Back Spasms: Curing Them Naturally

People throughout the world are suffering from back spasms more often due to the long hours spent in front of computer screens, emotional issues, sedentary lifestyles, constant stress and many other causes. In this article we’ll discuss the main causes of spasms and some simple yet highly effective natural remedies that anyone can easily use at home.

Technically speaking, a spasm is an involuntary and prolonged muscle contraction which can lead to pain, inflammation and/or hinder mobility.

Psychosomatic causes

It is not only the physical causes that lead to spasms, there’s an emotional aspect to them too; specifically corresponding to non-manifested emotions which if “kept inside” and not let loose, start affecting us from within. There’s an emotion that is connected to each area of the body where these spasms occur. For example:

• Spasms in the dorsal region correspond to fear.
• Spasms in trapezius correspond to frustration and inabilities.
• Spasms in rhomboids correspond to the feelings of rage.
• Spasms in the lumbar region correspond to general frustrations.

Getting a spasm once in a while is really not a major cause of worry. However, if they occur repeatedly in the same body area, you should pay attention to that zone. It may also mean that you’d be better off making certain attitudinal changes in your daily life.

Organs

Apart from their emotional significance, spasms may also be caused due to swollen-up organs under the muscles. Some of the organs which get commonly affected in this regard are the:

• Heart: Spasms in the cervical area.
• Kidneys: Spasms in the lumbar region and area above it.
• Stomach: Spasms in the left trapezius region and middle upper area on the left side.
• Lungs: Spasms in left trapezius region.
• Gallbladder and liver: Spasms in the right trapezius region and the right upper area.

Cupping or suction therapy

Used mainly in the traditional Chinese medicine, this is an ancient therapy for spasms. It involves the use of certain crystal cup varieties for creation of a vacuum suction effect on the body. Using this therapy, you can open up pores and enhance the blood circulation inside your body, improving the lymphatic system on the whole.

Inflammation and pain get taken care of in less than 10 to 15 minutes! Although you could go and see a professional therapist for suction therapy, you could just get your own cup set from any of the Chinese medicine centre or natural medicine shop!

Some suctions products feature a suctioning machine too. These are the easiest and safest to use.

You can even use the suction for massaging your different body areas after applying a bit of almond oil or sesame oil there.

The specific body area will start turning red and darken up if there’s inflammation in the underlying organ. Although such marks may stay for some days, you’ll start feeling better in a matter of a few minutes. The corresponding organ in that area of your body will also start healing.

Sulphur bars

These are yellow cones made from sulphur. Sulphur is a mineral known for its ability to absorb static electricity. A sulphur bar can be heard producing a cracking sound when rubbed on the affected body areas. In some cases, it may even break down into two or more pieces. In the event that the bar doesn’t break, it can be submerged in cold water for around two minutes and then reused. This technique is commonly used in many South American countries.

Foods for spasms

People who frequently suffer from spasms should be very careful about their eating habits. They must avoid foods that have inflammatory properties and increase their consumption of foods that have anti-inflammatory benefits. Below is a list of some great inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods:

Anti-inflammatory food items:

• Broccoli
• Green tea
• Red peppers
• Papaya
• Natural vegetable and fruit juices (celery, carrot, beet etc.)
• Chia seeds
• Pineapple
• Ginger
• Nuts

Inflammatory food items:

• Fried foods
• White sugar
• Refined flours
• Dairy products
• Red meat

Three ancient remedies for spasms

A quick way to get relief from spasms is by using cold and warm water compresses alternatively in the affected region. Massage yourself with warm sesame oil and drink rosemary and boldo infusions (three times a day).

Boil some water with ginger in it and then place a towel inside the pan. Then alternate between dry towels and ginger water-soaked towels. The entire affected area must be covered by the towel and it must be placed on the area for at least 5 minutes per application.

Boil some whole kale leaves for a few minutes and then apply them directly on to the affected area after letting them cool down for a few seconds. The affected area can be covered with a dressing or a towel too.