple soothing self-care ritual to ease pain

One of the most relaxing things you can do when you are in pain, is to have a nourishing soak in the bath. If you are lucky enough to have a bathtub, there are few things that can soothe the body and mind as throughly as quality time spent in a healing bath. We often think we don't have the time to take a long, hot soak in the tub and it is seen as a luxury or indulgent for most of us. Yet it can benefit us so much and perhaps lessen doctors visits. Looking after our body from top-to-toe has to be on the priority list. Bathing is a long-standing ritual; a therapeutic practice with roots in ancient India and Greece. The art of bathing goes back centuries and across the whole world almost every country has its own ritualistic approach. In Finland, the saying ‘the sauna is the poor man’s apothecary’ still remains prevalent as the country has almost as many saunas as it does inhabitants. It’s strongly believed that sweating it out in a sauna not only provides a full body cleanse, but also helps you to relax.

In Japan, it’s not uncommon to bathe once or twice a day and outdoor communal bathing. A rotenburo is an open-air hot-spring bath. “Ro(露)” means it is exposed, without walls or fences. “Ten(天)” means the sky. Onsen is a popular and beautiful way to relax outdoors.

While each bathing ritual involves immersing your body in water and has the power to cleanse you both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Your own bath might not look like it has the ability to transform your mental state but taking inspiration from traditional bathing rituals can make a surprising difference…

When it comes to a relaxing bath we usually look to a nourishing bath oil or soothingly scented bubble bath, you might even light a candle to set the mood.

The Wiccans rely on just two ingredients: water and salt. It is believed that these alone are enough to cleanse your body and clear your mind. Salt baths are widely applauded for their health benefits, in particular magnesium salt baths for those with achy muscles and joints or if you struggle to sleep.

The benefits of epsom salts:

Epsom salt is good for the body.

• Epsom salt helps relax muscles and relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, back and skull. For example, by relaxing the muscles surrounding the skull, the magnesium in Epsom salt may help release headaches and relieve migraine.

• Some researchers also think that magnesium is good for reducing inflammation in internal organs.

• Integrative medical experts commonly recommend Epsom salt to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and cold intolerance.

• Reduces tension and is deeply relaxing

• Potent natural remedy for relieving inflammation

• Relieves joint aches.

• Epsom Salts are commonly used in the detoxification process. The sulfate component of Epsom Salts, helps in drawing the heavy metals and toxins out of your body. Absorbing Epsom Salts cutanously is a very gentle way to detox. Occasionally it can lead to subtle feelings of nausea or headaches.

How to take an Epsom salt bath

Follow these steps:

• Use 2 cups of Epsom salt for a standard-size bathtub.

• Pour the Epsom salt into warm running water.

• Soak in an Epsom salt bath for 15–30 minutes.

If you do not have access or ability to have a full bath, there is nothing like soaking feet at the end of a long day! The upside is there are some little known benefits to soaking feet. Assistance is found in managing symptoms of Athletes foot.

As well as with removing splinters, treating toenail fungus and easing any pain produced by gout. Aside from these benefits, soaking your feet is such an easy way to aid relaxation as well.

Important: No one with an open wound or a severe burn should use Epsom salt. If you have an open wound, consult your dermatologist before use.

Consider adding a few drops of the following essential oils to help you relax and get to sleep:

• lavender (relaxation)

• rose (pain relief, relief from menstrual discomfort, decreases anxiety and stress.)

• roman chamomile (anti-inflammation and pain relief for conditions like back pain, neuralgia, arthritis, promotes good sleep.)

• geranium (anxiety, depression, infection, and pain management, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.)

• bergamot (elevate mood and alleviate stress, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and analgesic (pain-relieving)

• jasmine (improves sleep quality and cuts down on restless sleeping, elevates mood)

• eucalyptus (soothing, clears the mind, promotes relaxation, invigorates the senses)

Remember to put on soft, relaxing music and light a few candles.

Close the door and let the stress melt away and soothe your achy body with some loving care.

Important: Though generally safe for most when used properly, you should talk to your doctor before using bath salts if you have medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Doctors say Epsom salt helps reduce itching from summer ailments.