Muscle relaxation practices and techniques may help in relieving muscle spasm, along with tightness and hardness. These spasms or tenseness in the muscles happen at the most unexpected times and are common in the feet, abdomen, arms and hands. Spasms can also occur in the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Some causes include vigorous sport or heavy exercise. A few muscle relaxation types and practices may ease muscle aches and pains. They can also help people with insomnia that report practicing a kind of muscle relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) (More on this in a bit).
Muscle Relaxation Types
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tensing muscle groups for 10 seconds and giving them a 20-second relaxation, PMR can be used to relax the muscles, but is not advisable for those with high blood pressure.
Massage: It is another technique that quickly induces muscle relaxation and promotes better blood circulation.
Meditation: It is a state of deep and profound peace occurring when the mind is silent and calm, yet alert.
Yoga: This muscle relaxation type promotes relaxed breathing and flexibility and helps in inducing the body’s relaxation response.
Passive Muscle Relaxation: It does not involve muscle tensing, but relaxing. Just thinking of “relaxation” can send brain signals to ease muscle tension.
Muscle Relaxation Ways and Benefits
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: It lowers blood pressure, increases feeling of well-being and decreases muscle tension. PMR also reduces your body’s anxiety, fatigue and need for oxygen.
Massage: Numerous studies have shown how it can lower the body’s stress levels because it reduces cortisol level in the bloodstream. It can also aid in sleep and reduce anxiety.
Meditation: It can help in relieving muscle tension, because it is all about relaxation after all. This practice can also improve blood circulation and the overall function and movement of the muscles. Studies also revealed that it aids in stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the muscles and lowering heart rate. It also helps in encouraging the body to halt the release of cortisol.
Yoga: This stress management tool can help in lowering the body’s sympathetic nervous system stimulation and in reducing cortisol and blood pressure levels. Yoga is an effective muscle relaxation technique, which is also helpful even for people with back pain.
Passive Muscle Relaxation: It is a great muscle relaxant for people with cardio disease or high blood pressure. This muscle relaxation technique also avoids muscle tension and helps people with chronic pain.
Best Teas for Muscle Relaxation
There are benefits of drinking tea everyday as they too can help relieve muscle tension and stress. Check out the following for the top five herbal teas to help achieve this purpose.
Chamomile: An ancient herb used in treating a wide range of ailments, chamomile is an excellent muscle relaxant due to its 36 flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Valerian Root: It’s a natural muscle relaxer that not only relieves muscle tension, but also promotes restful and quality sleep.
Lavender: A natural herbal remedy preventing or reducing muscle pain and tension, lavender has relaxing and soothing properties. It’s also effective in calming the body – significantly reducing muscle tension.
Passionflower: This herbal tea can relax the muscles and body overall as well as lower blood pressure.
Cramp Bark: It is one of the best anti-spasmodic herbs for relieving muscle spasms and contractions.
Final Thoughts
Try these muscle relaxation practices and types, including PMR, meditation, passive muscle relaxation, yoga and massage, to relieve muscle spasms, tightness and tension.
To achieve better results, you might also want to consider consuming teas, including passionflower, cramp bark, lavender, chamomile and valerian root.
Live a pain-free, happy life! Try some simple and natural solutions that promote effective muscle relaxation without any medication involved today!
