Recovery article from T-nation!

caladin

-Flesh Eater-
Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulphate. Our first restorative technique consists of bathing for 10 to 20 minutes in a warm/hot bath to which 200-400 grams of Epsom salt is added. This is a very simple and effective way to relax your muscles and decrease inflammation. It’s also a good way to increase blood magnesium levels and prevent bloating due to excessive water retention.



A recent study conducted at the University of Birmingham found that bathing in a warm Epsom salt bath can significantly increase mean blood magnesium levels (the average improvement consisting of attaining 140,98 ppm/ml from an initial value of 104.68ppm/ml in a seven days period). This is because magnesium can be absorbed by the skin. We know that magnesium is a very important mineral for athletes, and one that we’re often deficient in. Among other things, it helps with muscle relaxation and Testosterone production.

Epsom salt baths increase perspiration, helping to get rid of toxins and impurities. Magnesium sulphate also stimulates vasodilatation, facilitating blood flow to the muscles and helping reduce inflammation. As a result, these baths can greatly increase the rate of recovery after a hard training session and, as a bonus, they reduce muscle and joint pains associated with an excessive inflammatory response.

The Birmingham study found that up to 600 grams of Epsom salt diluted in a normal size bath can be used effectively and without risk. However, they found that levels of 300 to 400 grams are sufficient. This technique should be used two to three times per week for 10 to 20 minutes after particularly gruelling workouts.

http://t-nation.com/readTopic.do;jsessionid=ADFEB48F3FBF6950DBAC0B9C3FB0279F.hydra?id=551687
 
sweet! an excuse for me to start taking bubble baths again!!





nothing feminin about baths anymore!@ lolololol
 
I have been taking epsom salt baths for years, whenever I am sore they are a great relief. My grandmother told me about this years ago.
 
yeah thats old news. I started using epsom salt in my foot bath to ease away foot aches and pains, then i thought how bout tossing some of that in the bath tub. its nothing spectacular, but it does help to relax tension away.
 
I've been told (and tried it too) that taking a vinegar bath really helps draw out the toxins from your muscles. My grandfather does it a lot when his muscles are hurting and says it really does help.

Just take a hot bath and add a few cups of vinegar. Then soak for 20 minutes.

Apparently, having something to do with pH, vinegar can draw out the toxins really well and therefore decrease muscle pain. I thought it worked on me pretty well.

But if your skeptical, like I was, then do some research on it and find out for yourselves. Or just try it. Vinegar is very cheap at grocery stores.
 
EX, That ain't kool man, how come you told me to go soak my head in epsom salt the other day, man you can be a mean guy, damn powerlifters...
 
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