Ailments &
Remedies
Cramps
Cramps are extremely common. Almost everyone
(one estimate is about 95%) experiences a cramp at some time in
their life. Cramps are common in adults and become increasingly
frequent with aging. However, children also experience cramps.
Any of the muscles that are under our voluntary
control (skeletal muscles) can cramp. Cramps of the extremities,
especially the legs and feet, and most particularly the calf (the
classic "charley horse"), are very common. Involuntary muscles of
the various organs (uterus, blood vessel wall, intestinal tract,
bile and urine passages, bronchial tree, etc.) are also subject to
cramps.
The most commonly affected muscle groups are:
-
Back of lower leg/calf (gastrocnemius).
-
Back of thigh (hamstrings).
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Front of thigh (quadriceps).
-
Feet, hands, arms, abdomen
Causes:
it is related to
poor flexibility, muscle fatigue or doing new activity. Other
factors associated with muscle cramps include exercising in
extreme heat, dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Cramps are
more common during exercise in the heat because sweat contains
fluids as well as electrolyte (salt, potassium, magnesium and
calcium).
Primary prevention:
-
Improve fitness and avoid muscle fatigue
-
Stretch regularly after exercise - Warm up
before exercise
-
Stretch the calf muscle: In a standing lunge
with both feet pointed forward, straighten the rear leg.
-
Stretch the hamstring muscle: Sit with one
leg folded in and the other straight out, foot upright and toes
and ankle relaxed. Lean forward slightly, touch foot of
straightened leg. (Repeat with opposite leg.)
-
Stretch the Quadriceps muscle: While
standing, hold top of foot with opposite hand and gently pull
heel toward buttocks. (Repeat with opposite leg.)
Healing Options
| Ayurvedic
Supplements
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| Diet |
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The patients should not be given foods
that aggravate Vayu. Pulses are bad for such patients. Cold,
dry, pungent and astringent food items are bad for such
patients. Sweet and sour things can be given to the patients
in good quantity. Garlic, patola as vegetables are very
useful.
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| Lifestyle |
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Patients should resort to regular massage
and exercise. He should not expose himself to cold wind or
rain. Fasting, exercises in excess of one's own strength,
remaining awake at night, suppression of natural urges,
worry, anxiety and anger are some of the important causes of
aggravation of Vayu, and they should be discourages.
Patients should not sleep during daytime.
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| Yoga |
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