What’s an HTMA? The Mineral Test Every Holistic Health Seeker Should Know About

Pull up a chair, friend—let’s chat about something that might not be on your radar yet but should be: HTMAs.

I know, it sounds a little science-y. “Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis” isn’t exactly the most charming phrase. But hear me out—because this test? It’s one of the most underrated tools in the holistic wellness world.

So, What Is an HTMA Anyway?

HTMA stands for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. A small bit of your hair (usually from the nape of your neck) is sent off to a lab and tested for <strong>mineral levels and heavy metal exposure. It shows how your body’s been processing and storing minerals over the past few months—like a little time capsule of your inner balance.

Why hair? Because while blood work shows you what’s happening right now, hair gives you a bigger picture. Think long-term trends, not just today’s snapshot.

 

Minerals Are the Spark Plugs of the Body

You've probably heard me say this before, but it's worth repeating: minerals run the show. They help regulate everything from hormones and blood sugar to your nervous system and detox pathways. If your minerals are out of whack, trust me -- you'll feel it.

Here are just a few things that can show up in an HTMA:

• High or low calcium, which affects your bones and mood
• Low magnesium, aka the calm-you-down mineral
• Potassium and sodium ratios</strong> that reflect adrenal health
• Hidden heavy metals like mercury, lead, or aluminum that might be bogging you down

Why I Swear By HTMAs in My Holistic Practice

I’ve worked with clients who’ve done “all the things”—clean diet, supplements, herbs—but still feel off. Tired. Wired. Moody. Bloated. You name it. And then we run an HTMA, and bam—there it is.

Maybe they’ve got copper building up and stressing their liver. Maybe their adrenals are tanked and screaming for potassium. Maybe they’ve been loading up on magnesium without realizing they’re super sodium-deficient (which makes magnesium harder to absorb, by the way). An HTMA cuts through the guessing game and gives us a real roadmap.

But Can’t I Just Take a Multivitamin?

You can, but here’s the thing: one-size-fits-all supplements can actually make things worse if you don’t know what your body truly needs.

For example, if you’re low in zinc but high in copper, a supplement with both might keep you stuck. Or if your calcium’s sky-high and you’re taking more? That’s a recipe for sluggish thyroid and brain fog.

HTMAs help you supplement smart. No more blindly tossing back pills and hoping for the best.

What an HTMA Can Reveal About Your Body

This test isn’t just about minerals—it’s a sneak peek into your:

Adrenal function
Thyroid trends
Nervous system balance (sympathetic vs. parasympathetic)
Blood sugar and metabolic health

Toxic load (think heavy metals that don’t show up in blood work)

You’re not just getting numbers—you’re getting patterns, insights, and a tailored plan to support your healing from the inside out.

Who Should Get an HTMA?

Honestly? Pretty much everyone.

But especially if you:

• Feel tired all the time (or tired but wired)
• Struggle with anxiety, mood swings, or insomnia
• Have hormone imbalances or irregular cycles
• Battle with bloating or sluggish digestion
• Are recovering from burnout, stress, or chronic illness
• Have tried “everything” and still don’t feel great
  

HTMAs are especially amazing for those of us on a natural healing path—whether you’re using herbs, homeopathy, energy healing, or nutrition. It helps you see  what’s really going on under the hood so you can match your care to your body’s needs.

How to Get One (And What Happens Next)

If you’re curious, I offer HTMA testing and analysis as part of my holistic consultation services. You’ll get the test kit shipped to you, send in a small hair sample (super easy), and we’ll go over the results together in a clear, human way—no overwhelming data dumps or jargon.

From there, I’ll help you create a mineral balancing plan using <strong>herbs, food, and lifestyle changes</strong> that fit your body. No guessing. Just clarity.

👉 Click here to book your HTMA consultation (Or message me if you’re unsure—it’s okay to ask questions first.)

It’s Not About Perfection

Look, I’m not saying an HTMA is some magic cure-all. But it’s a powerful tool—especially if you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing with intention.

If you’re on a holistic health journey, this test gives you a deeper layer of understanding. It connects the dots and reminds you that healing isn’t just about “doing more”—it’s about doing what your body actually needs.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck or burned out or just curious about what’s going on under the surface, I highly recommend giving HTMA a try. You might be surprised what your hair has to say.