The Healing Power of Salt

Soaking in a warm saltwater bath calms my soul. I come to stillness. My body is buoyant. My mind clears. Just 20 minutes in the tub soothes me and helps me get centered and grounded.

Salt water acts as a kind of battery—considering that our bodies produce an electromagnetic field (sometimes referred to as an aura), it’s really no surprise that a good old-fashioned soak in some salt water feels so refreshing. It’s a recharge and a reset. Like sitting in the ocean in your bathroom.

A Very Brief History of Salt

Salt has a fascinating history across cultures. It has been used for centuries for preserving foods and healing wounds. Many cultures and spiritual traditions also use salt for purification and protection.

These tiny, but mighty, crystals have even been used as currency—hence the word “salary,” which also originates from the Latin word for salt, “sal.”

Kinds of Salt

When we think of salt, we often think of table salt. Yet this form of salt typically has been processed and refined, removing many of its healing properties.

Other forms of salt, such as sea salt and rock salts such as Himalayan salt and black salt have not been so refined and still contain many of their healing properties. Himalayan salt and black salt also contain traces of other minerals.

Epsom salt is another form of salt renowned for its healing abilities. It’s quite common and originates from Epsom, England.

Because of its high concentration of magnesium sulfate, Epsom salt helps to soothe sore muscles, relieve pain, and calm nerves. Plus, it’s great for drawing out toxins, as are other salts. In fact, Epsom salt is quite versatile and can also be used as an additive for your garden soil or as a laxative!

How to Experience the Healing Power of Salt

The word is spreading about the soothing and healing properties of salt. Consider the range of salts available at your local grocery store. Table salt isn’t the only option anymore.

You may have also heard about salt “floats” and salt rooms or caves. A salt float can be incredibly calming and relaxing—it can even produce an altered state.

So, what is a salt float? Basically, a large volume of Epsom salt is poured into a huge tub or tank, which often has a cover. The high salt content causes the water to be extremely buoyant as well as detoxifying.

You then lie nude (or in a swimsuit, if you prefer) in the tank in total darkness and silence, usually within a tank with a closed lid (if you tend to be claustrophobic you may want to consider an open tank).

The combination of buoyancy, darkness, and silence eliminates sensory input, which then allows for a feeling of weightlessness and total relaxation.

Salt caves or rooms are exactly what they sound like: enclosed spaces with large amounts of salt. If you suffer from sinus or respiratory issues or allergies, spending some time in a salt room may be helpful.

Finally, perhaps the best way to experience the healing power of salt is to pay a visit to the ocean, if possible. The combination of salt water, bare feet on sand, and the rhythmic sensation of the ocean waves can be relaxing and profoundly healing.

An Easy Salt Bath Recipe

For a small price, you can easily enjoy the healing properties of salt in your very own home. If you’re feeling weary in body, mind, or spirit (or all three), try recharging in a salt bath. (Note: If you don’t have a bath tub, you can use a salt scrub and then rinse off or just soak your feet in a small tub.).

You may also want to add some essential oils for an extra boost. Some of my favorite essential oils to add include peppermint (energizing and cooling; good for pain and sore muscles); eucalyptus (relaxing and uplifting; helps clear the mind and the sinuses!); lavender (calming and relaxing). Here’s a quick and easy salt bath recipe:

1 part Epsom salt

1 part sea salt

Essential oils (add a few drops of one or more; optional)

Add about 1 to 2 cups of salts and a few drops of oils (if you’re using them) to running bath water. Stir around to dissolve. Make sure the water is as warm as you can stand it. Then sit and soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Try putting a cloth or mask over your eyes for added relaxation. Rinse off with a quick shower or fresh bath water after you’re finished soaking.

A note:

You can also just use Epsom salts or sea salt rather than blending the two. You may want to experiment with this to feel the difference. For example, I find that Epsom salts help more with physical stress and sea salt (especially Dead Sea salt) helps more with mental, emotional, and spiritual stress. That said, both are relaxing and will help you feel renewed and restored.

Take care and be well.

(Image by andreas160578 from Pixabay)