Espom Baths + Magnesium = sleep
Epsom salt is composed of magnesium and sulfate, and magnesium is a mineral calming the central nervous system. If taken before bed helps you relax and sleep better. The sulfate in the “salt” helps to detoify the bedy because sulfur is an essantaial comonent of Phase 2 liver detoxification. (EWG. Children, health risks, and autism spectrum disorder). Since our skin is porous it allows the manesium and sulfer in the water to be absorbed directly into your blood stream.
Recommended: Full the bath tub with the hottest water you can comfortable enjoy, then pour 2-4 cups of Epsom salts into the water as it fills up…make sure it is all dissoloved before getting in. You can also add 3-5 drops of essential oil, such as lavender right into the water to further calm the nervous system.
My story
I use to sleep so well. Never had an issue, once my head hit the pillow I was out until my alarm went off. However since this extreme fatigue the last six years it has been an off and on issue. Currently I can’t sleep more than 3-4 hours/wake up and can’t go back to sleep resulting feeling sick and tired the next day. I have tried so many differnt sleep aids…some work for a while then don’t help any more. Sometimes they help to sleep at night but then stay in my system all day and I am exhausted!!!
However “for me”, since I am so sensitive…even if I do a foot soak with -1/8 cup of Epsom salt and soak 8-10 minutes, I am still exhausted the next day…all day I can barly function. So you might need to experiment on the amount of salts and time you soak. For some reason I am unable to take any type of magnesium supplement…even the magnesium in Epsom salt. The advantage of foot baths you can use distilled water and not worry about absorbing chlorine into your body. Before I used distrilled water my lower legs ached all night. So Big benefit!
Many people I know can do Epsom salts baths and sleep well and feel good the next day! Easy way to detox. I recommend start out slow…maybe 1/2 cup to 1 cup and soak for 20 minutes. Then you can always increase. Enjoy!!
Optional “Salt” baths
Himalayan Pink SAlt
The pink color is from its high mineral content which includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron which are essential for us to function and can help us in our quest for overall health. The minerals in Himalayan pink salt can help regulate blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Another important benefit of Himalayan Pink salt, because of its combination of minerals, is its ability to help detoxify the body and soften your skin. Also, helps relax muscles and reduce the risk of cramping muscles; therefore, it is a great alternative to Epsom Salts!
Celtic Sea Salt
Celtic salt baths benefits our system to relax muscles (reduces the risk of muscle cramps) improve skin health by exfoliating dead skin cells, soothing aches and pains, promoting better circulation, and aiding in detoxification with the combination of magnesium, potassium and zinc which is absorbed through the skin while bathing. Starting out with 1/4 cup, depending on your size, you can add up to 2 cups in a standard tub. I would suggest always to start slow and work yourself up. Again I can only do foot baths..body baths are just too much for my system.
I hope this give you options…I need options as many times I have to alternate many things I use, eat, etc. It seems to build up in my system and cause a reaction…severe fatigue. Rotating is a healthy practice.
Benefits of body brushing
Dry brushing to rid my body of toxins that have built up while I slept is one of the best health routines I have done for myself in the morning to start my day. First I drink a big glass of water then on to dry brushing.
It is recommended dry brushing should be done right before your morning shower as this is the best time to “wake up” the lymph nodes and your circulation. Your lymph system fluids work on a manual pump, so unless you actively move (morning runs, lifting weights, jump on a rebounder, etc.) your lymph glands stays stagnant.
After jumping on my rebounder, stretching, and a lift weight routine, I body brush every morning before my shower. I bought my brushes from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Exfoliation-Lymphatic-Stimulate-Circulation-Eliminate/dp These are the brushes I use. There are many different combination of brushes, you have to find what works best for you. I can’t say enough how much this has helped my skin.
I have been dry brushing for over a year. One of the benefits of dry brushing I don’t need lotion on my arms or legs in the winter months. I dry brush before my shower to rid the legs of dead dry skin, then after my shower I rub fresh Aloe Vera from the plant on my face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. My legs are soft and no dry skin. Since I am chemically sensitive this is all natural…that’s a win for me!
It is your lymphatic system which helps to detox you entire body and helps your immunity against illness/disease. If this system becomes stagnant/blocked this causes toxicity causing acne, rashes, other skin disorders and more prone to illness.
The brushing utilizes light, soft strokes that stimulates lymph flow and ultimatley flush out toxins and wastes. It also clears the pores to cleanse through sweat.
Positive results of skin brushing:
Less skin sensitivity
Strengthened immune system
Increase energy levels
Decrease in damaged or discolored skin
5 Reasons to Dry Brush
- Benefit of Dry Brushing the body Increases the Circulation which brings nutrients and oxygen to every part of the body. It also pushes waste and toxin out. Helps the cells with slow stagnant circulation which can cause issues for your cells, organ functions and low energy levels. This is even more important if you are unable to excersise because of health issues, as this will move the toxins out.
- Soft brushing strokes brings softer smoother skin. Brushing brings nutrients to the surface and encouraging natural cell turnover. Creates exfoliation of old cells and helps keep the skin fresh.
3. Dry Brushing helps Detox the body + Improves lymphatic drainage. This helps to detoxify your whole body provides an immunty against disease…you get sick less, increases energy levels, and healthier smoother skin.
4. Dry brushing supports Fascia. Just like our muscles Fascia can develop and tightness and adhesions which can cause discomfort dehydration and lack of movement have negative effects on fascia. Dry brushing has a positive impact on these issues. The gentle effects of dry brushing stimulates the tissue working out adhesions and tensions.
5. Since we all have stress which is not healthy for our system, Dry brushing the body activates your Parasympathetic nervous system as the body creates gentle, rhythmic motions throughtout the body in a more relaxed state by activating the vagus nerve. The vagus nervs extends throught out our body sending good or bad signals to the brain. When the skin is stimulated with soft brushing strokes, this sends calming signals to the brain and throughout your body.
Steps or Dry Brushing
Brush before showering
Brush your dry, skin from head to toe or toe to head to remove impurities.
2. Use light pressure
Use light pressure on skin. You can also try long upward strokes and running your palm over the brushed area after each stroke to soothe your skin.
3. Use wide, circular motions
Brush in clockwise circles on your chest, but sweep downword on your stomach.
4. Focus on lymphatic points
Brush towords your heart, starting at your heet and moving up your legs and groin, then to your armpits. The lymphatic system drain mostly through the left lymph gland.
Below is a video you can also watch how to body brush the correct way and why.
I hope you find this as beneficial as I do!! My skin is so much softer, brighter, and much more smooth. I’m sure my skin pores breath much better!!
Healthy Organic Body oils
Since I was in my early 20s I used olive oil on the skin especially during the summer months when tanning. I am a big tanner. Love the feel of the sun/heat on my skin. Virgin Olive oil was my choice of oils since I have had sensitivies for years and it is only one ingredient. Lotions have so many engredients, some I can’t even pronounce. This was in the 70s before we become chemically concious. It was a good choice as olive oil is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a super oil for skin health and skin appearance. This oil helps slow wrinkles, helps heal scars and stretch marks, helps fight redness and helps for soft, glowing skin. Best of Nature would be the olive oil I would recommend, as it is 100% Pure Olive Massage and Body oil, cold pressed and unsecented.
Today my skin needs are different than they were when I was in my twenties and thirties. In my “mature” years my skin has different needs. I apply my oils after I body brush and shower in the mornings before I put on make-up. Below are the five oils I use everyday for healthier, younger and smoother skin.
Jojoba Cold-pressed Oil is the closest oil to your own body oil. Since our skin it our biggest organ and is exposed to the elements, it requires mainatenance. Jojoba oil is an excellent moisturizer and provides a restorative and cleansing effect. Our skin doesn’t always have the right secretions to meet the demend the skin is exposed to and often becomes dry, flaky and prone to injury and infection. Jojoba have the similar oils that moisturize our skin making it a perfect choice for skin health. I use the daily on my arms, legs, abdomen, etc…anywhere I feel is needed.
Black Seed Oil balances sebum and prevents clogged pores, helps address the look of dark spots and blemishes, rich in antioxidants andomego fatty acids. It also may ease skin inflammaton. Black seed oil is rich in an several natural compounds and nutriets which nourish the skin and promote healing.
I use the every morning and at night before bed around my mouth wrinkles It contains over 100 vitamins and minerals – vitamin A, B, & C which help the skin retain its moisture and natural elasticity. Also help in fighting free radicals that age the skin. Lastly, contains a fair amount of good fatty acidw that prevent the formation of fine loines and wrinkles and keep the skin young! A regular use of this oil reduces dark spots and discolouration caused by aging, hormones and sun damage as it contains vitamin A, fatty acids, and amino acids that heal the skin and encourage the growth of new skin cells, reducing dark spots.
Mad Hippe Vitamin C Serum
I use this serum on dark spots on my face. It has lightened most and some are completely gone! This serum can also protect your skin against sun damage and free radicals that cause skin cancer, also hyperpigmentation. Since this serum neutralises free readicals helps with a brightening radiance effect.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
I use this oil around my eyes before I put my make-up on in the morning. Pumpkin seed oil contains vitamin E and essentialfatty acids that can nourish and repair skin cells, resulting in a more younger and healthier complexion. It can also add softness to you hair. I really like how it makes the skin around my eyes look fresh.
Organic Caster Oil – 100% Cold Pressed Hexane-Free-extra virgin
I look at Castor Oil as the “Queen of Oils” as it has so many uses. Caster oil has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal bug bites, rashes, and itches. To relieve skin inflammation within a small area on the skin, simply soak a bandage with castor oil and apply it to the affected area.
Many Holistic and Integrated medical doctors encourage the use of castor oil packs. Castor oil packs have been used as a natural self-care practice to support overall wellness for thousands of years. The use of applying castor oil to the body topically can be traced back to textbooks in Egypt as early as 1550 B.C.
Castor oil (Ricinus communis) comes from the castor seed which is native to India. It is extremely high in the fatty acid ricinoleic acid (about 90% of the oil), which is thought to be responsible for its wellness-promoting abilities.
Castor oil packs:
- create a calming, soothing sensation
- support energetic flow to the area
- support a natural sense of relaxation
- promote feelings of peace, calm and inner balance
Castor oil packs can be placed over a large area from the pelvic bones to the clavicle bones or placed over smaller areas of the body, such as the throat or abdomen.
Castor Oil Uses
- Skin Conditions
- Infections
- Constipation Relief
- Immune System Support
- Anti-Inflammatory Agent
- Antimicrobial Agent
- Lymphatic Stimulant
Topical Uses for Castor Oil
- Arthritis Treatment
- To Strengthen and Grow Hair
- Acne Treatment
- Skin Moisturizer
- Deep Cleanser
- To Improve Immunity Function
- To Eliminate Fine Lines and Wrinkles
- Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
- Support Lymphatic System
- Increase Circulation
- Heal Wounds and Abrasions
- Relieve Menstrual Cramps
If you would like to know in more detail the benefits of castor oil, click the link below
https://www.oneagorahealth.com/30-outstanding-castor-oil-uses-and-benefits.html
Lulu's Health Journey 
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