Ayurveda and Cramps

Cramps are extremely common and almost everyone experiences a cramp at some time in their life. They are very common in adults and children also experience cramps and become increasingly frequent with aging. The muscles that are under our voluntary control (skeletal muscles) can cramp. The most common cramps are legs and feet, and most particularly the calf is very common. Involuntary muscles of the various organs such as the 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)

Front of thigh (quadriceps)

Feet, hands, arms, abdomen

It is caused due to poor flexibility, muscle fatigue or doing the new activity, exercising in extreme heat, dehydration and electrolyte depletion.

Healing options

Ayurvedic Supplements: Mahanarayan Oil, Arth Plus, Rumartho Gold

Diet: Foods that aggravate Vayu should be avoided. Pulses, cold, dry, pungent and astringent food items should be avoided. Sweet and Sour things, garlic, patola should be given in good quantity.

Lifestyle:  regular massage and exercise should be done. Avoid exposing yourself to cold wind or rain. Avoid remaining awake at night, suppression of natural urges, worry, anxiety, and anger as they are some of the important causes of aggravation of Vayu, and they should be discouraged. Avoid sleeping in the daytime.

Yoga: Anti Rheumatic Asana is good for cramps.