Aromatherapy Treatment for Cramp
In order to improve the local circulation and so bring in more blood and oxygen to the muscles, massaging the area is often very beneficial. Firm effleurage, or stroking movements, are particular helpful, always done in a direction towards the heart. To aid this action diluted essential oils like Juniper, Lavender Marjoram, Rosemary or even Black Pepper should be used. These are all rubefacient, meaning they dilate the local blood vessels and encourage increased blood flow. The muscles become warmed and relaxed. For frequent leg cramps for instance, regular massage for the legs and thighs with one or more of these oils can help a good deal.
Herbalism Treatment for Cramp
One of the most effective treatments for cramp is the aptly named Cramp Bark. (European)
Causes of Cramp
A major factor is in adequate circulation to the muscles, especially if cramp comes on with exercise or effort with athletes or people doing hard physical work there may also be a problem of salt deficiency from excessive sweating. Repetitive movements, such as typing can provoke cramping and lead on to inflammation- repetitive strain injury is a potential consequence of overuse of assertor muscles in this way. Night cramps are probably due to a combination of reduced circulation, tiredness and stress, and the whole person needs to be treated. Cranberry Bush) (Viburnum oculus), better known to gardeners as the guilder rose. The bark is made into a tincture that is almost a specific remedy for muscle spasms, both internally in instances of say period pains or abdominal cramp and used locally for leg cramps. Either makes a warm compress using the tincture dilutedabout1:4 with hot water or incorporate it in to a cram and massage in to the affected areas. Internally take 5 ml (1 tsp) once or twice daily delay in a little hot water. It is very effective, but unpleasant for reduced circulation leading to cramping sensations you may also find it helpful to drink Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) tea, especially in the evening for helping night cramps.
Homeopathy Treatment for Cramp
Some possible remedies are; Colchicum: for cramps usually in the soles of the feet. Cuprum met: for severe cramps, often starting in the toes or fingers and spread in gulp the limb; symptoms are aggravated by cold winds, and often come on the evening; Gelsemium: for writer's cramp, especially if associated with mental exhaustion or tension. Nux vomica: this is most often used for digestive problem due to over -eating but can be helpful for night cramps.
Naturopathy Treatment for Cramp
When a cramp occurs, the first self-helps action needs to be to stretch the affected muscle for example if the calf muscle has gone into spasm it can be relieved by pushing down with the hell to long at the muscle again, even thought his initially feels very painful if taking hard physical exercise in very hot weather there may be a case for ensuring you have more salt in the diet, although this should be temporary and not overdone. Using alternate hot and cold compresses on the affected areas is another way to improve local circulation in cases of repeated cramps,. For long-term problem look atone of the many relaxation techniques around.
