Eczema and Dry Skin

epsom salt bath eczema

Mopiko Delicare Ointment for Female Eczema Allergies Rashes 15g Japan $11.99

Organic Soap for Eczema and Dermatitis Treatment $9.99

Effective Spa Treatments Try Floatation Therapy by Richard Brugger

When it comes to getting away from the sea of troubles most of us face in modern life there is nothing quite like floatation therapy to make us feel buoyant again. Floating on water feels so simple, elemental, supportive and comforting something we can probably link to our beginnings in the cosseting warmth of the womb.

Today we are spoilt for choice when it comes to floatation therapies, with many spas offering some sort of treatment, from small hydro baths right up to large pools. There are of course even floatation tanks for the home, not to mention the biggest tank of all the sea. All we have to do is lie back and think of …nothing.

Beginnings
The origins of floatation dates back to 1954 when Dr John C Lilly, a medical practitioner and neuro-psychiatrist, began research into the origin of consciousness and its relation to the brain. He tried many experiments with different kinds of float tanks in a bid to create a device that would deprive or restrict the number of external stimuli so that the brain and the individual could be tested in an atmosphere of isolation. Initially these devices were called Sensory Deprivation Chambers but in recent years this has been changed to Restricted Environmental Stimuli Therapy
The philosophy behind floatation therapy is to provide people with a way of improving physical, emotional or psychological health. Central to this is a need for deep relaxation, which has been validated by recent research showing that up to 80 90 per cent of people visiting a GP do so because of a psychosomatic or stress-related disorder.
How it works
The advantage of floatation therapy is that it enables most individuals to experience very deep levels of relaxation without needing to learn any special technique. The deep relaxation that occurs in floatation slows down bodily functions, heart rate and brain activity, allowing the conscious and analytical part of the mind to enter a state of deep rest and to be bypassed. It does this through the absence of stimuli such as light, visual images, noise, gravity and touch. Floatation also stimulates levels of the natural painkiller and endorphin, encephalon, which encourages a sense of well-being and euphoria. According to Dr Lilly 40 minutes of floatation is equivalent to an incredible eight hours of sleep.
It is also worth bearing in mind that short of becoming an astronaut and blasting into space, floatation is the only time our body weight becomes free from the effects of gravity literally taking a load of our mind!
Forty minutes of floatation is the equivalent of eight hours of sleep

Benefits

With such a powerful form of relaxation it is no surprise that floatation provides the following therapeutic benefits:

Mind

Floatation is an excellent way of relieving stress (plus associated digestive tract conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and ulcers), depression and anxiety, as well as promoting healthy sleep. It is also believed that floatation stimulates and synchronises the left and right hemispheres of the brain, enhancing concentration, mental clarity, memory retention, self-hypnosis and facilitating freedom from phobias and addictions.

Body

The decrease in heart rate means it is ideally suited to people with cardiac conditions and high blood pressure. The fact that the body is completely supported and free from gravity encourages blood flow to the joints and releases muscle tension, making it effective for sufferers of musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and chronic back pain. This pain relief is enhanced by the production of endorphins. Floatation has also been used to aid recovery for those with sporting injuries right through to patients with cancer. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis also react well to floatation, particularly in Dead Sea salt water

Floatation pools

The range of floatation pools in spas has never been greater, from single person tubs to full size floatation pools. The latter can be found at destinations such as Nirvana Spa in Berkshire. These pools contain solutions of salts (often from The Dead Sea) which are heated to body temperature of 35 C, providing deep relaxation without the restriction of an enclosed environment, making them ideal for those who find tanks too claustrophobic.
Smaller single person floatation baths by companies such as Finders provide a more intimate method of relaxation. These baths sometimes combine hydrotherapy jets to tackle cellulite and improve circulation. Hydrofloat by Finders provides the essential qualities and benefits of traditional spa and hydrotherapy, together with the therapeutic benefits of Dead Sea salts. This neat facility, where a person floats in pure Dead Sea water, provides a custom-made environment with the additional control of sound, light and air. www.findershealth.com
Dry floatation
Dry floatation offers the feeling of weightlessness and benefits of floatation without getting wet. The dry floatation tanks have a rubber lining which a client lies on. This lining is folded over the body and the person is then lowered down and a support is removed, leaving the client cocooned and floating on the heated water below, albeit in a restricted manner. It is often combined with aromatic essential oils and particularly body wraps, which benefit from the heat generated below. Dry floatation is also an effective pre-massage treatment.
Floatation tanks
Floatation tanks still adhere to the same design principles laid down by Dr Lilly, but now make the most of modern production techniques. The tanks typically resemble egg-shaped enclosed bath tubs usually made from fibreglass with a door on top to allow access, and are built to eliminate all outside distractions and stimuli, although interior lights are usually provided. A large amount of Epsom Salts is added to water to create a 30cm deep pool of salt water in the tank, which is heated to body temperature. All these elements create an atmosphere that enhances relaxation and well-being. Tanks are not just limited to floatation centres and spas, with models finding a place in homes, sports clubs, health centres and even corporate headquarters.
Floating in nature The Dead Sea

To experience the ultimate in natural buoyancy the place to go is most definitely Mother Nature’s very own floatation pool The Dead Sea. This remarkable stretch of water, described as a ‘Sea of Peace’ between Jordan and Israel (although it is actually a large lake), is the saltiest and most buoyant sea in the world, and at 400m below sea level is also the lowest point on earth. The jade green water (10 times saltier than the Mediterranean) contains 150 different minerals and salts, which imbues it with incredible curative powers. The high concentrations of magnesium make it particularly efficacious for sufferers of skin conditions such as psoriasis, while the presence of bromine has a powerful relaxing effect on the nervous system.

The sea’s high salinity contributes to the highly viscous and oily water, which is so dense and supportive it makes your body literally ‘sit’ out of the water like a cork. The haze given off by the evaporating sea and high atmospheric pressure also filters out harmful UVB rays that cause sunburn, so you can enjoy your float without burning your belly!

Taking a dip in normal sea can also have powerful physical and emotional benefits, when we float in the ocean our bodies are busy absorbing health-giving minerals from the marine environment while being supported.

Places to float in the UK & Ireland

Nirvana Spa, Berkshire
This award-winning day spa in leafy Berkshire was the first in the UK to introduce large-scale floatation pools. Dead Sea salts with 21 minerals are combined with Nirvana’s own pure natural source water to provide the water used in the spa’s two floatation areas. The Celestial Room features a large circular pool that can hold up to six people at a time, who can relax and gaze at the star-domed ceiling and wall murals. A gentle current, dimmed lighting and ambient lighting enhance the sensory experience. The Ocean Room offers a more social environment in which to relax and take in the Dead Sea salts. Nirvana offers float sessions and an induction course.

The Floatworks, London
The Floatworks in Thrale Street, near London’s South Bank, is billed as the leading floatation centre in the world”. The centre has nine individual floatation tanks, each situated in a lockable private room and equipped with a shower. The tanks are fitted with internal lights for beginners and those who feel uncomfortable in the dark. The centre has supplied 60,000 float sessions to 30,000 customers during its 13 years of operation.

Eden Spa at Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire
It may be in the heart of landlocked Staffordshire but guests at Eden Spa can immerse themselves in its large 25m salt water pool, while massage jets stimulate and invigorate different parts of the body. The pool also has a unique water volcano where the pressure of the water enables swimmers to float. www.edenspa.co.uk

The Forum Spa at The Celtic Manor, Wales
The Mineral Scalp Treatment involves a scalp massage with a conditioning mineral mud combined with the dry floatation. The treatment assists realignment of body and relaxation of mind.

Mount Juliet, Ireland
The Spa at Mount Juliet has a Dead Sea Discovery Flotation room where guests can experience a deeply relaxing 60 minute Dead Sea floatation treatment in Finders’ Hydrofloat. www.mountjuliet.ie

Experience the Dead Sea

Jordan
The best spa destinations are based on the shores of The Dead Sea at Sweimeh. The Zara Spa at Moevenpick’s Dead Sea resort combines traditional Arabic detailing with a range of floatation experiences. This includes an outdoor heated Hydro-Pool and two interior Dead Sea floatation pools. The neighbouring Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa also has an excellent spa with a Dead Sea Salt Pool. Both resorts have a stretch of beach, and will soon be joined by the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, which is due to open in May.

Israel
The Sheraton Moriah Dead Sea resort is located on a beautiful secluded stretch of beach facing the Edom Mountains. The spa features a Sulphur pool and wide range of Dead Sea treatments. The Caesar Premier Dead Sea Resort & Spa Hotel’s suitably Romanesque spa is equipped with a Dead Sea water swimming pool and a Sulphur pool.

Richard Brugger is deputy editor of Spa World Magazine. More discussion on spa breaks and health spas, can be found at http://www.spaworld.tv.

Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Effective-Spa-Treatments—Try-Floatation-Therapy/146553

Masada Bath Salts, Relaxing Lavender, Dead Sea Mineral, 64 Ounces (1.814 kg) $21.02 The original. Natural. Authentic. Whole organic salts. Temporarily relieves: arthritis; psoriasis; rheumatism; muscle pain; eczema; lower back pain. Softens skin; relieves tension; promotes deep relaxation. Physician recommended. When life’s normal stress load takes a toll on your mind and body, use Masada Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts to experience deep relaxation. Tension melts as the salts stimul…

Masada Bath Salts, Naturally Unscented, Dead Sea Mineral, 64 oz (1.814 kg) $18.42 The original. Natural. Authentic. Whole organic salts. Temporarily relieves: arthritis; psoriasis; rheumatism; muscle pain; eczema; lower back pain. Softens skin; relieves tension; promotes deep relaxation. Physician recommended. It takes natural, gentle care to soothe irritation, eczema or psoriasis. Masada Unscented Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salts are a potent skin relief treatment without fragrance…

Thymes Naia Bath Salts Envelope 2 oz/60 g $4.75 Immerse yourself in warm waters softened with a blend of natural sea and Epsom salts. Skin is refined and hydrated thanks to vitamin- and mineral-rich yerba mate and antioxidant vitamin E, while a clean, crisp fragrance reinvigorates.(2 oz)…

Epsom Salt $19.99 Epsom Salt – Premium Poster

Walgreens Epsom Salt Soak $4.99 Magnesium sulfate crystals with zinc and potassium. Calms, soothes, and relaxes. Epsom salt is a trusted natural remedy that is useful every season of the year: Beat winter blues Simply dissolve two cups in a warm bath to provide soothing relief from stress and stiffness A mineral spring spa Spring is your fresh start to working out and physical activity, often leading to overexertion. Just dissolve two cups into warm bath water, settle in, and experience the relief and relaxation First aid summer salt Dissolve two cups in two cups of warm water to make a compress. Apply as a wet dressing towel to provide soothing relief from overexertion from sports. Dissolve two cups into a gallon of water to make a foot soak to relieve and soothe tired feet Relax into autumn Dissolve two cups into a gallon of warm water. This will soak away tiredness and soreness, help soothe away stress, and deep clean your skin and pores Medicines & Treatments , Pain Relief & Management , Joint & Muscle Pain Relief , Bubble Bath, Salts & Oils

Epsom Salt, U.S.P. $19.99 Epsom Salt, U.S.P. – Premium Poster

Epsom Salt U.S.P. $19.99 Epsom Salt U.S.P. – Premium Poster

Lavender Epsom Salt Sleep $4.99 Relax with Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt Relax.

Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Relax $4.99 Relax with Dr. Teals eucalyptus epsom salt.

Light Eczema Relief Kit $49.99 Eczema Relief Kit for Light to Medium Severity Authentic Dead Sea Bath Salt (Unscented-2 pounds) Bathe daily or every other day (depending on severity of Eczema). Put 1 cup of Dead Sea bath salts into bath and allow to dissolve. Then relax and let the sal

Eczema Relief Kit $89.99 This is a complete kit to provide fast relief for Eczema. The products in this kit have been shown to relieve Eczema, stop the itching and irritation and allow you to get back to living a normal, comfortable life. Authentic Dead Sea Bath Salt (Unscented-1

Epsom Salt Powder (Magnesium sulfate) 1 lb: C $5.78 Epsom salts, Magnesium sulfate (or sulphate), is called for in many recipes for making Bath Salts, Salt Scrubs, Aromatherapy Treatments, Detox Baths and Soap Making. http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org: May soften skin and exfoliate Provides magnesium, which has been shown to: Ease stress Lower blood pressure Create a happy, relaxed feeling Raise energy levels Epsom Salt is a pure mineral compound (magnesium sulfate) in crystal form that gently exfoliates skin and smoothes rough patches. Mixed with your favorite deep conditioner, Epsom Salt helps to add body to hair. Dissolved in a bath, Epsom Salt is absorbed through the skin to replenish the body’s levels of magnesium. Studies indicate this may help to relieve stress in a number of ways, including: Raising the body’s level of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. Offsetting excess levels of adrenaline generated by pressure and stress; magnesium ions relax and reduce irritability by lowering the affects of adrenaline. Helping to regulate the electrical functions that spark through miles of nerves. Lowering blood pressure. Researchers have found that magnesium also increases energy and stamina by encouraging the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy packets made in the cells. Experts recommend soaking with Epsom Salt at least three times a week to look better, feel better and have more energy. (end of site quote) In 1618 a farmer at Epsom in England attempted to give his cows water, but they refused to drink it due to its sour/bitter taste. However the farmer noticed that the water seemed to heal scratches and rashes. The fame of Epsom salts then began to spread. Epsom salt was originally prepared by boiling down mineral waters at Epsom, England, and later prepared from sea water. In modern times, these salts are obtained from certain minerals such as epsomite. Oral magnesium sulfate, or magnesium hydroxide, is commonly used as a saline laxative. Epsom salts are also available in a gel form for topical application in treating aches and pains. Indications for its use are: Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium concentrations in the blood) As a bronchodilator after beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents have been tried, e.g. in severe exacerbations of asthma. Magnesium sulfate is used as in bath salts, particularly in flotation therapy where high concentrations raise the bath water’s specific gravity, effectively making the body more buoyant. This property is also used to restore some Lava lamps damaged by being shaken by exchanging the water and adding drops of a concentrated solution until sustainable buoyancy is reached. Traditionally, it is also used to prepare foot baths, intended to soothe sore feet. The reason for the inclusion of the salt is partially cosmetic: the increase in ionic strength prevents some of the temporary skin wrinkling (”

Relief MD Epsom Salt in a Resealable Bag(Pack of 12) $3.15 Relief MD Epsom Salt in a Resealable Bag Magnesium Sulfate. A soaking aid for minor sprains & bruises. Use as a saline laxatiave. Great for gardening. Bath for calming moods, foot soak for sore feet, relief for overexertion & stiffness. Use as ferti