At Salt & Oil you can choose from relaxing in an Epsom salt bath (or foot soak) or spraying magnesium oil onto your skin and massaging it in. Both ways will give you a boost of magnesium topically ie via your skin. But how does it work, and what does it do?
Sore muscles are a universal experience. They can strike anyone, from the professional athlete to the weekend gardener (that's the one that always gets me) to the desk-bound office worker. It's our body's way of reminding us that it's been put to work, perhaps pushed beyond its usual boundaries, or that it's simply under stress.
Exercise is one of the most common causes of sore muscles. The effort put into a workout, whether it's lifting weights, going for a run, or stretching out during yoga, can lead to microscopic damage in your muscle fibres. This damage is a natural part of muscle growth and adaptation, but it can leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable.
But your average daily activities of modern life can also contribute to muscle soreness. Poor posture, long hours of sitting, or repetitive movements can all strain your muscles over time. Even mental stress and tension can manifest physically in the form of tight, sore muscles. When we feel sore, of course we’re tempted to seek relief. There's a huge industry built around muscle pain relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers are a common choice. However, there's something else you can try that has many other benefits as well as soothing sore muscles: topical magnesium.
1 - Magnesium is a vital mineral for your body It plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions, including muscle function and relaxation. You may have tried oral magnesium supplements, to help with sleep, anxiety relief, overall health and well-being. But what sets topical magnesium apart when using it for muscle relaxation is you can apply it directly to the source of soreness.
2 - Topical magnesium products, such as magnesium oil, can be absorbed through the skin and delivered directly to the muscles.
This transdermal application of magnesium offers several advantages. Firstly, it bypasses the digestive system, which is thought to limit the absorption of oral magnesium supplements.
Secondly, it allows magnesium to reach the muscles quickly, where it's needed most. This targeted approach can lead to more immediate relief from soreness.
Muscles contract and relax through the movement of calcium ions in and out of muscle cells. Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, helping to regulate this process. When magnesium is applied topically to sore muscles, it can help ease the tension by promoting the natural relaxation of muscle fibres.
This effect can help alleviate muscle soreness and help prevent muscle cramps and spasms. Athletes and active individuals, in particular, have found topical magnesium to be a valuable addition to their recovery routine.
3 - Topical magnesium can reduce inflammation
Another way that topical magnesium benefits sore muscles is through its potential to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Inflammation is a natural response to muscle damage, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can worsen soreness and delay recovery.
Magnesium has anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, magnesium can contribute to a quicker recovery and less discomfort.
The improved blood flow to the affected muscles can aid in the removal of waste products and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which can also help natural healing.
4 - Magnesium provides stress reduction for body and mind
Did you know your sore muscles might not be caused by physical exertion? Stress, whether it's from work, relationships, or modern life's general demands, can manifest physically in the form of muscle tension and discomfort.
Magnesium is often referred to as "nature's chill pill" for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. When applied topically, it can offer a soothing and calming effect on both the body and mind. This dual benefit makes it an excellent choice if you're looking to alleviate stress-related muscle soreness.
We find the ideal combination for this kind of mind and muscle tension is an Epsom salt bath while listening to soothing music. Another nice auditory assistant is a guided meditation. But we wouldn’t recommend this for the bath in case you fall asleep! Try applying your magnesium oil before bed and then listening to a body scan or meditation track while focusing on deep breathing.
5 - You can benefit from topical magnesium BEFORE you stress your muscles
Because magnesium is a stress-relieving mineral, it’s great to use before an event or sporting occasion that might have you feeling a bit uptight. Relaxed muscles are less prone to injury. And a calm mind is more likely to help you focus better on the results you want to attain. A relaxing bath the night before the big game can be a mind and body boost. As can applying magnesium oil to your muscles. Both might also improve your sleep. A good sleep never hurt anyone’s chances of performing well!
Could topical magnesium be your new natural muscle reliever of choice?
To try any of our single* magnesium products with 20% off, use code MUSCLE at checkout.
* This doesn’t mean you can choose only one, it means the code isn’t valid for the multi-buy packs.
