At least once a week, take a salt bath for 20–30 minutes—ideally about an hour before bed. You can create a complete restoration soup by combining the following ingredients:
- 500 grams (2 cups) of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)
- 250 grams (1 cup) of natural, unrefined, and unprocessed sea salts
- 125 grams (½ cup) of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- A few drops of calming essential oils (lavender, chamomile, vanilla, or nutmeg)
- A splash of apple cider vinegar
Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you.
Providing the body with essential minerals in the right proportions is crucial for recovery. In fact, absorbing minerals through the skin via a salt bath may be even more effective than getting them through food or supplements (see page 11 of Mass Explosion for more details).
When taking a salt bath, the water should be hot—but not sear-the-skin hot! A properly heated bath will help you relax and sleep better (the cooling process after you step out induces sleep). Overdoing it, however, could leave you needing a trip to the hospital—and maybe some skin grafts!
For a unique contrast effect, try pairing salt baths with cold showers. Hop out of the hot tub into a cold shower, then back into the tub. If you’re feeling especially stiff, you can finish with a cold shower for added recovery benefits.
Salt baths are excellent for relieving aches, pains, and sore muscles—making them a valuable tool for anyone who lifts weights. However, if you have high blood pressure, heart issues, or kidney conditions, consult your doctor before trying them.
Tomorrow, I’ll cover another powerful restoration method—electronic muscle stimulation—and how to fit it into a busy lifestyle.
