Relieving Muscular Aches and Pains with Homeopathy.
Did you know that Homeopathy can also be very beneficial for muscular aches and pains? Although it is often very important to seek physical help in the form of osteopathy, chiropractor or massage therapist, sometimes a single remedy can also do the trick. The great thing about homeopathic remedies is they are without side effects, can be taken alongside any other form of treatment and stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Recently a client of mine was complaining of a sore knee, it was swollen, red and felt hot to the touch. She had been in discomfort for almost two weeks and was waking up in the night in pain. Eventually she contacted me for a telephone acute consultation and I prescribed Belladonna 30c. By the morning she told me her knee was 70% better.
Acute pain in joints, tendons, ligaments, or muscles are usually caused by an injury resulting in stiffness, swelling, and restricted movement. Muscle and joint pain can also be caused by sports injuries, poor posture, inactivity, aging or symptoms of stress and anxiety. Although successful homeopathic treatment is best provided by a skilled homeopath, a selection of remedies work for a variety of common aliments which are suitable for personal use and I have listed some of these below. Often with muscular aches and pains there can be a direct emotional cause to the problem which also needs to be addressed. According to Louise Hay author of ‘You Can Heal Your Life,’ back problems could be linked to money worries, guilt, lack of emotional support and feeling unloved. Apparently knee problems can be linked with an inability to bend, inflexibility and not giving in to the flow of life. Perhaps next time you suffer with an ache or pain think about what emotional influencers are going on in your life and how it might be affecting your body.
Arnica 30c – Bruise that is sore to touch, mild shock or injury. Caused by injury such as falling or wrenching. Fells better with gentle movement. For all trauma (bumps, bruises, muscle soreness): 1 pill every half hour for 2 hours, then 1 pill 3 times a day. For strenuous activities: 1 pill 3 times a day, 1 day before and 2 days after activity.
Rhus Toxicodendron 6c – Pain and stiffness. Stiffness and aching pain in the joints especially in the morning. Caused by inactivity or cold wet weather. Feels better with dry warmth or movement.
Bryonia 30c – Severe pain on movement. Hot swollen joints that hurt with movement. Caused by overuse or injury. Feels better with cold compress and firm pressure on the affected location.
Pulsatilla 30c – Pain moves from place to place. Tendency to be emotional and desire consolation. Caused by hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycle. Feels better with gentle exercise, weeping or sympathy.
Causticum 30c – Stiff contracted tendons. Stiff neck, pain and muscle spasms in the jaw and neck or sharp tearing pain in the muscles caused by cold, dry weather. Feels better with warmth.
Ruta Graveolens 6c – Painful tendons. Pain after injury to tendons or where the lining of the bone has bruised or soar. Caused by injury and feels better with movement
Cuprum Metallicum 6c – Twitching or severe muscle spasms in the toes, ankle or leg. Caused by loss of sodium due to sweating or sudden chills such as after swimming. Feels better with applying pressure to affected area.
Alongside treatments and therapy there are a number of supplements that have shown promise in alleviating joint pain and supporting healthy joints:
Glucosamine Sulphate Supplements
Glucosamine is an essential constituent of cartilage and Glucosamine supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Ginger
Zingiber Officinale (ginger) may have anti-inflammatory properties. As well as being the mainstay of several savoury dishes, ginger alleviates joint pains associated with standing or walking.
Turmeric
Curcuma Longa (turmeric) is a spice that is widely used as a culinary herb. Did you know that turmeric has been used since ancient times to reduce joint inflammation? Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, thereby improving symptoms of joint pains.
According to some experts a Mediterranean-type diet could also help relieve pain in joints that are inflamed. These foods include fresh fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known as fish oils. More specifically, omega-3s promote connective tissue healing by preventing the creation of inflammatory compounds in the body, according to these specialists. Salmon, soy and flax all contain omega-3 fatty acids.
So next time, before you reach absentmindedly for the painkillers, perhaps consider the natural remedies and supplements above!
Do you have any tips to help relieve muscular aches and pains? If so, please share below.
Until next time, have a happy, healthy week!
Claire Zarb LCPH
t: +44 (0)7582 269569
e: claire@clairezarb.com
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