What is so special about a Sea Salt Bath?

Dating back to Cleopatra, the seas have been known for the power to heal and rejuvenate. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, discovered the therapeutic qualities of seawater by noticing the healing affects it had on the injured hands of fishermen. The seawater not only restricted infection risks, but patients who followed treatments involving the use of seawater found that it also promoted pain relief.

It is now known that sea salt therapy is an effective treatment that assists in the rejuvenation of the cells and also induces a healthy exchange of minerals and toxins between the blood and the water. Sea salt is hailed for its health-enhancing minerals, therapeutic properties, and all-natural harvesting process. Adding a little sea salt to the bath can stimulate circulation, ease muscle cramps, help relieve stiffness in joints, aid with arthritis or back pain, and soothe achy, overworked legs and feet. Plus sea salt helps cleanse and detoxify the largest organ in the body—your skin.

Bath Salt Crystals are produced through the natural evaporation of sea water. Salt water is captured in shallow ponds and allowed to evaporate by means of the sun and wind. The typical salt crystal “crop” takes from one to five years to produce. In high mineral salt production, the environmental conditions directly influence the salt quality through the quality of its main raw material – sea water. My favorite sea salt is from the coast of Brazil. The sea water used to make CEARA™ Bath Salt Crystals is especially clean as it is collected from a mangrove area, an ecosystem that removes undesired elements from the water.

Some of the most beneficial minerals found in Sea Water are as follows: Magnesium is important for both combating stress and fluid retention, slowing skin aging, and calming the nervous system. Calcium is effective at preventing water retention, increasing circulation, and strengthening bones and nails. Potassium energizes the body, helps to balance skin moisture, and is a crucial mineral to replenish following intense exercise. Bromides act to ease muscle stiffness and relax muscles. Sodium is important for the lymphatic fluid balance (this in turn is important for immune system function).

Water therapy is the combination of sea salts and water and is the basis of many powerful therapeutic treatments. There are numerous types of Water Therapy administered at spas, ayurvedic & holistic centers, and health clinics around the world. Sports therapy clinics use Hydrotherapy Baths to help patients recover from joint and muscle injuries. Dermatologists are recommending Sea Salt baths for patients with psoriasis, eczema and other dry skin conditions. Estheticians emphasize the cleansing properties of a sea salt bath to clean pores and to detoxify the bodyCancer patients use water therapy to help deal with radiation treatments.

If you are like me, there is not always time to visit a resort or spa. There are several therapies I enjoy at home with little or no mess and preparation.

1. Thalassotherapy Bath: Draw a warm bath (100-104F) and add a cup of Mineral Bath Salt Crystals. Dim the lights and soak for 20-30 minutes. Music will also add to the experience. Drink plenty of water during and after your soak. Pat skin dry when finished and wrap in a warm bath robe. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

2. Salt Scrub: Apply an oil or soap-based salt scrub to dry skin. The shower is the perfect, easy to clean up, place for this. Be sure to massage entire body. The salts will exfoliate your skin allowing the nourishing essential oils to be absorbed. Be careful not to slip as the oils can be slick. Can also be used in the bath.

3. Detox Therapy Bath: Use an unscented combination of Epsom salts – high in magnesium  and sulfur – and sea salts – 2 cups to a bath. Detoxification of your body through bathing is an ancient remedy that anyone can perform in the comfort of their own home. In detoxification circles, your skin is known as the third kidney, and toxins are excreted through sweating . It is believed the application of seawater allows magnesium and potassium to be drawn into the blood stream while toxins are actively eliminated.

Another wonderful side effect of a hot bath is that it promotes an easier sleep and helps to overcome insomnia. A sea salt bath is my weekly ritual on Saturday nights – whether I need it or not!