Using Epsom Salts In The Summer: Your Guide To Cool Bathing
With the start of summer finally here, the last thing on your mind right now would be bathing in warm water! If you still want to reap the benefits of Epsom bath salts, you can do so in cooler water. Bathing in colder water doesn’t reduce the effects of our bath salts. In fact there are many benefits to cool bathing that you may not be aware of.
The benefits of cool bathing
There are many advantages to both, but an easy way to cool off is through a cold bath. A cool bath is usually around 18-26°C, which is a little chilly but it brings so many amazing benefits that make it worth it in the long run. Below are a few of the reasons why you should consider taking the plunge into a cool bath this summer.
Boost your mood
Cool bathing is a great way to boost your mood and help support the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Bathing in cool water activates your nervous system, telling your body to release those feel-good endorphins which boosts your mood. Having a regular quick cold shower or bath in the morning can be a great way to boost your wellbeing while energising yourself for the day ahead.
Improve circulation
Cold baths actually help to improve circulation by increasing blood flow. As your body enters the fight or flight response due to the shock of the cold water, this tells the body to increase blood flow to various areas. After the initial shock of the water, you should feel refreshed and revitalised as your body releases endorphins.
Alleviate muscle soreness
Cold baths can actually help to reduce muscle soreness by repairing micro-tears and reducing the amount of inflammation in the body. Paired with our Epsom salts, the magnesium combined with the cold water can really help with muscle recovery and soreness. Cold baths with Epsom salts are a great way to look after your muscles after intense exercise.
Increase mental resilience
We interviewed England Rugby League Physiotherapist, Rob Artingstall regarding the benefits of cold water for muscle injury and were interested to find that one of the main motivations for their use of cryotherapy is to improve players mental resilience on the field. Knowing you can cope with extreme discomfort can give you that extra confidence to challenge yourself further in exercise too.
Why you should add Epsom salts when cool bathing
There are several reasons as to why Epsom salts are beneficial to add into your bath. This is because Epsom salts contain magnesium sulphate, which is known to help your muscles recover after exercise. Epsom Salts soothe muscle aches and joint stiffness, while also helping to keep muscles fit and healthy. Magnesium bath salts and cold water bathing share similar benefits, making them a recovery powerhouse when paired together. You do not have to have a warm bath to be able to enjoy the benefits of our bath salts.
And by adding bath salts to your cold bath, you’re effectively enhancing the benefits of it, making the initial coldness much more worth it!
Just add 2-4 cups of Epsom Salt to a shallow amount of warm water, stir to dissolve and then fill the rest of your bath with cold water (and ice if you’re feeling extra brave).
Read our latest interview with Rob Artingstall, Head Physio, England Rugby League where he talks about how to use heat and cold treatment for muscle recovery here.
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Bath Salts, epsom salt, Healthy Skin And Soothing, Sensitive Skin, Top Tips
