The world is waking up to a new form of magnesium replenishment on the strength of the book, Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, that is experiencing high pass along and word-of-mouth growth. As a concept, the term “replenishment” would be positioned as a step beyond supplementation. “Supplementation” presupposes that you are getting somewhere near adequate supplies from traditional nutritional sources, which for most of us are through food and beverages.

But that’s not the case.

We’re not getting enough magnesium; not nearly enough, and our health — in the form of a rising tide of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Autism, cancer, and even AIDS — is showing it. This is not to say that magnesium deficiency is the “cause” of all of these conditions, but it is a major factor in the ability for each to exist. The severity of the deficiency is directly related to the severity of the disease.

One other factor that is almost never considered with respect to “nutritional” intake, is the water we ingest, not by drinking, but that which is absorbed through the skin. While we fastidiously take measures to buy the best and sometimes expensive bottled waters and convince ourselves that we’re well protected, we take showers, baths, and wash dishes with waters that are often treated with chlorine and fluoride. Chlorine, which is used as a disinfectant in water treatment systems, produces carcinogenic byproducts in the human body. Fluorides are used in water and toothpaste. Both are members of the halogen family of elements, along with bromide. All have harmful effects, and are ingested without much thought given to the consequences.

Irrespective of how one came to be magnesium deficient, our state of health and well-being improves when magnesium levels are increased. To that end, replenishment is important, and as a concept, it is still new. Well, it’s not really new; our experience with it is.

Many of the people who are now talking about transdermal magnesium intake are only discussing it in the context of being something that you apply to an ache or pain, or for inflammation. While this is true, this level of communication yields behaviors that maintain deficiencies because it is only being applied when something “hurts.” When the critical role of magnesium as a foundational nutrient that can and will help the body produce DHEA master hormone plus over 325 enzymes on its own is fully appreciated, different behaviors will ensue. We will apply it even when we’re not hurting. This will improve the condition of our bones, flexibility of muscles, including the heart.

Magnesium naturally breaks down calcium deposits, which can build up in the arterial system, increasing blood pressure and causing blood clots. It does much more.

I spoke to a man the other day whose son has an extreme case of psoriasis. He gave his son some “magnesium oil” (actually contains no oil). When he applied it, it was like someone had put liquid fire on his back. He summarily put the magnesium down, and didn’t pick it up again.

What happened?

I told his dad that this is what happens when magnesium chloride encounters toxins, pathogens, or heavy metal deposits that have lodged themselves in skin tissue. The magnesium chloride solution — which tests have shown contain virtually no toxins or impurities — would cause no discomfort if applied to tissue areas that have no toxin or heavy metal buildup. Since magnesium works in ionic form, entering inside each cell, it is crucial that a sufficient supply of magnesium ions are available.

When they enter through the skin, they will encounter toxins where they reside. Sensations experienced can range from mild itching to wildly painful. I call it a “shootout at the OK corral.” If you know what’s happening, then you won’t put the magnesium down and forget about it. You can dilute it and reapply, or add it to bath water or a foot bath. You can also apply it to another part of the body that doesn’t react as dramatically.

Once the magnesium has entered the body, it will be carried to the place of greatest need, where the greatest benefit can be realized. As your levels get to normal — whatever that is for you — any discomfort that you may have experienced, will abate. All you need to know is that it’s critical to the restoration and maintenance of your health.