Natural Ways to Relieve Painful Foot and Leg Cramps

Acupressure is based on the same general philosophy as acupuncture except no needles are involved. You can practice this yourself at home. In each case use acupressure by pressing with a finger or knuckle to the particular designated points, slowly increasing pressure and then holding it for one to three minutes as described below. In acupuncture or acupressure, the points are described by name and by a combination of letters and numbers.

Three acupressure points can help release cramps in your lower legs and feet. The first is called Middle of a Person (GV26). This is found between the upper lip and the nose, two thirds of the distance between the lip and nose. At the first sign of a cramp, press firmly on this point with your index finger, hold and release after one minute. Repeat if necessary.

The second point is named Supporting Mountain (B 57). You'll find this at the base of the calf muscle. Look for the spot that is midway between the crease at the back of your knee and the heel and just at the bottom of where the muscle bulges. For this point, use both thumbs to apply the pressure. Hold and release after one minute.

The third target is Bigger Rushing (LV3). This is located on the top of the foot in the indentation between the big toe and second toe. To use acupressure on this point, press and rub towards the second toe with your knuckle or index and second finger for one minute.

Bigger Rushing seems to work better on foot cramps, while Supporting Mountain helps cramps in the calf muscle.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the idea that very minute amounts of substances that may be involved in causing a disease or condition can prevent the same problem. Chemicals are diluted sometimes to the point that it would seem nothing remains of the original. Some use the analogy of putting a teaspoon of something in the ocean, walking a mile down the beach and taking out an ounce of seawater. However, theories do exist to explain why the process does seem to work at times. The most interesting involves such ideas as string theory and molecular "memory."

No matter how skeptical you may be about the benefits of homeopathy, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests one particular pill does seem to work rapidly to relieve foot and leg cramps. The name of the substance is Mag-Phos 6X. The 6X refers to the dilation. The actual chemical substance is Magnesia Phosphorica. When a cramp occurs, dissolve some of these tiny tablets under your tongue. For adults, use two to four; for children under 12, use just two tablets. This can be repeated three times a day, but experience suggests that a single dose often can stop a foot cramp in very short order.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs that may help deal with painful muscle cramps focus more on prevention than immediate action. Nevertheless, a number of home remedies for these painful cramps have been recommended. For years, athletic coaches have used both mustard and pickle juice for their athletes' leg cramps. Recommendations are to take a spoonful of mustard or a few ounces of pickle juice. Both substances contain acetic acid (vinegar) which helps the body make acetylcholine-claimed to relax muscles.Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar dissolved in a teaspoon of honey is another approach based on acetic acid.

Cramp bark (vigurnum opulis) also known as the Guelder rose or Snowball tree, was a native remedy for menstrual cramps but is also supposed to help with muscle cramps in general. Note: Cramp bark can have side effects such as nausea or diarrhea if taken in quite large doses. It should not be taken by pregnant women.Finally, Chamomile tea, drunk 4-5 times a day should relax the body and may decrease the occurrence of muscle cramps.

Warning: The information contained in this article is not intended as medical advice nor is it meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on the Web. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take herbs and holistic remedies before checking with your doctor.