Few things are as comforting as a hot bath on a cold winter night. Immersing the body in warm water can feel like removing a stress jacket at the end of a difficult day. According to the American Cancer Society, "Whole-body heat therapy is being studied for treating metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread). It involves the use of warm blankets, warm water, inductive coils (like those use in electric blankets), or thermal chambers (much like large incubators)." At Wellness Uprising, we recommend hot Epsom salt baths for maintenance between visits for deep relaxation, grounding energy, releasing debris from the chakras and aura, and to encourage a better night's sleep for improved body functioning.

Did you know that Epsom salt isn't actually salt? It's a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium contributes to the regulation of more than 300 enzymes in the body. Doctors warn that a lack of sufficient magnesium in the body may contribute to hyperactivity, high blood pressure, heart problems and other serious health issues. Sulfate aids the body's ability produce energy, flush toxins and form proteins in brain tissue and joints. An Epsom salt bath soak is considered a safe way to get more magnesium and sulfate into the body. Also, it feels great!

We've recommended this bath to clients for 20+ years to assist with energy cleansing, physical detoxing and to defend against parasites, yeast, bacteria, viruses and toxins. Our recipe is simple, inexpensive and, according to clients, very effective. A few have even reported that this soak has stopped nightmares!

Don't take our word for it. Click here to read Dr. Oz's multiple uses for Epsom salt for improved health.

Our recipe below can be used as is, or you can add a helpful essential oil like juniper berry or lavender for added calm and relaxation. Try it for yourself and send your testimonial to ReikiByRhonda@me.com. We'd love to know how you feel after treating yourself to this luxuriously healing bath soak.

Caution: Epsom salt relaxes blood vessels and tends to lower blood pressure so this soak should be avoided by people with hypotension (low blood pressure).

Epsom Salt Bath Soak: To a hot bath add 2 pounds of Epsom salt, 16 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and 2-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Immerse the body fully and soak for 20 minutes, frequently sponging areas like the neck, shoulders and back. Allow the body to sweat, releasing stress and toxins. After soaking, drain water from the tub and shower to cleanse the body.

Recently at Wellness Uprising, we have witnessed increasing signs of stagnation. Some people are stuck in jobs they hate, others cannot get off the unemployment line. Some are stuck in unhealthy relationships while others cannot move on after a break up. There are people who can't escape the grip of chronic physical illness while others do constant battle with emotional and mental health issues. Another area where clogged energy manifests is finances. Whether you're afraid to spend money, are a shopaholic or can't get your hands on enough money to survive, it's all related to the same thing --- blocked energy. It's time to get unclogged.

Energy "clogs" can be caused by emotional or physical trauma, poor nutrition, prescription medications, spiritual disconnect or exposure to toxic environments where negative energy thrives. When these things occur, the aura is negatively impacted resulting in fear, frustration, anger, confusion or dis-ease. Regularly scheduled Reiki and chakra balancing sessions are helpful, but there are other methods of self-healing you can do on your own.

Losing things, dropping things and forgetfulness show up as static in the aura. You may find yourself bumping and stumbling your way through the day, knocking things down and causing others to bumble, trip and fall. No matter how hard you try, you are unable to restore coordination and order in your life, which leads to further anxiety and stress. The fastest way to clear static from your aura is to meditate. Going inward and reconnecting with Source is like raising an antenna for clear reception.

Shortage of money is almost always due to a compressed aura. You work and work, but barely make enough to survive. As part of a universal network of energy, we manifest best when our energy expands outward to connect with and attract positive energy, people and circumstances. Compressing the aura is like clenching your fists tightly to your chest out of fear, blocking the inward and outward flow of energy. To restore elasticity and radiance to a contracted or compressed aura, adopt spiritual practices that plug into the God energy of the Universe. Prayer, smudging and spiritual bathing are all helpful remedies for a compressed aura. Participating in group activities with people you love and trust, or helping others who are less fortunate may also prove beneficial. It's also very liberating to figure out what you're afraid of and face it head on.

Feelings of being unable to connect with Spirit, fatigue and burn out are signs of a dim or dull aura. The colors are muted and washed out. This may have been brought on by years of self-sacrifice and nurturing others without caring for yourself. At Wellness Uprising, we call this revolutionary self-care; "giving to, nurturing and supporting yourself before you attempt to nurture, support or care for others." The message you send to the Universe when you put others' needs before your own is, "I don't matter. I'm not important. My life purpose doesn't count." This syndrome is common in selfless mothers, unappreciated spouses and workaholics in thankless jobs. This condition is easily fixed by creating healthy boundaries (learn to say no and be OK with it), reconnecting with whatever fuels your passion in life, and stepping onto a path to discover and live your life purpose.

Before we end this discussion about clogged drains, we must address the most extreme sign of blocked energy, blocked bowels. Constipation is an absolute sign of obstruction in the energy body. If your colon is blocked or sluggish, consider colon hydrotherapy. We recommend Moya Body Care in Torrance. Monisha Garner is an Advanced Certified Colon Hydrotherapist, detox and cleansing specialist, and state licensed and certified massage therapist. She has a gentle hand and brings a rare sense of whole-ism and dignity to her work. She will address issues on the emotional and physical levels, and recommend a treatment plan to restore positive energy flow and the smooth removal of waste and toxins from your body. Call her for a consult at (562) 682-0818. Tell her you were referred by Wellness Uprising.