In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pain and cramping can occur due to malnutrition of the sinew vessels which affect blood flow to the muscles. The liver stores blood and the liver governs the sinews (i.e. tough fibrous tissue that unites muscle to bone; a tendon or a ligament).
From trimester 2 of pregnancy, blood gathers and nourishes the foetus. If the blood is deficient, it can lead to the sinews not being nourished hence pain, spasms and cramping (lower limbs can be affected too). While this is occurring during the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus enlarges in preparation for birth therefore the blood vessels in the lower limbs are affected and cannot transport and move smoothly.
Pain
In Traditional Chinese medicine, pain means there is stagnation of either qi (energy) if it is generalised and comes and go. Chronic, fixed and localised pain indicates there is blood stagnation; the blood is stuck and not circulating as it should. Read here about blood deficiency and the foods that you need to eat to strengthen your blood.
Magnesium Deficiency & Pregnancy
Magnesium is an essential mineral for healthy pregnancy. Heather Bruce says, “Pregnancy cannot be normal unless magnesium levels are adequate”. The concentration of magnesium in the placental and foetal tissues increases during pregnancy. The requirements for magnesium in pregancy go up so high that a pregnant woman will exceed her normal supply hence a condition of physiological hypomagnesia.
Recommened daily intake (RDI) for pregnant women is (350-400mg) whereas for women is around 300mg in Australia. The body requires a lot more magnesium during pregnancy.
In my experience as a Health Practitioner for over 16 years I have noticed that some people are more prone to pain and tension and require more magnesium than others.
Signs & Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
- Headaches, cramps, tics, tremors, Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness
- Severe magnesium deficiency can cause numbness or tingling, muscle cramps, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm
- Long-term magnesium deficiency can increase risk to high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, migraines
Holistic Advice
Avoid ice, cold food and drink, this will further block and impede circulation. Room temperature and warm is better for you. Supplement with a high quality appropriate form of magnesium and include foods in your diet as below.
Magnesium-rich Foods
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach; legumes; nuts; seeds; and whole grains are all good sources. For example, a snack consisting of only 2 ounces of almonds has 168 mg of magnesium. Celtic sea salt has magnesium and other sources include:
- Dry-roasted almonds
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Black beans
- Molasses
- Berries
- Figs
- Yogurt
- Banana
- Cocoa & Cacao (hence sugar cravings and magnesium deficiency)
- Cashews
- Potato
- Brown rice (soak overnight before cooking)
Can I overdose on Magnesium?
You can’t get too much magnesium from food because your kidneys will clear out extra magnesium through your urine. Magnesium poisoning or toxicity is rare. If you are taking too much Magnesium you will have diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal (stomach) cramps. Always ask your trusted health practitioner if you are unsure.
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