Epsom Salt Baths – Why take them?

Epsom Salt Baths & Why They're Awesome

When you start to realise the power that sulphur or more to the point, sulphurs relationship with the entity we know as Fire (who rules transformation, transmutation and transfiguration), you can begin to grasp the healing potential sulphur baths give humanity.

Wise woman they were who for eons have espoused the healing ritual of immersing oneself in sulphur rich pools.

Even better if these baths were warmed via volcanic springs and the warmth of these thermal pools could be experienced for hours at a time.

It's indeed possible that ever since humans consciously started bathing in sulphur pools/baths/ponds/thermal streams etc. as a vehicle for healing, that the power of self-healing developed or more to the point... this power was recognised.

The reasons for bathing in magnesium sulphate are numerous.

Magnesium is up there as far as your body's nutrient requirements for great health are concerned.

But when it comes to most magnesium supplements, they are either magnesium chloride or phosphate or a similar derivative.

So why is magnesium sulphate different?

Well the obvious answer is sulphate or simply... Sulphur, Sulphur, Sulphur!

Sulphur is to your body like the volcano is to the Earth!

Without the volcano, the Earth Herself wouldn't be able to blend with the physical aspects of Her entire physical being.

It is the Fire aspect of the Earth (the sulphur rich lava) blending the "earth matter" together into something new.

Volcanic eruptions are the way Earth distributes nourishment around herself to create "fertility" in the soils of the Earth.

Over time the "lava form" breaks down and what we experience over time is lush vegetation and growth due to the mineral concentration of all there is of the Earth.

With a magnesium found within the nucleus of chlorophyll, and the vegetable kingdom breathing out oxygen, you could imagine magnesium is also vitally important for cellular respiration and you'd be right!

Magnesium is required for oxidation-reduction reactions that help the cells utilise oxygen (this aids brain function and ALL cell activity).

It's interesting to note when magnesium deficiencies occur, not only is physical movement limited but respiratory function as well.

The biggest breathing organ

Your skin is the biggest respiratory organ of your body.

Maybe this is the reason why the absorption of magnesium through the skin (in this case soaking in a bath with magnesium added) appears to be a highly effective way to replenish and maintain magnesium concentration (and reserves) within the body!

Your skin is porous, so you can absorb a lot more magnesium into your body without having to go through the gastrointestinal tract.

This is to your advantageous as generally if the bowel is exposed to big concentrations of magnesium in a short amount of time, it tends to freak the intestines out and the runs (diarrhea) follow.

On an energetic level, your skin is the external representation of your lungs.

Thus the absorption of magnesium via the skin has plenty of impact upon the health of your body, including the respiratory system... the lungs.

Hence magnesium is in common use for the treatment of asthma.

Sulphur effects the way the body eliminates toxins.

For centuries, arthritis sufferers and muscle weary people have been helped by bathing in waters that contain high amounts of sulphates.

You see, very simply put, for your body to transport either toxin out of the body or nutrient within the body, you need hydrogen and sulphur.

Bathing in magnesium sulphate not only helps detoxify the body, it helps the body to absorb, balance and distribute nutrients.

Sulphur also helps the body to utilise protein, build strong nails and keep hair healthy.

The sulfate part of the Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) must not be confused with Sulfa drugs, to which some people are allergic.

The benefits of sulfate in the body are summarized by Dr. Rosemary Waring of the School of Biosciences, in Birmingham, England:

Oral supplementation of Sulfate cannot be easily absorbed across the gut walls; therefore, by soaking in this bath, sulfate can be more efficiently supplemented. Sulphate is essential for many biological processes.

Sulfate is needed for formation of proteins in joints; decreased sulfate levels are common in the plasma and joint synovial fluids in cases of arthritis. Sulphate is also low in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Sulfate is necessary for sulfation, a major pathway in detoxifying drugs and endogenous (toxins from within the body) or exogenous (environmental ) toxins.
Sulfate is necessary for the repair and formation of brain tissue. Reduced levels of sulfate can lead to faulty neurological connections and subsequent dysfunction.
Sulfate is needed for proper digestion and for proper utilization of digestive enzymes.

A salt of balance

On a mental/neurological level, magnesium is also widely known as an 'anti-stress' mineral as it helps maintain "balance" both physically & mentally.

When the electrolyte levels of the body's waters are balanced & harmonised, the mental body can transmit & receive information/communication unimpeded, thus both the Spiritual body (fire) and the Emotional body (water) stablise, attracting, supporting and bringing in new life.

When the body's ability to transmit & receive information is compromised, not only does one's thinking go out of whack but a whole lot of critical functions necessary for awareness are also compromised.

As for distribution, it's estimated that nearly half of the magnesium in the body is located within the cells and less than one percent remains in the blood.

The remainder combines with calcium & phosphorous for the formation/hardening of teeth and within the bone.

For without magnesium, there would be no regulation from the influence of calcium (contraction) and we'd all just harden up and turn into great big brittle calcium sticks!

When one soaks in a hot bath with Epsom salts added (hopefully with a BIG glass of water with squeezed in fresh lemon juice sitting on the side of the bath for regular sipping), great release can be expected & experienced!

When renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Norman Shealy, M.D. Ph.D said, "Magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient", even awakening medico's listened.

Based on what i've seen, i couldn't agree more.

i've seen what could be classified as a miracles via the application of magnesium through the skin!

Who would have thought?

You don't have this disease, you have a chronic magnesium deficiency!

What does it mean "magnesium is related to the sun"?

On an energetic level, from deep within esoteric teachings, magnesium is the constellation of Leo's cell salt.

Leo is ruled both exoterically and esoterically by the Sun.

So on a more dense level, magnesium sulphate helps the transmission of information from the Soul or Spirit level to the mental body, then from the mental body to the brain and from the brain to the muscle.

This is why magnesium is used to treat muscle spasms and is a very effective healing tool for pregnant woman especially those in their third trimester.

And the relationships get even bigger!

You see sulphur is related to all of the 3 heavenly fires with the 3 bodily or heavenly fires being...

Solar fire - related to the Soul or Spiritual Aspect.
The physical representation of this on this planet, is the Sun. Using the sun, you can make fire!

Electric fire - related to the nervous system or Mental Aspect.
The physical representation of this on this planet, is electricity. Plug the motor into the power-point and it moves into action. Using electricity, you can make fire!

Fire by friction - related to the muscles, organs and bones or the Physical Aspect.
The physical representation of this on this planet is the way we create heat i.e. by rubbing two sticks of wood together. Using friction, you can make fire.

And who would have thought the cold can burn?

Ever wondered why people suffer burns from frost bite in the cold.

The cold literally burns your flesh off.

But it's cold you think!

How can that be?

Again the answer can be seen by observing the Law of Polarity

To name a few...

For there to be hot there will be cold.
For there to be light there will be dark.
For there to be water there will be fire.

When you take it a little bit further and look at the energetic principles and the relationship between fire and water, you realise that...

WATER at its highest frequency is FIRE
FIRE at its lowest frequency is WATER.

Fire and water is made of the same stuff, just different polarisation!

As we are over 70% water, in reality, you and i are literally walking masses of living water or living masses of fire.

You and i are a frigging miracle!

How does it feel knowing you and i are "liquid fire" moving?

The process of aging

Fundamentally, this i believe, is the number one reason the body crystalises as it ages.

As the body ages it is nerve function that disintegrates first and foremost.

To experience vitality & health, it's all about the fire in the body's electrolyte levels.

It's all about the fluidity of the fire!

With the disintegration of "neural pathways", the supply of light/information/communication impacts the entire body to the furthest extremities!

On a very basic level, you can say that aging is primarily caused by the nerves ability to both transmit and receive light diminishing!

For where there is no light, there's no Expansion.

Yet in light's place you will always find the presence of the Mother... the darkness, the contraction, the receiver of light.

Thus as the fluidic fires diminish, the body crystalises and calcifies!

For on a systemic and energetic level, again in the ancient wisdom, it is said calcium is related to the Moon... a dead planet!

Why is magnesium better absorbed through the skin rather than a tablet?

Have you ever heard the adage, "It's not what you eat, it's what you absorb"?

The amount of magnesium (be it a chloride or a sulphate) you can absorb via the skin, if it were in a tablet, would give you the runs (diarrhea).

Hence again the relationship with the large intestine and magnesium sulphate being used as a universal treatment for constipation in both humans and animals alike.

As such, if you're prone to constipation or the next time you feel the need to detox the liver and bowel of dietary and metabolic acids, take 1 to 2 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate in 1 litre of warm water (preferably alkaline water) and drink the entire solution within 5 to 10 minutes first thing morning.

This solution should be ingested just like in the Salt Water Cleanse, first thing upon rising.

The detoxing of the bowel and liver generally takes place within 60 minutes after ingestion, so make sure you stay close to a bathroom.

Preparing a bath

As there is a technique to maintaining the heat of your bath, it's all about preparation.

Preparation is the key that changes a bath that cleans into a bath that cleans, heals and regenerates.

Let me explain...

Most of us when we have a bath would normally fill the bath up to about two thirds full if not just below the top with hot and cold water.

As for temperature you make it just hot/warm enough so you can sit right in.

Unfortunately as soon as you jump in your body starts to absorbs the heat of the water and instantly the water in your tub starts to cool.

And depending on where you live and how cold it is outside, your bath can cool down pretty quick.

"i'll just let some water out and add some hot water", i hear you say!

Unfortunately every time you let water out to keep a bath hot diminishes the concentration of any salts you've added.

It's a self defeating practice!

The healing minerals you've put in your bath are flushed down the drain.

What to do!

It's all in how you draw your bath!

Any human who makes a grand cup of tea knows the first step is always to heat the pot.

Same thing goes with your bath.

So to prepare your bath...

Fill your bath to about 100mm (4 inches) with hot water only and ONLY USE HOT WATER.
DO NOT fill your bath with any cold water. Have faith!

When your bath that has about 100ml of hot water in it, now is the time to add your Epsom salts or other healing salts.
As an Epsom salts fan (magnesium sulphate) 1 - 2 kilograms worth will give your body a good feed.

With 100ml of hot water and your Epsom salts/Bicarb of Soda/healing salts added, walk away!

That's right!

Walk away!

If you're a bit forgetful or prone to go onto other things (being creative sort of humans we are), set yourself a timer for about 15-20 minutes or so.

As for the walking away

The reasons for walking away can be infinite.

But the reality is to create a healing space takes preparation just like a cup of tea or a good meal does for that matter.

The most important bit about walking away is it gives what the actual bath is made from time to warm up.

Some baths are made of cast iron/steel (steel can absorb a lot of heat) or even fibreglass which is more than likely sitting on a bed of sand which also needs to be heated.

Thus the cup of tea principle is the same.

Heat the pot first!

During the 15-20 minutes or so it takes for the water to cool down, this is your opportunity to get your reading material and or your music sorted.

Maybe the candles need to be lit and essential oils chosen.

It could be to boil the kettle and ready a cup of tea to be poured.

Or maybe the juice of 1 lemon being squeezed into a litre (a couple of pints) of water.

After the 15-20 minutes or so when the water in your bath has cooled down sufficiently for you not to burn/scold yourself, now is the time for you to jump in... AND LET THE HEALING BEGIN!

But only my legs are covered i hear the people say!

This is true, but you'll find your legs will very quickly absorb what heat is in the water when you first get in your bath.

Within minutes of you jumping in the water, the water will be cool enough for you to add more hot water.

As you mix the hot water in and bring the heat up again, your legs will get even warmer.

With your legs housing the biggest muscles in your body, as your legs heat up so too will your whole body temperature increase keeping the top of your body warm.

And now the water level is up to your tummy.

As the water starts to cool again, turn on the hot water and now the water level is up to your chest.

You get the drift!

The technique is only to add only hot water!

Depending on the size of the bath and what the bath is made of (my favourite baths are the cast iron with claw feet type) having a hot bath that lasts over an hour is easily achieved.

The major reason why my favourite bath is made of cast iron is the retention of heat.

Once a cast iron bath is warmed up it holds its heat.

Does the shape of my bath matter?

Well yes and no.

A long bath that you can fully stretch out has its own comforts and advantages.

But they are limited in their ability to provide you with room for expansion laterally.

That is the sides of the bath stop you from opening your knees right out.

Likewise the sides of the bath can restrict your shoulders depending on the width of your bath and the width of your shoulders.

With a long bath you can get your body fully immersed up to the neck once you've filled the bath which is very nice.

At the moment i'm using a fibreglass triangular shaped bath.

It's not the best to lie down in (as i am 6 foot 2) but how many long baths can you sit cross-legged in?

On my good days i sit in lotus and can meditate for over an hour or so.

The water heats my trunk and pelvis allowing the abductors and inner thigh muscles to release.

The heat makes it easier to focus on relaxing & discharging tension in my lower back allowing my trunk to return to factory default settings.

That is a naturally uplifted state from the sacrum up.

Whatever shape your bath is, you can make it work.

There's always pro's and con's to any situation.

As always it's the choosing to make it a positive experience that we all must endeavour to aim for.

Using 1 - 2 kg or more of salts sounds expensive! Is it?

Well it's not when you consider what you're receiving!

Ever heard of a float tank?

Having a float can cost anywhere from $60 - $180 and more to have a soak.

Capacity wise a float tank generally holds about 500litres of water that can have up to 300kg of Epsom salts in it (if not more).

So putting 1 - 2 kilogram of salts in my bath that holds a couple of hundred litres isn't that much.

True magnesium sulphate can be quite costly if you purchase it in small quantities from the chemist or supermarket (about $6.00AUD for 375grams).

When you consider a good amount to put in your bath is 1-2 kg, do the math and it's $20 and more!

So i suggest you buy your magnesium sulphate in bulk.

Contact a rural produce store or ask your health food or bulk food store to get a 25kg bag in for you.

But be VERY MINDFUL when it comes to purity.

Do not purchase any magnesium sulphate that is under 99% pure as in some countries including here in Australia it can legally be sold containing trace amounts of lead, arsenic and a plethora of other heavy metals.

On the Gold Coast Queensland, Australia, both clients, friends and associates pay around $90 AUD for 25 kg of 100% pure magnesium sulphate.

If your located on the Gold Coast QLD, Burleigh Pet Produce has been a dedicated supplier for many decades.

Give them a buzz if you're in the area.

Nationally, Blants Bathing & Mineral Supplies are located in Sydney and ship around Australia.

If you don't like paying postage (10 or 25kg bags are heavy) try going local.

Get into it!

Bathe plenty (1 - 3 times a week or more!) even if you're not unwell.

If you are unwell and have been for some time, i've seen what would be described as miracles in peoples healing and regeneration by regularly soaking in Epsom Salts.

If you also eat lots of raw fruit and veggies (salads etc.) for the hydrogen and use your muscle to strengthen your breath with TriBreath, watch your body lift!

Walk, run, move regularly (as over 70% of toxic elements are moved via the respiratory system) to stay strong in body, mind and spirit!

But most of all, love your body!

About the Author

Brett Hayes has had an interest in human anatomy from around the age of seven.

Decades later and now with over thirty years’ experience as a body mechanic (injury repair), healer and teacher, the techniques of resurrection and regeneration that Brett shares encompass many aspects including breath/body synchronicity, structural alignment, mind direction and connection to Spirit.

He is the Head Coach and Developer of TriBreath, a practice that use ancient breathing rhythm's as the foundation for specific movements and techniques to help tone, fortify and strengthen your body's muscle and respiratory fitness.

Disclaimer: All information on this web site is for informational purposes only. Under no circumstance is any product on this site intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Please contact a medical doctor to diagnose and treat any medical condition.