Ways to help treat Muscle cramps

Muscle cramps have become the most common suffering among the people and it is found irrespective of gender, geographical area, nature of food, work pattern etc. But the individuals who often walk for long, stand for prolonged period or give more exercise to their legs/relative muscles are prone for getting the cramps more likely.

Even though it is not a life threatening problem it disturbs their routine or to their profession even. Ayurvedic system of medicine contributes significantly in the treatment of muscle cramps and in few of the cases it provides complete relief too.

Why does it occur?

 It is caused as a result of involuntary and forcible contraction of relative muscle that does not relax. Hence contracted muscle fibers are stiffened/ swollen and produce series of twitching which results in severe pain on sudden actions. In case of muscular fatigue it may cause even without proper actions also.

Ayurvedic understanding about muscular cramps/spasms:

In Ayurveda, Mamsagata vata and Mamsasthita/Mamsasthayi vata/Mamsashrita vata conditions have been explained.

It is resulted due to prolonged factors which provoke Vata dosha (food-habit-medicine-age-cold geographical area-cold season etc). Further, vitiated vata takes shelter in the debilitated muscles and vitiate the kapha dosha over there.

Thus on declining the muscular strength painful condition followed with spasm/bulging is caused. This is termed as Mamsagata vata or depending upon the location if the Mamsa predominant part is affected ‘Pindikodveshtana’ word is also used in this respect.

Line of treatment for Muscular cramps: 

Vata pacifying measures are undertaken. As the Kapha kshaya is also found effort should be carried so as to give strength to the muscular tissue which is the Ashraya (site) of Kapha also.

Pitta dosha even though not directly contribute in the causation of this complaint in case of prolonged illness Pitta is also involved and it is pacified by the Manda (slow) and sthira (stable) drug substances. Rasayana (rejuvenation) is the most apt method to achieve all the above said factors.

How to use Ayurvedic oil for muscle cramps:
Any of the above oils is warmed slightly to just above room temperature. Gently rubbed over the cramp area for 5 minutes. If required, gentle steam therapy is administered.

Last drop

Muscle cramps are most common in extreme cold as well as hot conditions. That too calf muscle cramp is the repeatedly complained health complaint among the sufferers.
When the cramp is manifested suddenly most of the people and the family members will be panic due to the painful uttering of the sufferer.

Gentle relaxing and smooth massage over the part will usually give the relief within 15-20 minutes. Enough rest and relaxation are the immediate needs during this suffering. Take care of yourself from muscular cramps.