Like the rest of the body, the feet serve a very important role in our everyday lives. Supporting the body’s weight for the entire day, they often suffer dryness, tenderness and pain. But unlike other parts of the body, the feet do not get enough attention – at least not as much attention as they need.
This is why your feet need some loving, which you can give through a good footbath.
Dim the lights, light some candles, play some relaxing jazz music and put some warm water in the basin for your feet to soak in. Make your footbath special by adding around half a cup of Epsom salts to the water and soak your tired feet away.
What are Epsom salts?
Epsom salts are not really salt. They are a mineral compound that is made of magnesium and sulfate, two naturally-occurring minerals that bring many benefits to the body: magnesium, which reduces inflammation and helps the muscles and the nerves function properly, and sulfates, which flush out toxins while helping the body absorb more nutrients.
Named after a spring in Surrey, England, where it was first found, Epsom salts have long been used as a natural remedy for many kinds of ailments.
Here are some of the benefits Epsom salts bring:
- Relieves muscle cramps and pain. A natural anti-inflammatory, Epsom salts are good for treating sore muscles, asthma and even migraines.
- Relaxes the body by easing stress. When you are stressed, your body secretes increased levels of adrenaline and loses magnesium, which is important in the creation of serotonin – a chemical in the brain that functions to create a feeling of relaxation. Soaking your feet in an Epsom salt bath will help you gain back your magnesium levels which will, in turn, give you more energy, making you look and feel better and combat the irritability and restlessness brought about by the surge in adrenaline.
- Helps in proper muscle and nerve functioning. Epsom salts are known to regulate electrolytes, which are essential for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.
- Treats constipation. Food-grade Epsom salts, when taken internally, do wonders in the cleansing of the colon. Acting as a laxative, Epsom salts increase the level of water in the intestines, which then helps in constipation relief. But before using Epsom salts internally, you must first consult your doctor.
- Flushes toxins out. Soaking in Epsom salts helps the body absorb sulfates, which then eliminate heavy metals from the cells through a process called reverse osmosis.
The Epsom Salts Foot Spa
Soaking your feet with Epsom salts is a good way of detoxifying the body. Every day, the body is exposed to many toxins from the food we eat and the things we use. Although these toxins come in trace amounts, some of them are left in the body – which is why you need to flush them out.
A good foot soak with Epsom salts in a foot spa is highly recommended. The feet have the largest pores in the body, which is why soaking them is an excellent way of releasing the toxins while absorbing the magnesium and the sulfates from the Epsom salts.
Want to do your own foot soak? Here is how:
- Find a container large enough to put both your feet in. Make sure it is deep enough to have your feet submerged in water that reaches up to your ankles.
- To protect the floor (and any other furniture around), put a bath towel under the container for your foot bath. This towel will help catch the dripping from your feet when you step out of the water.
- Fill the container with tolerably hot water – the higher the temperature of the water, the better. Make sure you do not burn or scald yourself.
- Dissolve half a cup of Epsom salts into the water.
- Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Your detox soak can also help you deal with other feet problems like athlete’s foot, toenail fungus or smelly feet, so you might want to add some antifungal essential oils like lemon, lavender or oregano.
- If you’ve got that patch of dry skin, especially on your heel, brush it off with an emery board foot file before you soak your feet. Doing so will open up the pores and make your feet even more ready to absorb the healthy goodness of the Epsom salts.
- Soak your feet in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove your feet, pat dry and apply your favorite foot lotion.
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