If you have been popping embarrassing number of painkillers to deal with the pain and stiffness in the muscle tissues in your shoulders, arms or calves, only because you do not have the time to treat the pain and remove it from its roots, then you should know, painkillers may not necessarily make the pain go away permanently. In fact, excessive use of painkillers over time has suppressed the pain and may lead to hardening of the muscles, which means lack of oxygen reaching the respective muscle tissues. This could lead to frozen shoulder and pain radiating from there. Here we suggest some Ayurvedic tips and treatments to remove the muscle tightness and pain from its very root.

1. Pizhichil

Pizhichil is an ancient Ayurvedic oleation therapy, where the entire body is bathed in lukewarm herbal formulated oil. It is administered by experienced therapists in rhythmic and synchronized movements along with a soft massage. It relaxes the stiffness and pain in the joints. The treatment lasts for about 45 minutes.

Benefits of Pizhichil therapy

·Relaxation

·Relieves you from anxiety and tension

·Natural cure from body pain

·Treats rheumatic diseases

.Prevents aging

 2. Uzhichil
This Ayurvedic deep tissue massage is highly recommended by Ayurveda doctors for its unique benefit of increasing and regulating the blood circulation in the body. n ayurvedic deep tissue massage, which is highly recommended for blood circulation. While it helps tone the muscles, it also regulates the flow of Prana or life force in the body. Uzhichil, also called as Abhyanga, is a full body oil massage treatment done by stroking the body at various slants based on the disease or imbalance being treated for a given period of time. Here the oil used for the massage is made according to the body constitution and imbalance of the individual.

 Its benefits include

A) Relief from Insomnia

B) Pain relief

C) Flexibility in muscles and joints

D) Muscular inflammations reduced

E) Detoxification

F) Improved blood circulation

3. Elakizhi

Elakizhi, (Ela meaning leaf and Kizhi meaning bundle), is a massage treatment, where herbs and leaves are crushed and heated in medicated oil and made into boluses of cotton cloth.  These steaming boluses are palmed all over the body in certain rhythm and points.

Its benefits include

A) Alleviated soreness in muscles

B) Good for frozen shoulder

C) Highly recommended for treating inflammatory conditions and muscle injuries

·D) Uses sweat to expunge body toxins

4. Use warm water with salt

Ayurvedic experts suggest bathing in warm water with salt to relieve you from the muscle related pain and stiffness. The heat loosens the muscles enough to relax your body.

5.Natural Muscle Relaxants

Even at home, muscular tension can be relieved through regular oil massages that can help you get rid of the tension, stress or stiffness from the concerned parts of the body. Shankara muscle release oil is a herbal oil known for its ability to relieve muscular tension, that is pain that emanates from neck or shoulder region.  For headaches that have their origin in Vata imbalance can get reduced by applying specially formulated calming oils or calming essences, au naturale and deeply relieving.  There are different soothing oil applications for headaches due to Pitta aggravation that you can use to treat your pounding headaches. These headaches are usually experienced on the sides of the head.

Situated in the lap of the gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains in Boone, North Carolina, The Art of Living Retreat Center offers one of the best Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments,  ranked the #1 Ayurveda program in the US by Organic Spa Magazine.   

With inputs from Dr. Nibin, Sri Sri Ayurveda consultant

Disclaimer: The conditions and illnesses could also be due to a mix of Dosha imbalances. Please do not try to self-diagnose. This article is purely for informational purpose. We strongly recommend you consult a Sri Sri Ayurveda physician for a thorough examination of your constitution and its balances/imbalances.