Epsom salt baths provide a broad spectrum cleanser, clearing lymphatic congestion, removing some heavy metals (mercury, lead, aluminum, arsenic), and eliminating residual radiation from medical tests (X-rays or CAT scans), computer monitors and television, and UV exposure from frequent air travel. It is also helpful for chemical exposure - automobile exhaust, solvents, formaldehyde, glues, styrofoam, synthetic perfumes, printer and copier toners, art supplies, printing inks, particle board, household cleaning items, as well as chemical items in food or from inoculations. This is an important general maintenance bath for hospital personnel, computer operators, workers around toxic chemicals and those who fly regularly.

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are a smooth muscle relaxant and will help with muscle strains and pain. They will induce profuse sweating. The higher saline concentration makes the bath water more dense than the body's interstitial fluids. Consequently, osmotic pressure pulls toxin-laden fluids out of the body

This bath should be taken as hot as it tolerable, for 12-15 minutes; 1-4 pounds of Epsom salts in a full bathtub is recommended (the more salt, the more perspiration). Acupuncturist and health educator Irene Newman suggests 2 pounds as a maintenance bath, for clearing lymphatics and the energetic body, and 4 pounds for radiation. Former AOBTA president Carl Dubitsky recommended a much higher concentration - 12-16 pounds for the first detox bath and 8-12 pounds for subsequent baths. One every three days is the maximum frequency, as this bath can have a draining effect.

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Source: Barry Kapke, Border Exchange. Massage & Bodywork, Aug/Sept 2000.