Soreness can be a real pain in the neck – quite literally. Regardless of the cause, when soreness strikes, the urge to alleviate it can become overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to lessen pain and relieve soreness which don’t require a trip to the store. Here are five ways to do so that you can try out today.
1. Try a Warm Bath
Muscle soreness and stiffness are often caused by tension within the muscles, especially if you’ve recently worked out or had a stressful day.
A warm bath can be an effective way to relieve soreness, as it can help to relax your muscles and reduce tension. Try adding some Epsom Salts to the water, as the magnesium they contain can also help to soothe soreness.
2. Use Essential Oils
Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can be an effective way to relieve soreness.
For example, peppermint oil may help to relieve tension and soothe discomfort, while eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce swelling. These oils can be added to a warm bath or used in a carrier oil for massage.
3. Get Moving
While it might seem counterintuitive, getting up and moving around can be an effective way to relieve soreness. Exercise helps to increase blood flow and release endorphins, which can help to ease discomfort.
Low-impact activities such as walking, yoga, and stretching can be effective ways to move your body without putting too much stress on sore muscles.
4. Apply Heat or Cold
Heat and cold therapy can both be effective ways to relieve soreness, depending on the cause. Cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation and swelling, while heat therapy can help to increase blood flow and loosen tight muscles.
Try applying a heat or ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
5. Practice Self-Massage
Self-massage can be a helpful way to reduce tightness and soreness. Use your hands, a foam roller, or a tennis ball to gently knead and roll over the affected area. This can help to increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
Conclusion
Soreness can be difficult to deal with, but there are natural ways to relieve it. From warm baths to essential oils to self-massage, there are a variety of techniques you can try to help reduce muscle soreness.
Give these methods a try and you may find that your pain and discomfort decrease, and you feel better in no time.