Dear Kelly,

As promised, I have found a few links regarding the use of Epsom Salts and how and why it works. Some people may react differently, depending on how far their RSD has progressed or where it is located, but I find this intriguing nonetheless. It does seem to move it past the "old wives tale" status into medical legitimacy. The biggest problem for ME is sitting still long enough to soak my full 20 minutes!! I hope this helps!!! Hoping that this brings SOMEONE some relief out there!!!

Use Epsom salt and almost hot water on a frequent basis.
The Epsom salt being "hyperosmolar" magnesium sulfate
(meaning the magnesium sulfate has an extraordinarily
high potential for the movement of molecules) saturates
the extracellular space with magnesium. This secondarily
works as a calcium channel blocker, and improves the
function of the nerves in the skin and subcutaneous tissue
helping the nerve to regrow. As a matter of fact, Epsom
salt and hot water should be the daily routine for
treatment of RSD and should totally replace the harmful
damage of cold water exposure.

http://www.health-boundaries-bite.com/EpsomSalt.html

This was from Dr. Hooshmand's site:
Yes, the magnesium enters into the body profusely and acts as a calcium channel blocker. The calcium channel blocker effect of the magnesium prevents stroke, heart attack, and stops the constant epileptic seizures that kills pregnant women suffering from eclampsia.
Epsom salt soaking helps the patient by acting as an osmotic agent, extracting the poisonous and irritative chemicals from the involved extremity through the skin. In addition, the magnesium in itself acts as a calcium channel blocker which helps reduce the pain, inflammation, edema and breakdown of tissues.


http://www.rsdrx.com/rsdpuz4.0/puz_134.htm


Soak RSD affected limbs in epsom salt bath/dish to get blood circulation to nourish skin, plus it warms the limb at the same time. Epsom salts is a calcium channel blocker, thus vasodilation occurs.

http://www.rsdalert.co.uk/tipsutold/tips08.htm