Therapeutic baths are a way to treat a variety of skin issues that may involve large areas of the body. A Therapeutic bath may relieve itchy, hot, dry, inflamed skin. Hot baths are relaxing while a cool bath can reduce inflammation.
There are many kinds of Therapeutic baths which are used for different conditions:
- Cornstarch to relieve itchy skin
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will soften skin and is useful to use if you have hard water
- Mineral salts are very beneficial to detoxify and to replenish the body with minerals. Some types of salts used for bathing are Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate), Magnesium Salt (magnesium chloride), Himalayan Pink Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Arctic Mineral Salt. Each one is used to address specific issues.
- Salt water baths are used to treat lesions on the body
- Colloidal oatmeal added to a bath can sooth and stop itchy skin. It doesn’t dry out the skin and is suitable for children as well.
- Bath oils will moisturize your skin to ease eczema and dry skin
How to prepare a Therapeutic Mineral Salt bath:
Drink water before you take the bath (the salt can be dehydrating). Adding lemon to your water will also benefit the body. Dry brush your skin. It helps your body shed dead skin. Dry brushing also speeds up your body’s ability to eliminate waste.
For Adults 100 lbs and up, add approximately 1/4 cup to the bath. (Add up to 1 cup over time. It is recommended that you build up to this). If you do not have a water filter, add 1 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to help soften and improve the water. To help neutralize chlorine in your bath water use Ascorbic acid or Sodium Ascorbate which are both forms of Vitamin C. About 100grams of Vitamin C should do the trick). The baking soda will also help soften your skin! (Optional: 1/4 cup of Apple Cider vinegar. Don’t substitute the vinegar).
The temperature of the water for a Salt bath should feel comfortable to the hand. Not too hot! The bath should not last longer than 20 minutes. We do NOT recommend soap, bath oil, or fragrance (natural or synthetic) be added to the salt bath. A bath mat should be placed in the tub (before adding water) for safety.
Do not get overheated while soaking. When finished bathing, get out of the tub slowly, then gently rub down your skin with a washcloth, and then rinse under the shower.
Your body has been working hard, so take your time and remember to use caution on slippery surfaces.
Drink plenty of water, and rest.
The principles of Therapeutic bathing are numerous. We recommend that you start slowly. Mineral baths can stress the circulatory system if you suffer from a heart condition or poor circulation. Please consult with your Doctor if you have health issues before taking SALT baths. Do not use Bath Salts if pregnant.
Relax & Unwind..enjoy your bath!
