Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological functions within the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, contributing to processes such as energy production, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and bone health especially important as we get older. If we are Magnesium deficient it can cause osteoporosis or break down of the bones.

Magnesium also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels (blood glucose regulation to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes), blood pressure, and the synthesis of DNA, RNA and antioxidants.

There are several types of magnesium supplements available, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

• Magnesium citrate is one of the most common forms and is known for its high bioavailability, making it easily absorbed by the body. It is also helpful for constipation. This is the supplement I personally take daily.
• Magnesium oxide is another popular form, although it has lower bioavailability compared to magnesium citrate. 
• Magnesium glycinate is often recommended for individuals with digestive issues, as it is less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort especially for those with a sensitive gut. Helps with relaxation, muscle cramps and improves sleep.
• Other forms include magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), magnesium chloride, and magnesium threonate, each offering distinct advantages depending on individual needs.

We should get our magnesium intake by eating green leafy vegetables daily but due to intense, mismanaged farming, soil nutrients are declining. Nitrogen stores have decreased by 42 percent, phosphorus by 27 percent, and sulfur by 33 percent. To grow optimally, plants require these nutrients for photosynthesis, enzymes, protein synthesis and more.

• The magnesium content of vegetables and wheat has declined by up to 25 percent. (read article)
• Trace minerals in vegetable crops, including manganese, zinc, copper, and nickel, have decreased over the last several decades, while toxic minerals like aluminum, lead, and cadmium have increased. (read article)

In summary, ensuring an adequate intake of magnesium is essential for overall health and well-being. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods into the diet or supplementing with various forms of magnesium can help support optimal bodily functions and promote better health outcomes.

Try using these acupressure points located on the inside of the wrists on both hands. (see image for location)
Heart Protector 6 is for "balance in an unsteady world"
Heart 7 is the spirit gate helping release any tensions and excess emotions that may prevent sleep
Lung 9 helps open the chest and relieve the weight of sadness and grief.
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Use all 3 together - press, massage and hold for anywhere between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. Focus on nothing else except massaging while applying slow, deep pressure. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Repeat the acupressure as often as you would like. For me it calms the mind and brings a great sense of peace and wellbeing, knowing I am able to trust the flow of life.

Remember you are not pressing a button. You are connecting with your body’s innate energy. Does it feel low or does it need energy? Is it racing or does it need calming? Press, connect and engage. Heart 7 is especially good if you wake in the night. Press, breathe and find yourself falling back to sleep.

Insomnia from Physical pain 
If the main causes are muscular tensions and stiffness, the Shiatsu sessions will be focused on relaxing the muscles using techniques that bring the individual toward a major awareness of her/his body.
If you have tension or pain in the areas of shoulders, nape, neck and jaws, the Gall Bladder, Triple Heater and Bladder meridians may be worked on to release and relax the area.

Insomnia from Menopause symptoms
Menopause can cause many symptoms such as hot flash interference, sleep quality, physical symptoms, memory symptoms, and anxiety. Shiatsu can help reduce these symptoms by calming the mind and bringing balance to the heart and kidney meridians. (see menopause for more information)

Insomnia from Digestive issues
If you are having digestive issues, I focus on strengthening the digestive system of the Stomach, Spleen/Pancreas or Liver channels. Letting go of worry, anxiety or feeling not in control of your life or future happenings can cause tension in the stomach region. Some diet recommendations may also be given.

Insomnia due to feeling Anxious or Nervous
When insomnia is due to emotional problems as anxiety or nervousness, I work on the Heart, Kidney or Spleen meridians, supporting you to relieve the tensions in those channels. After your first session I can teach you a breathing exercise, grounding techniques and acupressure points to calm the mind and emotions.

Insomnia from overthinking
The mind is always thinking but sometimes it's hard to switch off at night. We spend hours churning over the days happenings, trying to analyse or question 'did I do enough or work hard enough'. We work on balancing the Spleen/Pancreas channels to help ground and let go of any trust issues or self esteem issue that you have about yourself of not being good enough.

Insomnia from stress
When the main cause of insomnia is stress, usually the channels involved are the Kidneys and the Bladder that is connected with the body-mind’s stress response activity via adrenals and the Heart channel that is the centre of our emotional response. In such cases the Shiatsu treatments will support the client at all levels, focusing on the restoration of healthy and balanced stress response through the bodywork with some breathing techniques to relieve stress.

If this resonates with you and you are ready to find calm and relaxation to your life, book in with me to help you find peace and tranquility you have been searching for and get the results you need.