VIEWPOINT FROM CLINICAL PRACTICE
Sometimes the thirst mechanism in people is not working properly and they don ’ t feel thirst , but are obviously suffering dehydration symptoms . In this case we need to drink adequate water , even if we don ’ t feel thirsty . An average amount for an adult is about 2.5 to 3 litres a day . Those who perspire a lot may need a lot more than this . The body needs water to flush out toxins and to restore pH balance .
Each cell operates like a mini-battery . If you let water and mineral levels drop , the voltage of the cell drops , which lowers metabolism and energy output . Muscles therefore weaken , electrical energy can ’ t flow smoothly , and muscles can become jittery and unstable .
It ’ s important to replace electrolytes if you get dehydrated from excessive perspiration . Sweat contains lymphatic system waste products , but can also contain a lot of vital electrolytes , including potassium , magnesium , sodium and calcium . A quick way to replace these vital electrolytes is to make up a quick drink of mineral water using filtered water with added magnesium chloride salts ( food grade ) and an optional pinch of whole ( unprocessed ) sea salt for the extra sodium and trace minerals . This mimics natural spring water and charges the water with electrolyte power . Drink as much as you need to feel fully recovered . You will feel more relaxed , calm and clear-headed as a result of restoring your body ’ s electrolytes and water reserves .
Other beverages are just liquid foods and must first be digested . They often also contain too much sugar , which is not recommended to quench thirst . In fact , sugars just contribute to more dehydration because the by-product of sugar metabolism is acid . They simply cannot compete with water and minerals for fast recovery from dehydration . Only water is the universal cleanser and solvent , and only water has the power to flush and detox cells properly . Only water with electrolytes can re-charge the blood supply and muscles to restore balance and electrical conductivity . We are made up of mostly water , and the minerals hold the bio-electrical charge of the water that makes up cell and blood plasma .
A blissful experience with antiageing benefits
The magnesium chloride and plant oils in magnesium cream or magnesium charge lotion are ideal for use in massage , and provide protective natural anti-ageing skin care benefits as well . You can get a lot more magnesium transdermally 16 , 17 than through digesting tablets or powders . You don ’ t have to wait hours for digestion , so the results can be much faster via skin . 18 Massage with magnesium creams feels very relaxing and restorative .
The skin laps up these vital nutrients in the epidermal layer , as it plumps up with hydration , vitality and a more youthful complexion . A synergistic group of plant oils and butters helps the transit of magnesium into the epidermis to protect and help the skin barrier retain moisture and condition . A luxurious magnesium massage is the ultimate spa treatment for skin and muscles . It is sheer bliss .
Heat treatment enhances the speed of penetration of the magnesium into the muscles via blood circulation . The massage itself creates heat via friction , however hot rocks , infrared mats ( or similar ) can also be used .
From this skin reservoir the blood cells of the dermis underneath can draw on the magnesium that is needed . The skin in this way acts as a smorgasbord for the body to choose what it needs , without risk of overdose . Nothing is being artificially pushed into the body . You could be massaging people all day long with magnesium creams or lotion and not get too much into your own body . The nutrients just sit in your skin reservoir until needed . It ’ s a perfectly natural system . The real danger is in not getting enough magnesium , rather than too much .
Opening up the vascular super-highways for energy and vitality
As you gently massage , separating and loosening muscle fibres , the action of friction and skin pressure increases blood flow to the area by releasing tension , which then delivers more oxygen and nutrients to cells .
As the reach of the blood flow through the capillary network is enhanced by massage , it helps to drive magnesium deeper into the tissue fibres for faster relaxation effects . Ligaments and joints start to let go and function better as magnesium improves flexibility , and those muscle ‘ rocks ’ become pebbles , gradually diminishing altogether as the magnesium and extra hydration kick in to bring back flexibility and suppleness to muscles .
JATMS | Autumn 2022 | 31