Massage therapy have been around for years and we have only recently discovered how beneficial and important therapeutic magnesium massage is to our bodies. Let’s all learn together with this new knowledge and information!
Before we continue, what is Magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral that is crucial to the body’s overall function and has many roles. And it is hard to believe that roughly 60% of people aren’t getting enough of it! Generally it aims to keep inflammatory markers in the body low, for example, helping to regulate blood pressure, heart rhythm and keeping bones strong. Below are just some of the important benefits that magnesium has on the body.
- Reversing osteoporosis (improves bone density)
- Reducing risk of cardiovascular disease
- Helps treat diabetes
- Helps migraines, insomnia and depression
- Regulates blood pressure
- Reduces muscle cramping and tension
So why use Magnesium in a Massage?
It is quite common to take magnesium supplements orally and for some people this is enough however it isn’t always absorbed by the body effectively.
Transdermal (through the skin) therapeutic magnesium massage therapy has shown to be effective as it is absorbed straight into the body’s cells and tissues and raises magnesium levels in the body over a shorter amount of time.
In sport, most athletes are lovers of magnesium as it helps their bodies recover faster after a game or injury. Transdermal magnesium massage is very popular as it enhances tissue recovery, reduces pain, improves tendon and ligament flexibility and helps break down inflammation therefore easing muscle cramps and spasms.
Magnesium oil also has the effect of calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation of our muscles and many massage therapists are tying this in with their relaxation massages.
Interesting fact: Magnesium oil has oily feel but isn’t actually an oil.
Magnesium oil can be highly concentrated therefore when applied to the skin it may have a small effect of itching or tingling sensations and will irritate or sting if you have a cut, scratch or open wound. The best way to determine if it doesn’t agree with you is to apply a small amount to the back of your hand or small patch of skin. Magnesium may also interact with some medications and have a negative affect so it’s best to check with your therapist before using it in treatments.