Home Spa - Give Yourself a Salt Scrub By Ric Chamberlin, LMT
A salt scrub or salt glow is a popular, invigorating spa treatment. You can also do one yourself at home for a fraction of the cost..
What A mixture of salt, base oil, and essential oil is vigorously massaged on the skin over your whole body.
Why Winter weather and indoor heating robs the skin of natural oil. We neglect to exfoliate dead skin cells making the problem worse. The scrubbing action of salt on skin greatly benefits the skin by removing dead skin cells, cleansing pores, and making your skin softer. It stimulates capillary and lymphatic circulation at the same time it sedates nerves and muscles. The salt facilitates perspiration and helps bring toxins to the surface and out of the body. An excellent treatment anytime it's perfect in spring as we move towards cleansing our bodies after winters inactivity. Consult your health care practitioner before attempting any wellness or lifestyle changes.
How To create your salt scrub mixture start with the following: 1/2 - 1 cup sea salt 1/4 cup base oil (grapeseed oil is a good choice) 7 - 10 drops essential oil
Mix the ingredients in a bowl, jar, or similar container. Choose an essential oil appropriate to your mood and purpose. If you want to unwind after a stressful day use a soothing oil. Lavender is an excellent choice. For a more energizing treatment use a stimulating oil like peppermint. To relax tight muscles use basil, peppermint, marjorum, cypress or any combination of the four. For important aromatherapy safety information see the article Aromatherapy - A Beginners Guide on the Healing Connection website.
You can do your salt scrub anywhere but your bathtub is a good choice to avoid having salt to clean up when you are done. Just rinse it down the drain.
Wet your skin first then apply the salt mixture using a cloth, a mitt, or your bare hand. Work a small area at a time using a circular motion rubbing it in fairly vigorously but not enough to cause discomfort. Use a small amount of salt on each area to avoid spilling and wasting. Do not apply to any area of skin having irritation, rash, lesions, cuts, etc. Do not use on the face. After the salt has been applied and worked in you can let it sit a few minutes then rinse off. Finish with a warm bath or shower.
After a salt scrub your skin will take on a reddish color as blood moves to the surface. New skin will be exposed by the exfoliation leaving a glow to your skin.
Ric Chamberlin Registered Practitioner - Society of Ortho-Bionomy International ® Licensed Massage Therapist - State of Nebraska The Healing Connection 900 S 74th Plaza, Suite 116, Omaha, NE 68114 402 850 0752
