Yes, you can use any bath salt or Epsom salt in the machine, as the Conair foot spa machine does not come with water jets or air, which might get clogged due to the use of salts.
You can make your foot bath much more relaxing with the addition of essential oils or Epsom salts. Simply pour hot water into this foot spa, add your favorite Epsom salts, and get ready to relax.
Conair is currently one of the leading lights in the world of foot spa equipment; their foot-soaking machines simply fly off the shelves due to their quality and price. Conair’s also have a very generous capacity for feet, so if you have a larger foot, you can be rest assured that this product will perfectly accommodate you.
Epsom salt is named after the town of Epsom in Surrey, England where it was first discovered. Its more scientific name is magnesium sulphate and it is completely different chemically from other salts such as table salt. It is mainly made up of magnesium, sulphur, and oxygen.
Epsom salt is a compound that occurs naturally and is often used by foot-soakers as an exfoliate because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Containing magnesium and sulphate, it is very beneficial to the skin. It is also used as a remedy for dry skin, fungal infections as well as relieving aches and pains. Note that this is also known as bath salt because it was often dissolved in baths. However, unlike table salt, the taste of Epsom salt is radically different, bitter, and mostly inedible.
Historically it has been consumed, mainly added to water, and taken as a kind of tonic, although adding Epsom salt to your meal will probably ruin it.
Also note that it has been used to treat many illnesses and conditions over the years including diarrhea, insomnia, and ME, though the effects of the salt on these ailments are questionable and have not been researched in depth. Howbeit, it has been shown to increase a person’s magnesium levels, which is often deficient in the diets of most people.
Pros and Cons of Epsom Salt
How Epsom salt is applied to the feet is usually adding it to hot water and soaking your feet in the solution for upwards of half an hour. The feet are then removed and buffed firmly with a pumice stone. The soaking treatment is commonly repeated twice a week. Nonetheless, here are the Pros and Cons of using Epsom salts.
Pros
1. It reduces stress levels: Adding Epsom salt to your bath helps to restore magnesium levels in the body to healthy levels. This works to prevent stress because the brain is able to produce melatonin, while also reducing adrenaline levels.
2. It can eliminate toxins: Note that the sulphates found in Epsom salt are able to help flush out toxins that are in the cells of the body. This process is so effective that it can be used to flush out heavy metals.
3. It acts as a laxative: If you consume Epsom salt, the magnesium in the product works as a natural laxative. It works very quickly to relieve occasional issues with constipation.
4. It balances blood sugar levels: If you consume a healthy level of Epsom salt on a regular basis, it can work to balance out blood sugar levels. It may improve a person’s energy levels each day and could lower the risk of diabetes.
Cons
1. It may cause skin irritation: Some people have skin that are sensitive to interactions with magnesium sulphate. Note that taking a bath would create itchiness and pain and should be avoided if this is a personal issue.
2. It causes a rise in blood pressure: Have it in mind that individuals who are being treated for high blood pressure should avoid Epsom salt unless their doctor recommends the treatment.
3. It may cause uncomfortable physical symptoms: Also note that taking an Epsom salt bath may cause muscle stiffness and cramping. If the Epsom salt is taken as a laxative, it may also cause bloating, nausea, and painful cramping.
Steps to Add Epsom Salt to Your Conair Foot Spa
To add Epsom salt to your Conair Foot Spa machine, here are steps to follow;
- First and foremost, ensure that your Conair foot spa is turned off before adding salt to the mix.
- If you intend to keep the surface underneath your foot spa spill-free, place a bath towel underneath.
- Instead of heating the water, your Conair foot spa will simply maintain the temperature of the water you put in. So if you want warm or hot water, make sure that you pre-heat it to the desired temperature before adding it to your Conair.
- Fill up the water up to the maximum line indicated on the uppermost part of your foot spa.
- Add your Epsom salt to the water inside the foot spa. You can also add your Epsom salt to the water before pouring it into the foot spa to avoid excess salt build-up.
- Immediately the mixture is in the foot spa, turn the unit on so that the temperature will be maintained throughout. Do not put your feet in just yet.
- Take a chair and dip your feet into the spa. The device will soon start to bubble and you should feel the water and salt crystals working their magic on your tired and sore feet.
- Continue the spa treatment for 15 – 20 minutes. You can keep the machine running for a maximum of 30 minutes if you suffer from chronic foot dryness or arthritis.
- Once the treatment is complete, turn off your Conair and drain off the water.
- When your machine is empty, wipe it down with a thick, dry bath towel to avoid salt encrusting on the rim.
Other Things to Add to Your Conair Foot Spa Machine
Epsom salt isn’t the only thing you can add to your Conair foot spa to help your feet feel better. Other things include;
Listerine and Vinegar: According to experts, a combination of an alcohol-based mouthwash, vinegar, Epsom salts, and water can help to restore hydration to cracked heels. After soaking for 15-25 minutes, use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin. This option has varying results.
Tea Tree Oil: Note that this natural antiseptic does an excellent job of removing the threat of bacteria infection or inflammation from the feet. Try using 3 drops of this essential oil and then an absorbing powder for best results.
Chamomile Tea. Have it in mind that when this tea is added to a foot spa, you can receive some gentle anti-inflammatory properties during your treatment period. The aroma of the tea is naturally relaxing when inhaled as well. For extremely dry feet, you can add two tablespoons of olive oil into the foot spa for additional moisture benefits.
Rosemary: Also, you can add fresh herbs, dry herbs, or essential oils to your foot spa, depending on what it will accept from this addition. Rosemary acts as a mild stimulant, which improves the circulation levels near the feet. This addition is indeed effective for people who suffer from regular joint pain and rheumatic conditions.
Lemon Juice: We all agree that this citrus juice provides a fresh scent that can be stimulating. It also offers the potential of improving blood flow to the feet, helping to remove some of the pain that occurs when you’re on them all day.
Lavender Oil: Leverage this essential oil in your foot spa if your overall goal is to relax. It provides a soothing experience that can reduce cortisol levels while the heat and massage action from the spa works on tired and sore toes.
Conclusion
Epsom salt is most often added to hot baths and foot soaks to reduce stress. Supporters claim that in addition to reducing pain symptoms and promoting healing, Epsom salt can be dissolved in warm water to ease pain from gout, eliminate odor, and help treat an infection.
You should not soak your feet for longer than half an hour in Epsom salts, although the ideal soaking time should be between 15 and 20 minutes.