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Aromatherapy
Ease your aching, cramping muscles with a delightfully soothing rosemary
lavender massage. To prepare the blend, combine 3 drops each of German
chamomile, rosemary, and ginger; 8 drops of lavender; and a If ounce of
almond or avocado oil. Massage the oil into the affected muscles after a
relaxing, warm bath. For a different blend, try Roman chamomile, bay,
peppermint, and safflower oils. Other beneficial oils include marjoram and
clary sage.
Ayurvedic Medicine
In Ayurveda, muscle cramping and spasms are caused by excess vata, which is
increased by cold, too much exercise, or poor blood circulation. An
Ayurvedic practitioner may suggest massaging the affected muscle with oil of
shatavari to relax the muscle fibers. He also may encourage you to soak your
feet in hot mustard tea.
Bodywork and Somatic Pradices
Acupressure and shiatsu are excellent modalities to address cramps.
Chiropradic
Specific chiropractic adjustment (SCA) can be especially helpful in
decreasing muscle cramps through active stimulation of the nerves supplying
the muscles. Electro muscle stimulation and either moist heat or cold
applications can decrease muscle cramps. (Moist heat application is
typically used for chronic cramping; cold application, such as ice, is
typically used for acute episodes.) The chiropractor may also perform or
prescribe cross friction. A nutritional consult should be obtained in cases
of chronic cramping. For example, patients Who perience chronic charley
horses (cramping of the calf muscles) may be deficient in electrolytes.
Hydrotherapy
Try one or more of the following treatments:
Apply hot or cold packs to the affected muscle for 20 minutes several times
daily, until symptoms subside. Some people prefer the hot moist heat; others
do best with cool compresses.
Take a hot bath-either immersion or sitz-for 20 to 60 minutes as needed.
Use alternating hot and cold compresses twice daily. Apply a hot compress
for 3 minutes; replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat the
sequence twice. You can add vinegar to the hot pack if desired.
Take a relaxing hot shower
Try a neutral (body temperature) bath
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Acupuncture cau be used to relax the muscle and improve the
circulation of blood to the affected area. Different acupuncture points and
meridians are accessed, depending on the specific musde(s) that need(s) to
be treated.
Acupressure Acupressure can be extremely helpful in relieving muscle cramps
and spasms. The practitioner usually applies pressure directly to the
affected area, and also massages relate acupressure points to increase the
flow of blood to the area and balance the person's chi.
Chinese Herbal Therapy Muscle cramps may be treated with a decoction of
corydalis (4 to 10 grams daily). Muscle soreness can be alleviated with
Zheng Gu Shui, an externallinimeot designed to relieve pain and relax
muscles.
Yoga and Meditation
Gentle, regular stretching using yoga poses can help ward off cramps,
especially in the hamstring and calf muscles. Try the following poses: Head
to Knee, Hero, Posterior Stretch, Spinal Twist, and Standing Angle.
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