Saturday, August 15, 2009

Pampering Myself

My Training walks for my up coming pilgrimage on The Camino de Santiago are getting longer. I walked two 6 hour back to back walks this week, along with my every day 1 hour walks.

It just happens that it was two of the hottest and muggiest days we have had so far this year. I was left feeling very tired and had aches and kinks everywhere.

No problem!! I knew just the cure for an achy, tired body. And , I didn't hesitate to indulge after each of my 6 hour walks.

I discovered a long time ago, a simple and enjoyable, self indulging "treatment". It is great after I have pushed to hard, whether it be from long hikes, skiing or my regular yoga practice or just about any time I want to pamper myself.

It's a hot salt and soda aromatherapy bath that I found years ago in the book Ultra-Prevention by Mark Liponis, MD and Mark Hyman, MD.
Add one cup of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) and one half cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a hot bath. Add 10 drops of essential oil such as lavender, sandalwood or vanilla.
I added a few bubbles and wallah...a heavenly way to relax for 30 minutes while having the added benefits of relaxing your muscles, reducing tension, detoxing your body and sleeping much better.
Magnesium is often called the relaxation or anti-stress mineral because of it's calming effect. It's soothing properties, along with the alkaline-balancing effects of the baking soda, induce restful sleep.
Magnesium is also known to combat acids, toxins, gases and impurities in the body. The hot water draws the toxins out of the body to the skin's surface and the magnesium sulfate absorbs through the skin and helps draw the toxins from the body.
Aromatherapy can induce relaxation hormones in the brain. The bubbles...well..they just add a little luxury.
Add a glass of heart healthy red wine, a few candles and soft music for ambiance and you've got yourself a mini retreat. (And one that costs only pennies at that!!)
I wish you peace, love and laughter
Rita

17 comments:

  1. My daughter-in-law had a soak in our whirlpool bath with epsom salts after she ran a marathon. Your soaking for relaxation technique sounds even better.

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  2. Hi Janie
    It sure does the trick on an achy body. So relaxing. Just as good as a spa treatment!!

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  3. That sounds lovely. I used to put candles around the bath, too, and take a glass of wine... can't drink anything at all these days. A glass of sparkling spring water doesn't have quite the same effect!

    Good for you for doing the training - sounds like you're planning a big trip? I wish you luck with the blisters, but the footwear and socks look good.

    Thanks for your visit to my blog! I love the blogging community!

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  4. Hi Jay
    I am hoping not to have to think about blisters. I have been lucky so far. But the Camino de Santiago is a lot more strenuous that the walk-training I have been doing. And sometimes a lot more hours on the road.
    I am trying to be as prepared as I can, but they say you are never really prepared for the Camino experience, until you embark on the actual pilgrimage.
    Less than three weeks and I'll be on the Camino!!

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  5. This sounds great Rita! I might try it one of these days! Thanks!

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  6. Rita, just to say thank you for your sweet comment on my blog, means so much. i am soo envious of the walking, mine & mr o's walking is not happening and i am desperate for it to, so much to do, so little time.

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  7. Hi Ruthie
    Sorry your walk in not happening. Maybe it is yet to come, who know what the future holds for us. Hope all else is well
    Hugs
    Rita

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  8. You have me excited to follow you!

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  9. Hi Wanda
    thanks. I am really getting excited now. Less than 3 weeks to go!!
    Hugs
    Rita

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  10. Oh, that bath sounds positively wonderful. I'm going to have to get some epsom salts and lavender and give it a try!

    Wow, less than 3 weeks--how exciting! Will you be able to post from the trail?

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  11. Hi mountain.mamma
    Yes, I will be blogging from the Camino as often as I can.
    Enjoy your mini "spa treatment". I know that if you try it, you will be hooked.
    Rita

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  12. sounds like you know how to take care of yourself Rita ;-) not many baths on the Camino though so you might have to find an alternative pamper treatment. I'm impressed by your training, it's going to make your first few days that much more enjoyable.

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  13. That sounds like a lot of walking. The bath also sounds like a perfect match for after the fact. It sounds as though you are getting in great shape for your journey.

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  14. Hi Mark
    I know I will miss the baths on the Camino, but they are fun to have right now. The training is going real good and I am hoping it will pay off. They say the first week is the hardest and that you get stronger as you go, so that by the time you hit some of the tough parts, you've already toughened up.

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  15. Hi Tammie Lee
    Yes it is a lot of walking, but it is such a pleasure. I am really enjoying be out in nature for such long periods. And it sure beats working or cleaning house.

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  16. Wow Rita.... I'll take the bath with wine and candles and soft music---and say FORGET the two 6 hour walks... MERCY!!!! ha ha.. I am so proud of you --and know that you will be totally ready for your pilgrimage!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  17. Thank you Betsy for the words of encouragement. I hope to be as prepared as possible.

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