What is a Magnesium?
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is needed for more than 300 body functions, yet many people are unaware of its health benefits, and it’s estimated that up to 30% of the population have a slight magnesium deficiency. Whilst anyone can develop a magnesium deficiency, adolescents and post-menopausal women are most at risk. Additionally, those with coeliac disease and IBS – both of which make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients - are more prone to magnesium deficiency. Taking oral magnesium supplements may not always be helpful for certain individuals as it is not easily absorbed, whereas magnesium oil is easily absorbed through the skin directly to the body’s tissues. Transdermal magnesium therapy (delivered through the skin) is becoming a popular choice as it is relatively safe and speeds up tissue recovery.
What is a Magnesium Massage?
A magnesium massage uses magnesium oil during the massage process, allowing the skin to absorb this essential mineral. Whether you're looking to relieve muscle pain, reduce stress, or improve sleep, a magnesium massage might just be what you need. You can upgrade your chosen massage to a magnesium massage for £10 extra and here’s 8 reasons why you might want to:
1. Alleviates muscle stiffness and soreness
Magnesium is well-known for its muscle-relaxing properties. If you suffer from muscle stiffness or soreness, a magnesium massage can help ease these symptoms by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. Studies suggest it could alleviate arthritis symptoms too.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Magnesium plays a critical role in regulating the nervous system, as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for helping the body calm down and relax. It also helps regulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which plays a key role in mood stabilisation. By having a magnesium massage, you're giving your body the tools it needs to better manage stress and maintain a sense of calm.
3. Improves Sleep Quality
Magnesium is often called "the sleep mineral" for good reason. It supports healthy sleep by helping the body and mind relax, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Magnesium does this by helping to regulate the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles. If you have trouble sleeping or suffer from insomnia, a magnesium massage might be just what you need to get back on track and regular magnesium massages can lead to better sleep patterns over time.
4. Supports Heart Health
Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythms and relaxes blood vessels, reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that sufficient magnesium levels can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. By absorbing magnesium through a massage, you are supporting your heart health in a natural, relaxing way.
5. Relieves Headaches and Migraines
If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. Magnesium is a well-known remedy for headaches because it helps relax blood vessels and reduces inflammation. Research suggests that people who suffer from migraines often have lower magnesium levels than those who don't. By replenishing your body's magnesium levels through a massage, you can potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
6. Boosts Skin Health
Topical application of magnesium during a massage not only works wonders on sore muscles, but it also benefits the skin. Magnesium can improve hydration, reduce inflammation, and even help manage skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also calm redness, making it an excellent option for people with sensitive skin. Regular magnesium massages can help give your skin a healthy, radiant glow.
7. Improves Bone Health
Magnesium assists with calcium absorption and helps regulate bone turnover. Studies have shown that people with higher magnesium levels have a lower risk of osteoporosis. Massaging magnesium into the skin allows for localised absorption that can benefit bone density and strength over time.
8. Reduces muscle spasms
Twitching, cramping and spasms, could be an indication that your muscle cells do not have sufficient magnesium to keep calcium taking over and spontaneously causing contractions. A magnesium massage can help ease these symptoms as well as help to relax any knots throughout the body.
Is it safe for everyone?
Magnesium massage is suitable for most people as the body excretes any excess magnesium making it difficult to overdose - unless you have impaired kidney function or severe renal insufficiency.
However, If you have any medical conditions then you should consult your GP first. Those with sensitive skin may also want to check for any reactions to the magnesium oil used first.
How often should I have a magnesium massage?
The frequency of magnesium massages depends on your personal health goals and needs. For general wellness, booking a session every 2-4 weeks is common. However, if you are targeting specific health issues like muscle soreness or chronic stress, more frequent sessions may be beneficial.