10 Natural Ways to Treat a Muscle Spasm

Muscle Spasms arise most often in the neck, calves, shoulders, hands, and back. They are often caused by stress.

This stress blocks oxygen and nutrients which in turn leads to inflammation and a build up toxins. The involuntary contraction of the muscle can occur anytime of day, during exercise or sleep but there is relief in sight.

1. Drink plenty of water.  Muscle Spasms can be caused by dehydration so be sure to stay well hydrated. At least 1/2 your body weight in water converted to ounces  is your daily water goal. This means that a 150 pound women needs 75 ounces of water at a minimum. This does not take into account warm weather, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake or exercise all of which demand an increase.

2. Replace lost electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and chloride whose job is to help maintain fluid levels and regulate muscle function.  A great natural choice is unsweetened coconut water.

3. Stretch. Stretching is not just for when you feel tight but rather should be a regular part of your before and after an exercise routine. This is true for whether you are walking around the neighborhood, running a triathlon or taking a spin class. Making this a part of your daily practice can be useful in staving off muscle spasms before they even occur.  When a spasm occurs it is even more important to do gentle stretching exercise such as in the below video.

4. Deep Tissue or Thai Massage. These methodologies are designed to promote circulation and decrease toxicity. Massage may be uncomfortable at times but not painful. You may be sore for a few days but a warm bath with Epsom salts will help to ease the discomfort and further remove toxins from your body. Do not plan for heavy exercise for at least one day after this type of massage.

5. Use essential oils. Many essential oils are antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving). They also carry many detoxifying properties.

Some of my favorites that help to increase blood circulation and provide immediate relief  include:

• Rosemary – Rosemary Essential Oil is  a natural muscle relaxer and can be rubbed directly on the area of pain
• Lavender
• Basil
• Roman Chamomile
• Myrrh

6.  Drink your tea. A good cup of tea is possibly all you need.

• Chamomile Tea. The flavonoids in this send a sedative to your muscles and a boost of nutrients that may reduce swelling.
• Ginger Tea.  The gingerols in ginger tea act as a sedative and analgesic (painkiller).
• Black Tea. This is only for those that have no issue with caffeine. The antioxidant, theaflavin is hard at work here offering assistance with eliminating free radicals and reducing inflammation.

7. Reduce Stress.

8. Eat a banana. If you are low on potassium than a banana may be of service.  You can also consider orange juice, avocados, tomatoes, lima beans, potatoes, cod, salmon, flounder and other citrus fruits .

9. Add a calcium and magnesium supplement. If you are not getting an adequate intake of these from your diet (most are not) then a  high quality supplement can be of great service.

10. Soak your feet. Soak your feet in warm water and mustard seeds for 20-30 minutes. This is an Ayurvedic treatment that has seen many great results.

Let me know how these remedies work for you and may your life be gloriously cramp free.