The story of Epsom salt is an old one, as is the unspoken power of water. It is well known that we are mostly made of water, our brain is 80% water; point being, water is part of who we are, how we survive and how we heal. Epsom salt is also no regular salt. It is the culmination of two of the most important minerals in our body, and sadly amongst the most deficient - Magnesium and Sulfur.
Magnesium responsibilities include creating energy molecules, forming bones and teeth, relaxing blood vessels, regulating blood pressure, helping prevent cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, helping the heart muscles, bowel functions, regulating blood sugar levels. Thus far, over 100 health benefits have been ascribed to magnesium, amongst them being therapeutic benefits for Fibromyalgia, Atrial Fibrillation, Type 2 Diabetes, Premenstrual Syndrome, Cardiovascular Disease, Migraine, Aging, Antioxidant Synthesis, Arthritis, Osteoporoses, Asthma, Migraines, Peptic Ulcers, Digestion Problems.
A few key points to note include:
*DNA synthesis is dependant on the rate of protein sysnthesis which is regulated by the concentration of intracellular ionic magnesium. As such, DNA & protein synthesis require magnesium to form.
*80% of our metabolism is dependant on magnesium
*For every molecule of glucose you need to metabolize, you need 28 molecules of magnesium. The average British person consumes 220-260lb of sugar a year! This drains the body & brain of magnesium. Non-sugar artificial sweetners are even worse, as they are neurotoxins.
Sulfur the other member of this happy union, is the third most abundant mineral in our body. Though about half of its capacity is devoted to muscles, skin and bones, it plays other essential roles, including bonding proteins, enzymes, contributing to energy production, helping insulin function, detoxification, joint health, fighting fatigue, depression, physical and psychological stress, degenerative diseases, reducing chronic pain, improving cellular intake of nutrients, preventing cancer, reducing/eliminating muscle soreness, alleviating allergies, anti-parasitic, improving lung function, preventing neurological disease, preventing diabetes, increasing strength and endurance.
A few key points to note include:
*Sulfate is required for formation of proteins in joints; those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis have low levels of sulfate in plasma and synovial fluid .
*Sulfate is essential in forming the mucin proteins which line the gut walls. Those suffering with irritable bowel disease exhibit low plasma sulfate.
*Sulfate is necessary for formation of brain tissue. Reduced sulfation can lead to faulty neuronal connections and later dysfunction.
*Sulfation is key in detoxifying drugs and environmental contaminants.
*Sulfate is not easily absorbed across the gut wall. Recent research has shown that it can be absorbed across the skin.
Sensory Deprivation is the second key component of Floatation Therapy. What we see, what we hear, what we smell, what we touch all take up neurological resources to determine appropriate response, be that no action, fight or flight. Sensory deprivation is something all together different. Floating in skin temperature dense Epsom salt water in pitch darkness & silence, your mind finally enters deep restorative rest. Your brain enters the powerful zone of Theta Brain Waves a deep meditative state, where self "reprogramming", super-learning and vivid visualization can be used to enhance and improve a skill, break an addition or access the heights of your creativity. It is here that stress and anxiety begins to disappear, reducing the levels of associated neurochemicals (adrenaline, cortisol & ACTH) responsible for may of the stress related illnesses & conditions.
Gravity Reduction is the third unique aspect of Floatation Therapy. 80-90% of your neural activity is engaged in a balancing/counter-balancing dance with gravity. Floating in the buoyant Epsom salt water completely supports your body, reducing the impact of gravity by 80% and freeing up 80% of mental resources for other much needed improvements. Back pain, neck pain and other gravity induced aches (including the physical aches experienced during pregnancy) begin to disappear, leaving you feeling brand new again. Speaking of brand new, gravity is a well known contributor to physical aging and degeneration. Need we say more?
