healingwithannemarie

[healingwithannemarie]

[healingwithannemarie]

References

Cronkleton, E. (2019, March 8). Aromatherapy Uses and Benefits. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy

Fowlie, L. (2006). An Introduction to Heat and Cold as Therapy. University of Toronto Press.

Sinclar, M. (2008). Modern Hydrotherapy for the Message Therapist. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a Welters Kluwer business.

Whelan, C. (2020, April 23). The What, Why, and How of Epsom Salts. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/epsom-salt-bath

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My Experience with Epsom Salt Baths and Aromatherapy

I had a very positive experience with epsom salt baths. I completed 5 Epsom salt bath treatments on myself for a period of 5 days, from Monday, October 26th to Friday October 30th, 2020. I added 5 different essential oils to each Epsom salt bath so I could experience the different effects of each one individually. I kept the temperature the same each day at 100° F and soaked in each bath for 20 minutes. 

Monday October 26 - Peppermint Oil (8am)

Tuesday October 27 - Eucalyptus Oil (9pm)

Wednesday October 28 - Lemongrass Oil (8am)

Thursday October 29 - Lavender Oil (11pm)

Friday October 30 - Tea Tree Oil (8am)

After each bath, I had a brief cool shower for 2 minutes and exfoliated my skin with Ocean Salt Body Scrub by Lush. Afterwards, I moisturized my skin with Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol Janeiro. I knew that the peppermint, lemongrass, and tea tree oils all had stimulating effects so I used them in a morning bath. I felt less tired throughout the day after using these oils, and I used them every alternating day to see if I felt any different compared to the other two days (Tuesday and Thursday). I found that all oils had a “tingly” effect on the skin which helped me relax in the bath. I used the lavender oil late at night so I could also breathe in the scent so it would be easier to fall asleep, which it did. Overall, I found the Epsom salt baths helped me reduce stress levels (this was the week I had most of my midterm exams), eliminate some muscle pain in my upper and lower back from work, and ultimately soften my skin. I think the biggest impact was the different effects of the essential oils I used and I will continue to use Epsom salt baths in the future.

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Procedure for Epsom Salt Baths

1. Check with client to make sure there are no contraindications to the warm bath, including any additives such as Epsom salts and/or essential oils.

2. Explain the use of the full warm bath and obtain client consent.

3. Place the bath mat on floor in front of the tub and a towel behind where the client’s head will rest.

4. Begin filling the tub and check the water temperature with a thermometer. The temperature of the water should be between 98°-104° F. Add two cups of Epsom salts to the bath as soon as the water begins filling to make sure it dissolves fully. Add 5-7 drops of essential oil of choice (optional). 

5. When the tub is half full, have the client get in the tub and sit down (assist as needed).

6. Have the client adjust the temperature to a tolerable level as the bath finishes filling.

7. Have the client remain in the tub for 15-20 minutes. Check in periodically to make sure the client is not having a negative reactions.

8. If the client feels lightheaded or dizzy, they should sit in the tub as the water is draining. This will help bring down the client’s core temperature slightly. The client should wait until the dizziness passes before standing up (assist as needed).

9. A brief cool shower will help the client rejuvenate and rinse any excess salt remains off of the skin.

10. Give client a towel to dry off (assist as needed).

11. After client is out of the tub, clean and sanitize the tub and launder towels and bath mat.

Epsom salt baths are often recommended following exercise or manual treatments like massage therapy. The client should also apply lotion afterwards to keep skin moisturized.

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Required Equipment for Epsom Salt Baths

For an Epsom salt bath, the following equipment is required:

Water thermometer

Bath towel

Bath mat (to avoid client slipping in bathtub)

2 cups of Epsom salts (adult)

Essential oil of choice (optional)

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Side Effects for Aromatherapy

Most essential oils are safe to use unless a client is allergic to a specific one. Some common side effects for aromatherapy are as follows:

Rashes

Asthma Attacks

Headaches

Allergic Reactions

Skin Irritation

Nausea

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Side Effects for Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths are considered to be generally safe but should be avoided if there are any open wounds on the skin. If a client has never had an epsom salt before, apply a small amount of warm water to the skin along with a small patch of Epsom salt and wait to see if the skin begins to react. If the client begins to experience itchiness, hives, or rashes, refrain from a full Epsom salt bath. 

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Contraindications for Aromatherapy

Essential oils are powerful and have many positive effects but it is important to be cautious when incorporating them into a treatment. Practitioners administering aromatherapy treatments should be aware of any allergies prior to treatment and essential oils should be avoided altogether if the client is undergoing chemotherapy, is pregnant, has high or low blood pressure, or experiences epileptic seizures.

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Contraindications for Epsom Salt Baths

Seizure disorders (due to the danger of having a client having a seizure in the tub), loss of sensation, obesity, inability to tolerate heat, and ingestion of alcohol or drugs prior to treatment are all risks that should be evaluated and considered by the therapist before carrying out an Epsom salt bath treatment. The client should also avoid eating any meals one hour prior to treatment. Individuals who experience any the following conditions should avoid Epsom salt baths altogether:

High amount of magnesium in the blood

Low amount of calcium in the blood

Decreased kidney function

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Aromatherapy

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Benefits of Aromatherapy

Some of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy are:

Ylang Ylang

Peppermint

Tea Tree

Lemon

Rosemary

Cinnamon

Lavender

Bergamot

Lemongrass

Sweet Orange

Eucalyptus

Frankincense

Peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, bergamot, and citrus oils (orange, lemon, lemongrass, and grapefruit) are all refreshing and stimulating oils. Tea tree is an excellent anti fungal oil and eucalyptus oil is an effective decongestant and is good for relieving cold symptoms, as well as frankincense. Lavender is most commonly blended with other oils to enhance the qualities and effects, but on it’s own it is considered very calming. Ylang ylang is also considered a soothing oil while cinnamon is useful for muscle aches. Collectively, all essential oils listed are beneficial to reducing pain and help different body systems correspondingly.

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Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salts are known to ease stress, reduce headaches, improve sleep, decrease muscle tension and soreness, and detoxify the body. Magnesium in Epsom salts help regulate electrolyte levels and is necessary for good cardiovascular and nervous system function. Magnesium is also vital in skeletal and heart muscle contraction as well as healthy blood clotting. Magnesium plays a role in the production and maintenance of serotonin levels which is beneficial for mental health and reducing stress. Diffusion through the skin, such as Epsom salt baths, is the most efficient method for magnesium absorption. Overall, epsom salt baths can help increase the body’s magnesium levels.