Sauna vs Epsom Salt Bath: What Are The Benefits of Each?

Struggling with muscle soreness and stress? You’re not alone—many people face this daily challenge. Sauna and Epsom salt baths both offer promising relief, but which is right for you? Discover the unique benefits of each method and find out how they can help you unwind and rejuvenate.

 

What is a Epsom Salt Bath?

An Epsom salt bath involves dissolving Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in warm water to create a soothing soak. This bath is popular for its potential therapeutic benefits, including relaxation and muscle relief. Epsom salt baths help reduce inflammation, promote detoxification, and improve well-being.

 

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small room that uses heat to promote detoxification and relaxation. Traditional saunas operate at 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C) with dry heat, while infrared saunas use infrared heaters and operate at 120°F to 150°F (50°C to 65°C). Both types offer unique benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification, and muscle relaxation. Originating in Finland over 2,000 years ago, saunas have become a popular method for promoting overall wellness.

 

Benefits of Epsom Salt Bath

 

Beneficial for arthritis patients

Epsom salt baths can be really helpful for people with arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. A study in the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research found that soaking in a bath with Epsom salt and hot water can reduce pain and help improve how well your joints move. People who used Epsom salt reported less pain and better movement compared to those who just used plain water. Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a simple and safe way to ease arthritis symptoms at home.

 

Helps in reducing knee joint pain among older adults

Epsom salt baths can be particularly beneficial for older adults suffering from knee joint pain. According to research published in the Indian Journal of Nursing Sciences, Epsom salt’s high magnesium content helps relieve joint pain effectively. The study highlights that immersing painful joints in a bath with 200 mg of Epsom salt in hot water (125°F) for 20 minutes, three times a week, can significantly reduce knee joint pain and morning stiffness. The heat from the bath promotes vasodilatation and muscle relaxation, enhancing pain relief and comfort for the elderly.

 

Promotes detoxification

According to research published in Douglas Laboratories, Epsom salt baths are effective for detoxifying the body. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salts helps draw out toxins through the skin, aiding the body’s natural cleansing process. This makes Epsom salt baths a great way to support detoxification, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle soreness. By adding an Epsom salt bath to your routine, you can help your body eliminate harmful substances more effectively.

 

Can Be effective in reducing foot edema among pregnant women

Foot swelling is common during pregnancy, affecting about 75% of women. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research found that Epsom salt baths can help reduce this swelling. In the study, women who used Epsom salt baths saw a 73.75% reduction in foot edema, while those who did foot exercises saw a 55% reduction. This makes Epsom salt baths a more effective way to relieve foot swelling during pregnancy.

 

Benefits of sauna

 

Reduce stress levels

Using a sauna regularly can help reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. According to research published in the Journal of Education, Health and Sport, spending time in a sauna can lower anxiety and improve your mood. This happens because the heat helps to reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress. The warmth of the sauna also improves blood flow, which can help you feel calmer and more at ease.

 

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Using a sauna regularly has been shown to lower the risk of heart issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings highlights how saunas improve blood vessel health, reduce blood pressure, and maintain artery flexibility, all of which contribute to better heart health.

 

Help with muscle soreness

Infrared sauna sessions can significantly aid in muscle soreness relief, making it a valuable tool for post-exercise recovery. According to a 2022 study, athletes who used an infrared sauna after intense resistance training experienced less muscle soreness and improved perceived recovery compared to passive recovery methods. The sauna’s heat helps to reduce the severity of muscle soreness and promotes faster recovery of neuromuscular performance, allowing for enhanced physical performance and overall readiness for future training sessions.

 

Reduced risk of developing dementia

Regular sauna use may reduce the risk of dementia, according to a study in Preventive Medicine Reports. The study tracked nearly 14,000 Finns for 39 years, finding that those who used a sauna 9 to 12 times a month had up to a 53% lower risk of developing dementia compared to less frequent users. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

 

Conclusion

Saunas and Epsom salt baths each have their own advantages. Epsom salt baths are great for easing muscle pain, reducing swelling, and detoxifying your body. Saunas help lower stress, improve heart health, and aid in muscle recovery. Depending on what you need—pain relief or stress reduction—both can be valuable. Using either or both can boost your overall health and help you feel better.