A muscle strain here and a nerve compression there or a work out injury, can all be causes for a debilitating muscle pain, that you would like to have immediate relief from. What is your go-to usually? Popping pain killers and pushing tons of chemical down your throat. Here in this article we share tips, foods and natural muscle relaxants that will drive away your muscle pain in no time, without you having to swallow pills!
Types of muscle pain
1. Pain from exertion
This is the regular type of muscle pain you experience from exertion, a result of minor muscle tear that will heal itself and eventually grow stronger with regular activity.
2. The other painful one is a muscle cramp that you experience as an involuntary sharp contraction caused by dehydration, injuries, lack of nutrients or poor blood flow to the region.
3. Then there’s muscle sprain. A sprain is an injury from a torn ligament, or the tissue attached to the bones.
4. Slightly similar is the muscle strain which is a torn tendon.
It is safe to assume, especially if you lead active lives, muscle pain is going to be part and parcel of our journey to fitness. But the pain does not have to steal your peace of mind. So here are a few natural relaxants to help you manage muscle pain naturally, instead of the chemical based conventional methods of pain management.
1. Stay on the move
A lot of fitness experts share that staying on the active course in spite of minor muscle pain, can actually aid the healing process. This is because of the tendency of the muscles to keep repeating the activity so it doesn’t exert itself from the increased or changed activity. So it the muscle is taught, it would like to stay that way unless you walk or run or move it gradually.
2. Your guess is as good as ours-Oil Massage!
An oil massage with the right essential oils can go a long way in healing muscle pain by stimulating circulation of blood to the affected muscles. It also strengthens the muscles.
Experts recommend the use of essential oils made from select herbs that has Pitta pacifying qualities, for regular use for body massages. For example, Shankara’s Soothing Body Oil is one such offering. It is a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing qualities. Made from essential oils of almond, grapeseed, sunflower, borage, evening primerose, lavender, sandalwood and chamomile, this nutrient rich body oil also helps address worries of the mind, over critical thinking, irritability and anger! An oil for hypertension and stress release is also an oil for a perfectly calm and relaxed mind!
s one such offering. It is a soothing blend of essential oils that are known for their relaxing and de-stressing qualities. Made from essential oils of almond, grapeseed, sunflower, borage, evening primerose, lavender, sandalwood and chamomile, this nutrient rich body oil also helps address worries of the mind, over critical thinking, irritability and anger! An oil for hypertension and stress release is also an oil for a perfectly calm and relaxed mind!
3. Post Workout Routine Is As Important For Muscular Healing
Once you finish with your Yoga session or for that matter any other work out, it is a good idea to give yourself a restful body massage using a herbal muscle release oil that seeps into your muscular tissues, lubricating and rejuvenating each muscle fiber in your body. It also releases the psychosomatic stress stored in your body. For example, the Shankara Muscle Release Oil, a unique blend of eastern herbal essences and actives from the west like sunflower, almond, sesame, aloe vera, castor, jojoba, sweet birch, lavender, cedarwood, frankincense, devils claw, boswellia among others, is widely being used by those who are into sports, Yoga or some form of workout that works up the muscle tissues of the body.
4. Sukshma Yoga or subtle yoga
A sheer magical remedy for all types of muscle pain is Sukshma Yoga or subtle yoga that takes just a few minutes and gives you lasting results in relaxing the muscles, releasing the knotted pain and leaving you feeling mentally calm and light.
Here are a few Sukshma Yoga exercises you can practice to get rid of muscle stiffness.
4. Chamomile oil
An ancient gift of nature for treating muscle spasm and sore muscle is chamomile that has the richness of 36 flavonoids, one of the major sources of antioxidants. The flavonoids and terpenoids give chamomile its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. So make sure your muscle relaxer has the goodness of chamomile. You can also enjoy the benefits in the form of chamomile tea.
5. Lavender oil
Yet another medicinal and beauty herb rich in aroma and analgesic gifts is the lavender oil. Not just good for improving blood circulation, it is a great natural pain killer for spasms, backache and sprains. You can rub a few drops of it on your forehead or put a few drops of lavender essence in your bath to absorb its medicinal qualities.
6. Peppermint essential oil
The benefits of peppermint eo in pain relief and easing muscle spasms is well-documented. It is good for soothing sore muscles, backache and reducing stress. Peppermint oil requires a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut, since it is too sharp in its impact when used without a carrier. Research shows peppermint oil has successfully helped reduce pain in cases of fibromyalgia and other muscular inflammations.
