Magnesium soak/float

[ScoutTN]

Anyone do this?

While we were at the ER Saturday discussing Dh's instructions from the doc, the nurse mentioned a local magnesium float place. Private rooms with tubs for floating. Good for stress, muscle cramps/aches, insomnia and a host of other things. 

 

Wondering if this is a real alternative therapy, like acupuncture or massage or just a scam. Anyone have experience?

[fraidycat]

I can't answer to magnesium float places being a scam or not. I guess it would depend on the quality and quantity of magnesium and price.

 

As for magnesium supplementation - orally or transdermal (magnesium "oil" on skin), or magnesium baths - this is good for a whole lot of things. Relaxation, muscles, digestion, sleep, etc. So the float places could, theoretically, be a real therapy, but it could be a scam in that there might be a HUGE mark-up on something you could do at home for pennies on the dollar.

 

If you're near the coast, go to the beach! Cheap "magnesium therapy". :)

Edited August 2, 2016 by fraidycat

[Stacia]

Do you mean places like spas that have saltwater flotation tanks? Kind of like this?

 

I was given a gift certificate to try one a couple of years ago, not so much for the floating, but more for the sensory deprivation part of it. (I tend to get overloaded from sounds, smells, lights, etc... -- general sensory overload.) This seemed like a great idea to me.

 

In reality, though, I have bad motion sickness & being in there made me so, so sick. (I like to swim or be in a pool.) I don't know why floating in this tank did me in, whether it was the (overwhelming, imo) warmth/humidity, the smell of salt, the slight rocking motion of the water, or what, but I couldn't stand it.

 

I actually felt so sick that I crawled out of the thing & lay with my face on the cool tile floor for 30 minutes before I felt like I could move. I felt nauseated for hours.

 

So, for me, no. Not relaxing. Lol.

 

But, ymmv. I'm sure many would find it relaxing &/or helpful.

 

ETA: I agree with fraidycat -- go to the beach! I love to swim & float in the ocean & have no problems w/ that.

Edited August 2, 2016 by Stacia

[umsami]

I went to one years ago back when I was a massage therapist.  It was a bit trippy, but to me, I prefer a good massage over a sensory deprivation tank. :)  They were just as expensive as a massage back then, no idea how they rate, but I'd probably check Living Social or Groupon for coupons to give it a try. 

 

Magnesium sulfate is a real thing for muscle soreness and such.  You can buy bulk epsom salts on Amazon and give it a try at home too (poor version as they use a lot more than 25 pounds in a typical float tank) .   For most people, adding a few cups of epsom salts to a bath does the trick, too.

[Katy]

I haven't tried it, but a college friend of mine found they made such a difference with vague health and autoimmine issues that their entire extended family invested in the startup costs to start one.  I was concerned about bacteria and infections.  I can't recall the details about how the water was changed and how they keep it clean, but the answer was good enough for me then.

[ScoutTN]

Well, the beach is 7+ hrs away and we cannot afford a vacation of any kind this year. I love the beach, but we can go for one week every three years or so. 

 

Dh has sleep issues, stress related imo, and medication for sleep or anxiety is not effective or possible, given other medical issues. 

 

I have had wonderful experience with acupuncture, but it is less effective for Dh so I am seeking some alternative therapy that could help him. Like many men, he is not proactive on health issues. 

 

Yes, the tanks have a much higher concentration of magnesium sulfate than we could do at home. They are spotlessly clean and the water is filtered etc. Cost is a bit less than acu or massage, perhaps because it is less common? 

 

We will try the home version first and see what happens. Dh used epsom salt soak on his ankle the last few days because of the infection and his toenails look so much better and his skin is so much softer. 

[gardenmom5]

I do an epsom salt bath at home.  high levels of magnesium, which is well absorbed through the skin.  my ND had me have the water warm enough to get me to sweat - but not so hot I couldn't stay very long.

4 CUPS of epsom salt, and 1 cup of baking soda (so your skin won't hate you).  put in whatever essential oil/bath whatever to make it smell good.  (or not).

 

i stew for an hour.  I'm supposed to do it several times a week, and need to get back to it.  I do have a deep tub, with a heater so I can easily adjust the temp when i'm in it.

dudeling's ND has also instructed him to do epsom salt baths becasue of the magnesium through the skin.  (he no longer likes baths . . . )