Intravenous magnesium cocktail therapy (MCT)

Magnesium is an abundant mineral in the body with about half located in the bones and the remainder in the muscles & soft tissues. It has great importance not only for general biochemistry, but also for neuro-muscular activity. For example, persistent or severe muscle pains are common signs of magnesium deficiency (1).

In general practice, oral supplements of magnesium (and other nutrients) have been reported beneficial for treating muscle cramps & discomfort. The problem, however, with oral dosing is that it takes a long time for it to work, and it can become complicated by poor absorption & diarrhoea (if given too much). Here is where the intravenous use of magnesium and the "Magnesium Cocktail Therapy" becomes appropriate.

The use of intravenous magnesium in medicine is not a new phenomenon. Here is a partial list of research supporting intravenous magnesium and its safety. (1,2,3,4,5,6)

• Musculoskeletal pain syndromes
• Neuropathic pain in cancer patients
• Reduces intra & post operative analgesic requirements
• Corrects muscle cramps caused by magnesium deficiency
• Acute asthma attack
• Acute heart attack
• Pre-eclampsia & eclampsia (in pregnancy)

Magnesium cocktail therapy

One of the concerns when using a single nutrient in high doses, is it may create an imbalance or deficiency state in the others. Because of this delicate mineral & vitamin balances within the body, I perfected a formula to optimize the powerful effects of magnesium. Consequently, the "Magnesium Cocktail Therapy" (MCT) was created, ensuring proper nutritional balance. In my experience, the Magnesium Cocktail is more effective than using magnesium alone.

Common benefits received from the magnesium cocktail therapy

Here is a list of positive benefits MCT has on patients.

• Muscle relaxation (for both acute & chronic cases)
• Improved flexibility
• Enhanced recovery times
• Pain relief
• Reduced requirements for NSAIDs & muscle relaxants
• Feeling of "calmness or tranquility"
• Improved sleep quality
• Support (i.e. for bones, muscles, nerves, and more)
• In general, MCT is relaxing for the entire nervous system

How does magnesium cocktail therapy work

It appears that the MCT temporarily blocks the excitement sites (known as NMDA) and calcium channel sites in the nervous system. These combined effects give MCT its analgesic properties. Thus, the lower the magnesium levels in your blood, the more pain you feel! (4). MCT, in addition, increases the general circulation throughout the body allowing for both increased oxygenation & waste removal in damaged tissues.

Procedure

A treatment consists of a single intravenous injection lasting about 15 minutes. Most patients (>70%) report improvements after a single injection. For others, between 2-4 treatments are needed for optimal results. Immediately following the first injection, most people note increased flexibility & movement. In my experience, the full effects are felt the next morning. For severe or acute cases, I recommend two treatments within a 48-hour time period in order to effectively break the pain-cycle.

Safety of MCT

Magnesium Cocktail Therapy is extremely safe. No complications have been documented. In fact, this therapy is safer than aspirin. As a secondary effect, patients experience a mild feeling of warmth lasting a few seconds. Consequently, a mild and transient blood pressure lowering effect may occur. Generally, during & after the injection people report on how calm and relaxed they feel. In fact, people often tell me that they usually get a better night sleep after MCT.

References

1. Bilbey DLJ, Prabhakarab VM. Muscle cramps and magnesium deficiency: case reports. Can Fam Physician 1996;42:1348-51
2. Reed JC. Magnesium therapy in musculoskeletal pain syndromes retrospective review of clinical results. Magnesium Trace Elem 1990;9:330
3. Crosby V, et al. The safety and efficacy of a single dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate in neuropathic pain poorly responsive to strong opioid analgesics in patients with cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2000;19:35-39
4. Koinig H, et al. Magnesium sulfate reduces intra- and postoperative analgesic requirements. Anesth Analg 1998;87:206-10
5. Skobeloff EM, et al. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of acute asthma in the emergency department. JAMA 1989;262:9:1210-13
6. Witlin AG, Sibai BM. Magnesium sulfate in preeclampsia and eclampsia. Obstet Gynecol 1998;92:5:883-89