As a massage therapist, I get asked daily if I give prostate massages. The answer is NO I do not! Why? Well because they should only be performed by a doctor that has the correct training to invade your body. In this blog, I will pull together information benefits, reason, issues and problems with prostate massage.
What is a prostate massage?
Medical News Today gives a great description of what it is and what happens during a prostate massage. “A digital rectal exam is used to check the overall size and condition of the prostate gland. During the procedure, a doctor will check for lumps and other changes that may be signs of health issues. A doctor wearing a lubricated glove performs the test by inserting a finger into the patient’s rectum and pressing the sides of the prostate nearby. If the symptoms suggest an infection, the doctor may massage, or rub, the prostate to obtain fluid for later study. The fluid released by the prostate is called expressed prostatic secretion. Doctors will analyze it for signs of inflammation or infection.” After, reading what is involved in a prostate massage I can tell you that massage therapist DO NOT have the training to do any of the above-listed procedures.
Types of prostate massage
Medical News Today goes on to explain the types of prostate massage. “A doctor may use a prostate massage technique to diagnose prostate problems but not to treat them. Some individuals use prostate massage regularly to deal with the symptoms of their prostate problems. This may be done manually, or with a prostate massaging device. Prostate massage can be slightly painful. Some people report an increased burning sensation after drainage, due to the nature of the fluids that are released. External prostate massage may involve exerting pressure on the perineum, the area about halfway between the anus and the scrotum. It can also be done by gently rubbing the belly between the pubic bone and the belly button. There are also devices to assist with external prostate massage.” None of these sound very relaxing to me and shouldn’t be done to a client without a doctor’s guidance.
Risks of prostate massage
Medical News Today lists several risks of getting a prostate massage.
“These include:
Worsening of acute prostatitis and potential blood poisoning, due to a risk of spreading infection
Bleeding around the prostate
Cellulitis, a serious skin infection
Hemorrhoids flare-ups
Spreading of prostate cancer, if present
Damage to the rectal lining.
Individuals with epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube connecting the testicle to the vas deferens, should avoid prostate massage. Due to the potential for damage to the rectal lining, the pressure used on the prostate must be minimal. The area is very sensitive, so any intervention must be carried out with caution and proper hygiene.
Physicians generally recommend that only trained healthcare professionals treat the prostate, and that they do so with great care and gentleness. As a general rule, physicians do not recommend prostate massage.” This being said as a massage therapist doing prostate massage can open you up to harming your client. I feel that this out weights the benefits.
Benefits of prostate massage
“Potential benefits of prostate massage
Supporters claim that prostate massage:
Prevents the buildup of prostatic fluid in the prostate
Improves the effectiveness of antibiotics against prostatitis
Supports healthy prostate functioning
Heightens sexual experience
Reduces the pain and discomfort of an inflamed prostate.
External prostate massage is said to reduce pain, improve erection, and ease urination.
There is little medical evidence to support these claims.”
As stated above there is little medical evidence to support that prostate massage is good for a client. That being said I do not offer prostate massage in any form or fashion. I think it would be wise to avoid going to a person that claims to do prostate massage unless they are a doctor.
While becoming a massage therapist I was introduced to breast massage. Being an active hater of bras and other confining breast wear I was all in for breast massage. Having spent a great portion of my life with very small breast, I was not happy to have my second daughter change my breast size by several sizes due to breast feeding and weight gain. So, I had done research that stated that not wear bras would build my pectoral muscles and keep them from sagging. My massage therapist did pectoral muscles releases that hurt like hell but made my 38D breast nice and perky. So, ladies, I say suck it up and get your boobs perky. I am happy to say I may have 52-year-old boobs but they do not look it. I rarely wear a bra and love that the sag is no worst than a 20-year-old’s that has my breast size.
Fear is often the reason we do not have the breast massage done. There is nothing sexual about a breast massage. It does hurt and you can get bruises from it if you bruise easy. However, the end results totally make it worth your time to have it done.
Honey Colony breaks down the top 6 benefits of breast massage:
“1. Breast Massage Reduces The Risk Of Breast Cancer: Scientific research shows that massaging your breasts helps fight cancer. In fact, “nipple stimulation encourages blood flow and promotes the production of a useful female hormone, which encourages cells to expel cancer-causing chemicals from breast ducts,”says Professor Tim Murrell, of the Department of Community Medicine, at the University of Adelaide. Regular breast massage can also alert you of changes in your breast tissue so you can take quick measures to heal.
2. Increases Breast Size: When the breast tissue is stimulated by educated massage, the body secretes the hormone prolactin which slightly enlarges the breasts. Many women love this perk.
3. Prevents Sagging: Breast Massage lifts the breasts by tightening and toning the tendons and muscles responsible for breast length. Goodbye gravity, hello breast massage!
4. Helps You Look Younger: Breast Massage stimulates the endocrine system to secrete a powerful cocktail of youthful hormones. Prolactin, oxytocin, and estrogen are three powerhouse anti-aging hormones known to be produced during breast massage. Many women take pharmaceutical hormones to stay young. With skilled breast massage, your own body will be your anti-aging pharmacy!
5. Increases Pleasure: Increased sensitivity is a pleasing result of Taoist Breast Massage. As you become more aware of your own sensations and loving touch, you create new pathways in your brain for sensitivity. Some women even develop the ability to orgasm from this increased connection.
6. Lifts Stress and Depression: The “love hormone”, oxytocin is produced through breast and nipple massage and is scientifically proven to decrease stress and depression. Why wait for love? This is reason enough to massage our breasts!”
Find the right massage therapist that you feel comfortable with and knows what they are doing. Make sure they have the training to do this for you. Then ladies, say hello to perky breast and goodbye to hot and uncomfortable bras.
We are surrounded by so many choices for things to make our body, mind, and spirit feel amazing, it all becomes a bit confusing. In this blog, we will explore different types of professions that help peoples body, mind and spirit and how that relates to massage or differs. The professions we will explore are massage, chiropractor, acupuncture and physical therapist. We all do different things that compliment each other and we should not make people feel that they should not see one of these professionals.
chiropractor
Chiropractors work with the movement of our bones. This is very important that our bones move correctly so that the rest of our body feels great and in line. The definition of a chiropractor, described by Merriam-Webster is “a system of therapy which holds that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function and which employs manipulation and specific adjustment of body structures (such as the spinal column) holds a current license to practice chiropractic in this state.” It is important to a massage therapist that a clients joints and bones are in correct position. We can assist a chiropractor by relaxing a client’s muscles so the bones and joints will go into alignment with little or no pain and stay in alignment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an age old treatment done with needles or cupping to relieve pain. It does not always work if the client is not able to relax and trust the person doing the acupuncture. I have sent clients to try acupuncture when all other methods of pain relief have not worked. I do believe in avoiding prescription medications aka pain killers as some can be very addictive. The Free Dictionary defines acupuncture as “one of the main forms of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of sharp, thin needles that are inserted in the body at very specific points. This process is believed to adjust and alter the body’s energy flow into healthier patterns, and is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends acupuncture as an effective treatment for over forty medical problems, including allergies, respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological problems, nervous conditions, and disorders of the eyes, nose and throat, and childhood illnesses, among others. Acupuncture has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse. It is an effective and low-cost treatment for headaches and chronic pain, associated with problems like back injuries and arthritis. It has also been used to supplement invasive Western treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. Acupuncture is generally most effective when used as prevention or before a health condition becomes acute, but it has been used to help patients suffering from cancer and AIDS. Acupuncture is limited in treating conditions or traumas that require surgery or emergency care (such as for broken bones).”
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is the study of how bones and muscles move together. The Free Dictionary defines a physical therapist as “a rehabilitation professional who promotes optimal health and functional independence through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or chronic movement dysfunction, physical disability, or pain. A physical therapist is a graduate of a physical therapy program approved by a nationally recognized accrediting body or has achieved the documented equivalent in education, training, or experience; in addition, the therapist must meet any current legal requirements of licensure or registration and be currently competent in the field.”
Each and every field of study has something to offer you if you fit into what they are offering. The massage field is great at supporting and enhancing each area so you have the best experience and out come possible for your body, mind, and spirit. I highly recommend getting a massage before you see the above professionals to make your journey complete. See you soon on a massage table for an experience of a life time.
I have two kinds of clients. First timers and repeat clients. I love both groups since the former I can show how great massage can be and the latter I can keep their muscles feeling amazing.
I feel that regular massage is important for the muscles, mind, and spirit. The question that comes to mind is how often and what length of massage should I choose?
Of course, we would all like to have weekly massages but most can not afford this luxury. Massage every day is a bit of an over kill if you are not a professional athlete. Weekly is great if your pocketbook also agrees. With this in mind, I recommend to my clients to have a massage every 4-6 weeks depending on their pocketbook and time.
The length of the massage should be based on what you need from your massage. If you just need to relax and have very few muscle issues, I recommend one hour. Those that have been working in the yard, long hours on the job, driving or flying long distances or just play hard at sports I recommend an hour and a half to two hours to give me time to work out the knots without putting them in too much pain.
To all my clients that have never had a massage, better known as a virgin massage client, I recommend an hour massage for your first time. First-time clients to a new massage therapist should also consider an hour massage to see if they click with the massage therapist. Everyone has different personalities and styles of massage. Not every massage therapist is for every client.
So yes, there is danger in booking massage since it is addictive and will make your body, mind, and spirit feel amazing.
A little teaser for those of you that read my blog. I will be producing a line of bath bombs, candles, scrubs and much more that can be used to make your muscles feel amazing between massages. We are currently in the design and testing phase. They will be for sale on my website and in my salon. Stay tuned for more updates.
Our tush goes by many names such as glutes, ass, butt, bottom and many more names that are either cute just plain annoying to hear. Many massage therapist and clients shy away from glutes massages since most feel like it is a personal area, might get sensual or that area surely is not the cause of the pain in my lower back, hips, legs or sciatic nerve. I am here to tell you that your tight ass not to be confused with a nice ass or cheap ass is the cause of pain in all those areas. A professional glute massage can make you feel 100% better in one or more sessions. Come along with me while we explore the different areas of the glutes and how they can affect the rest of your body.
To start lets address what is in your ass. Wikipedia gives a great brief description:
“The gluteal muscles are a group of three muscles which make up the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The three muscles originate from the ilium and sacrum and insert on the femur. The functions of the muscles include extension, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation of the hip joint.”
Lower back pain can at times be associated with the gluteus maximus and medius two of your three muscles that make up your glutes. If one or both of these muscles clamp down or get knotted your lower back will begin to hurt. If your lower back is hurting and these two muscles are fine then you may have other muscle or disc issues. The release of these muscles will usually allow the client almost instant pain relief. However, the muscles can be sore for 1-3 days after release. Live Strong gives a more technical explanation of what is happening in your body; “Because the hip flexors and gluteal muscles are attached to the pelvis, it causes a tilted pelvis and low back pain when the muscles are out of balance. Your hip flexors raise the thigh toward the abdomen. When they are tight, they pull the pelvis forward and cause an excessive arch in the lumbar spine.″
Sciatic Nerve pain is often traced back to our glute muscles clamping down on the sciatic nerve causing shooting burning pain up and down the leg and at times into the lower back. This makes it difficult to stand, walk, sit or lay down. For those of you that have experienced this, can attest that you would do almost anything to remove the pain. Having suffered from sciatic nerve pain for many years, I was very happy to find that a deep glute massage could take this pain away. I will say it hurt like the devil to get the glute to release and took monthly sessions for 10 months. It was worth all the pain, money and time to get the muscles released. Make sure your massage therapist is licensed and has had training in glute massage and muscle release before you allow them to work on your glutes.
The release of your glutes can also improve your circulation to your legs and feet. This happens by releasing the glutes that are clamped down on your blood vessels and allows the blood to flow freely.
Your glutes are used daily for getting up, walking, standing, sitting down and take part in almost all body movements. They deserve to have regular maintenance just like the rest of your muscles. So, next time you book a massage make sure you have your glutes massaged your tush will thank you!
Our feet are the magic carpet ride we take every day without really truly appreciating them. We occasionally treat them to a pedicure if we have a time we need our feet to look amazing such as sandal weather, the beach or a romantic encounter. Yes, this applies to both sexes. Ladies: painting your toenails is not care! Men and ladies keeping your toe nails clipped nicely is also not the total care our feet beg for.
Feet are the foundation of our body and were most muscle issues start. It can start with bad shoes or just over use of the feet. For those of us born with feet issues, we know how much our body can suffer from foot issues. So shall we look at a few feet facts and how to make our feet happy feet?
Health Communities lays it out nice, explaining how our foot and ankle is built:
“Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle
The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle serves as foundation, shock absorber and propulsion engine. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one-mile run) and provides flexibility and resiliency.
The foot and ankle contain:
26 bones (One-quarter of the bones in the human body are in the feet.);
33 joints;
more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments (Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones and ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.); and
a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue.
These components work together to provide the body with support, balance, and mobility. A structural flaw or malfunction in any one part can result in the development of problems elsewhere in the body (such as back pain). Abnormalities in other parts of the body can lead to problems in the feet.”
They also explain well how your muscles and tendons work inside your foot:
“There are 20 muscles in the foot that give the foot its shape by holding the bones in position and expand and contract to impart movement. The main muscles of the foot are:
the anterior tibial, which enables the foot to move upward;
the posterior tibial, which supports the arch;
the peroneal tibial, which controls movement on the outside of the ankle;
the extensors, which help the ankle raise the toes to initiate the act of stepping forward; and
the flexors, which help stabilize the toes against the ground.
Smaller muscles enable the toes to lift and curl.
There are elastic tissues (tendons) in the foot that connect the muscles to the bones and joints. The largest and strongest tendon of the foot is the Achilles tendon, which extends from the calf muscle to the heel. Its strength and joint function facilitate running, jumping, walking up stairs, and raising the body onto the toes.
Ligaments hold the tendons in place and stabilize the joints. The longest of these, the plantar fascia, forms the arch on the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. By stretching and contracting, it allows the arch to curve or flatten, providing balance and giving the foot strength to initiate the act of walking. Medial ligaments on the inside and lateral ligaments on outside of the foot provide stability and enable the foot to move up and down.
Skin, blood vessels, and nerves give the foot its shape and durability, provide cell regeneration and essential muscular nourishment, and control its varied movements.”
So what does this mean to our feet if we get them massaged regularly? What are the benefits of massage to the feet? Regular massage promotes better sleep, increase circulation, relaxation, fights depression, helps with pain, promotes healthy feet and a good foundation for your body. I can say from experience that I have always hated my feet being touched. I dislike shoes and go bare foot or wear flip flops as much as possible. I met a reflexologist and he changed my mind about foot massage. I promise after a good foot massage you will feel like you are walking on air. Don’t wait, book your massage today to start your magic carpet ride.
Over the years of working as a massage therapist, many of my clients turn down an arm and hand massage. Reasons vary from they don’t feel any benefits from the massage to they don’t like their arms and hands touched. After this last weekend of helping my daughter and I repainting the master bedroom, I can see why arm and hand massages are important.
“Each hand contains (plus or minus… everyone is different, and everyone counts these things differently…)
29 major and minor bones (many people have a few more).
29 major joints.
At least 123 named ligaments.
34 muscles which move the fingers and thumb:
17 in the palm of the hand, and
18 in the forearm.
48 named nerves:
3 major nerves.
24 named sensory branches.
21 named muscular branches.
30 named arteries and nearly as many smaller named branches.
The thumb is controlled by 9 individual muscles, which are controlled by all 3 major hand nerves
And moves in such a complex fashion that there are 6 separate descriptive terms just for particular directions of movement of one thumb joint – the basal joint, at the base of the thumb.”
Even reading Wikipedia you can discover some cool fact about arms:
“Muscles
The arm is divided by a fascial layer (known as lateral and medial intermuscular septa) separating the muscles into two osteofascial compartments: the anterior and the posterior compartments of the arm. The fascia merges with the periosteum (outer bone layer) of the humerus. The compartments contain muscles which are innervated by the same nerve and perform the same action.
Two other muscles are considered to be partially in the arm: The large deltoid muscle is considered to have part of its body in the anterior compartment. This muscle is the main abductor muscle of the upper limb and extends over the shoulder. The brachioradialis muscle originates in the arm but inserts into the forearm. This muscle is responsible for rotating the hand so its palm faces forward (supination).”
Our arms and hands contain many muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. These can be damaged in accidents or just from normal wear and tear of our lives. Massage can help keep them healthy and functioning as well oiled machines.
So, what does massage really do for your arm and hand? From experience of having my hand massaged and giving clients massages I know that it improves circulation, relieves pain, and helps with range of motion. All that and it feels amazing to have your hand relaxed. Our arm can also benefit by the same things improves circulation, relieves pain and numbness and helps with range of motion. Remember, our arms are attached to our body with 4 rotator cuff muscles and a clavicle bone, not much holding it on for how much abuse we give our arms daily.
In conclusion, remember to treat your arms and hand to a massage when you get a full body massage. They will thank you by feeling amazing.
When going to get a massage it is not the time to have your hair done all nice with gel and hairspray, and it is also not a time to wear makeup. The face cradle and laying on your back on the table will mess up your hair and makeup, not to mention getting a head massage can really do a number on your follicles. I hear from a lot of clients “I would really rather skip the head massage since it will mess my hair up and really adds no benefit to the massage.” Which is completely wrong! On top of feeling amazing, it does make a difference in your massage results.
Hair Buddha gives us a great list of the benefits of getting a head massage:
“1. It stimulates the scalp circulation, bringing with it oxygen and hair nourishing nutrients, thus promote stronger and healthier hair growth.
2. It removes any toxins that may have accumulate in the scalp by increasing the lymphatic flow.
3. It activates the dormant hair follicles to promote new growth.
4. When done using oil such as jojoba, almond, sesame, olive, coconut, and castor, it moisturises and conditions the scalp. This help you avoid dry flaky scalp and dandruff.
5. It strengthens the hair shaft and helps distribute the natural scalp oils down to rest of the hair – this adds luster and shiny to your hair and protect it from breakage and split ends.
6. It also relaxes the scalp and neck muscles. Tight scalp muscles restricts blood flow and suffocates your hair follicles.
7. It also eases stress and tension and helps you sleep better.“
These are all good reasons for promoting healthy hair and scalp. Times of India also mentions some of the perks of head massages:
“Getting a head massage is one of the best ways to release every day stress and anxiety. It also helps relieve headaches. Here are some of the advantages –
– It relaxes and calms your mind
– It helps reduce stress
– Helps improve concentration
– Activates blood circulation in different parts of your body
– It aids in quick and sound sleep
– It strengthens your hair roots”
I also find it is easier to relax your neck muscles with a head massage. Why would you take those benefits away from a massage you paid to get? You can ask your therapist not to use any lotion or oils on your head and face. I don’t use any and find that I am able to still give a good head and face massage. It feels great and gives you many bonuses. Try it you might like it!
It can be scary to go get a massage from a new massage therapist. Sorry to say one therapist deep tissue will make you hurt for a week with bruises all over while another will make you feel amazing. There are many names for types of pressure from feather touch or light touch to heavy pressure or deep tissue. I will try to explain what each type is and what benefits you will receive with this type of pressure.
Light touch or feather touch is the very lightest form of massage. I find this to be a very hard form of massage to perform since as massage therapist we are trained to do medium to deep tissue massage. This type of massage will wear out your massage therapist and should be 60-90 minutes in length. Also, when receiving this type of massage the massage therapist will not be doing deep stretches on your muscles. However, Centerpoint makes great some great points on why light touch massage could be for you. “In addition to enhancing the body’s own natural healing mechanisms, by promoting relaxation, light touch massage can increase one’s overall emotional health. And since it is a gentle technique, it can be especially beneficial for a client who is highly sensitive to touch or for one whom the more intense pressure of a Swedish massage might be too much to tolerate. A client with fibromyalgia may be a good candidate for light touch massage. As with any bodywork therapy, light touch massage produces those feel-good endorphins, and pregnant women who are close to term (as well as those who are in the early stages of labor) find that light touch massage is relaxing yet invigorating at the same time.”
Medium Pressure massage is the most commonly asked for massage. It addresses muscle issues without making you feel like cursing or running out the door. This type of massage will benefit the client in lengths of 60, 90 and 120 minutes. The client may also receive light to medium stretches of their muscles.
Heavy Pressure or Deep Tissue massage is usually preferred by athletes or very active people. This massage will work out knotted muscles and help your muscles to move more freely. It will include stretching of arms, neck, legs, and shoulders. This massage will benefit the client in lengths of 60, 90 and 120 minutes. This massage is for those with major muscle issues or someone who knows their body. Benefits are treating chronic back pain, helps lower high blood pressure, reduces stress, anxiety and muscle tension, breaks up scar tissue, improves athletic recovery and performance and reduces arthritis symptoms. There are many more benefits that have not been proven medically but clients claim.
I encourage my clients to think about what works best for them and start there. Don’t be afraid to ask your therapist to lighten up or to go deeper it is your massage and your body. This is to benefit you, not to make you hurt. You may be sore in a good way a couple of days after a massage but you should never be hurting. I hope you enjoy and get the best muscle results from your next massage.
Come along with me while we explore the amazing crystal called Epson Salt with some essential oils thrown in that I love, peppermint and eucalyptus. These items come combined into one bag and make the difference between a great day after a hard workout, a hard day at work or a deep massage and a painful day.
When should I use Epson Salt? You can use Epson salt anytime you like. There is really no such thing as overuse. That being said you have to have the time to spend 20 mins soaking in very hot water that will not burn essential body parts. You will add the Epson Salt with peppermint and eucalyptus into the bath as it fills. You may ask yourself why to use peppermint and eucalyptus oils because they act as a natural pain reliever for your muscles. These two essential oils have other uses but as a massage therapist I love them for pain relief. Soak until cool or about 20 mins. This will help to remove the lactic acid from your tissue that the muscles put off with exercise or massage. All soaks should be followed by icing the affected muscles for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off two times. This will bring blood to the affected area and remove inflammation.
SaltWorks has some great tips and uses for Epson salt.
“What are the health benefits of using Epsom salt?
The wonders of Epsom salt have been well known for hundreds of years and, unlike other salts, has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Ultra Epsom® Salt. Some of the notable benefits of Epsom salt include:
Eases stress and relaxes the body
Stress drains the body of magnesium and increases levels of adrenaline. When dissolved in warm water, Epsom salt is absorbed through the skin and replenishes the level of magnesium in the body. The magnesium helps to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. Research shows that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts believe that bathing with Epsom salt at least three times a week helps you to look better, feel better and gain more energy. Magnesium ions also help you relax and reduce irritability by lowering the effects of adrenaline. They create a relaxed feeling, improve sleep and concentration, and help muscles and nerves to function properly.
Relieves pain and muscle cramps
An Epsom salt bath is known to ease pain and relieve inflammation, making it beneficial in the treatment of sore muscles, bronchial asthma, and migraine headaches. In addition, it has been known to heal cuts and reduce soreness from childbirth. Mix a thick paste of Epsom salt with hot water and apply to get soothing comfort. Try soaking your aching, tired (and smelly) feet in a tub of water with half a cup of our Epsom Salt. Epsom salt softens skin and will even neutralize foot odor.
Helps muscles and nerves function properly
Studies show that Epsom salt can help regulate electrolytes in your body, ensuring proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, and enzymes. Magnesium is also known to be critical in the proper use of calcium, which serves as the main conductor of the electric impulses in your body.
Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots
Epsom salt is believed to improve heart health and help prevent heart disease and strokes by improving blood circulation, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots, and reducing the risk of sudden heart attack deaths.
Makes insulin more effective
Proper magnesium and sulfate levels increase the effectiveness of insulin in the body and can help to lower the risk or severity of diabetes.
Relieves constipation
Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom salt can be used to treat constipation. Taken internally, Epson salt acts as a detoxifying agent for colon cleansing. The salt acts as a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom salts should not be used to relieve constipation without the consultation of a physician.
Eliminates toxins from the body
The sulfates in Epsom salt help flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. Your skin is a highly porous membrane and adding the right minerals to your bathwater triggers a process called reverse osmosis, which actually pulls salt out of your body, and harmful toxins along with it. For a detoxifying bath, at least once weekly add two cups of our Ultra Epsom Salt to the water in a bathtub and soak for 10 minutes.
What are some uses of Epsom salt?
Whether you like a relaxing soak or wish to enhance your beauty effortlessly, making Epsom salt a part of your daily routine can add a whole lot of good to your way of life. To experience the numerous health benefits of Epsom salt, take relaxing, stress-relieving Epsom salt baths three times weekly by adding 2 cups of Ultra Epsom Salt to a warm bath and soaking for at least 12 minutes. For the added benefit of moisturizing your skin, add 1/2 cup olive oil or baby oil. Do not use soap as it will interfere with the action of the salts. Try to rest for about two hours afterward. If you have arthritic joints, move them as much as possible after an Epsom salt bath to prevent congestion in the joints.
For a foot bath, pamper weary feet by adding 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a basin of warm water. Relax and soak feet for 20 minutes. If you like, rub away any calluses using a pumice stone. Dry feet, then add two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite natural moisturizer, like shea or coconut butter, and rub in thoroughly to lock in the moisture. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts.
Epsom Salt Uses: HEALTH
Athlete’s foot: Soak feet in an Epsom salt bath to help relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot.
Remove splinters: Soak affected skin area in an Epsom salt bath to draw out the splinter.
Treat toenail fungus: Soak your affected toes in hot water mixed with a handful of Epsom salt three times a day.
Soothe sprains and bruises: Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak to reduce the pain and swelling of sprains and bruises.
Ease the discomfort of gout: Ease the discomfort of gout and reduce inflammation by adding 2–3 teaspoons of Epsom salts into a basin and immersing the affected foot/joint. The water should be as hot as it is comfortable. Soak for about 30 minutes.
Epsom Salt Uses: BEAUTY
Exfoliate dead skin: In the shower or bath, mix a handful of Epsom salt with a tablespoon of bath or olive oil and rub all over your wet skin to exfoliate and soften. Rinse thoroughly.
Exfoliating face cleanser: To clean your face and exfoliate skin at the same time, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Gently massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
Dislodge blackheads: Add a teaspoon of Epsom salt and 3 drops of iodine into a half cup of boiling water. Apply this mixture to the blackheads with a cotton ball.
Remove foot odor: Mix a half cup of Epsom salt in warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to remove bad odor, soothe achy feet, and soften rough skin.
Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Cover the mixture and let sit for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes before shampooing as normal.
Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts deep conditioner and Epsom salt and warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
”Sea Salt has some great uses for Epson salt.
“Peppermint essential oil gives a cooling sensation and has a calming effect on the body, which can relieve sore muscles when used topically. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can help freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues. Peppermint is a hybrid species of spearmint and water mint (Mentha aquatica).
Top 25 Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits – Dr. Axe” Dr. Axe has great insight into essential oil on his sight Draxe
“The health benefits of eucalyptus oil are well-known and wide ranging, and its properties include anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, deodorant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulating, and other medicinal qualities. Eucalyptus essential oil is colorless and has a distinctive taste and odor.
15 Best Benefits of Eucalyptus Essential Oil | Organic Facts” You can find more facts at organicfacts.net
I hope you have enjoyed learning about Epson Salt. It is a very useful and cheap thing to keep in your home for your health.
Leave me comments on how an Epson Salt with peppermint and eucalyptus oil helped you.
Body Care
