NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SPORTS INJURIES
The Bowen Therapists First Aid Kit
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This is because you are getting a dose of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals. When healthy foods are transformed into vinegar they retain much of their nutrient bounty and gain antiseptic qualities. These help fight infection and are detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, pH balancing and digestion supporting.
By taking Cider Vinegar you are using a concentrated nutrient powerhouse that is a versatile remedy which can be used for external and internal use.
What Sports injuries can Apple Cider Vinegar help?
§ Bruising
§ Cramp
§ Pain
§ Sprains
§ Swelling
For Example: - Cider vinegar is used extensively in the England women’s basketball team with a marked reduction in pain and recovery time. Players return to the game 50% faster than with traditional methods of heat and ice.
How does it work?
When you injure yourself the area of the injury turns acidic. Instead of using ice Bowen Therapists apply Cider Vinegar as it is alkaline forming. The vinegar disperses the accumulated acid crystals placing them in a solution so that they can be easily flushed out of the body.
The application of an Apple Cider Vinegar pack
1) Cover any open cuts with Vaseline to prevent the vinegar stinging
2) Soak a flannel or cotton cloth in Apple Cider Vinegar
3) Place the flannel onto the injury and wrap all in clingfilm
4) Keep in place for at least 1 hour (Unlike ice, Apple Cider Vinegar can be applied for long periods of time)
5) Top up the vinegar if required
In cases of sensitivity dilute vinegar in a 1:1 ratio going as far as 3 parts water to one part vinegar.
When treating Sprains elevate the limb if possible until the swelling recedes and some normal movement is possible. Apply the Cider Vinegar compress as soon as possible.
For Cramp put 2 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar in a bath or apply a soaked flannel to the area as described above.
Other uses for Apple Cider Vinegar
- Regulating blood pressure
- Bone health
- Arthritis
- Cholesterol control
- Constipation
- Digestive health
- Indigestion
- Sore throats
- Wasp stings – remember to get the sting out first!
and many other conditions too numerous to mention here -
it can even be used to clean the house!
WASHING SODA CRYSTALS
Yes, that’s right, Washing Soda Crystals are great for reducing swelling where there’s no inflammation present. The Soda simply draws out any excessive moisture found in the injury. Ideal for water on the knee.
The application of a Soda Crystal pack
1) Take a handful of Crystals and crush them to the consistency of coarse salt
2) Place in a cotton or linen handkerchief and fold the cloth around the crushed crystals to create a packet approximately 2” square
3) Cover any open cuts with Vaseline
4) Place the pack against the lower half of the swelling and secure in place. Make sure the bindings do not restrict circulation
5) Wrap all in a towel which will absorb the moisture
6) The pack should be left on for at least 5-6 hours preferably overnight
Do not repeat more than 3 times per week.
NB: - DO NOT USE CAUSTIC SODA
EPSOM SALTS (Magnesium Sulphate)
Epsom Salts work by removing toxins from the body. Like Cider Vinegar, Epsom Salts are alkaline forming and work on the acid that is responsible for the build up of calcification in the joints. It is therefore useful for aches and pains and painful swollen or calcified joints which makes it ideal to help prevent arthritis.
How to use Epsom Salts
- throw a handful of Epsom Salts into a bath
- the softer your water the less you will need
- add bubblebath if you wish as it will not interfere with the action of the Epsom Salts
- for small areas such as feet and hands use a washing up bowl with about 2 tablespoons of salts per bowl. Use warm water not hot and soak for 15-20 minutes
It is safe to use every time you have a bath although I would not recommend it for those of you with high blood pressure.
A few home remedies
Blisters
- Witch hazel applied neat to a blister will quickly relieve pain and swelling and encourage healing.
- Bathe the blister with cold salty water this will discourage infection and help the blister to dry out.
- Apply surgical spirit and then petroleum jelly to areas which are susceptible to blisters caused by chafing.
- Cover blisters during the daytime to prevent further damage and infection, but remove bandages at night to allow them to dry out.
Chronic Cramp
- Drink Honey and Vinegar. A tablespoon of each in a cup of hot water works by distributing calcium throughout the bloodstream which can help to reduce chronic cramp
- Lemon taken with a pinch of salt before bedtime will help to prevent night cramps
Painful joints
- Put a Cabbage leaf in a brown bag and iron it. Place the ironed leaf onto the painful joint. Cabbage works by drawing out any infection present.
And Always Remember to......
- Stretch and warm up muscles properly before a sports session to minimize the chance of injury.
- Drink plenty of water. Little and often is the key. Muscle spasms will often occur as a result of dehydration.
- See your doctor if injury persists.
WHAT IS THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE?
A remedial therapy in which the practitioner uses thumbs and forefingers on precise points of the body to make rolling type moves which gently stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body. These moves prompt the body to make the adjustments which help to re-balance, relieve tension and reduce pain.
There is no manipulation or adjustment of hard tissue. It is not a form of massage. The treatment affects the body in ways which promote healing, pain relief and recovery of energy. The experience of the treatment is gentle, subtle and relaxing and it is these features which make The Bowen Technique so unique. It is generally regarded as safe and effective for people of ALL ages.
BOWEN IN SPORTS
A growing number of athletes and their physiotherapists are discovering that regular Bowen Technique treatments enhance performance and reduce the incidence of injury. When they do have an injury, the Bowen Technique brings rapid relief and gets them back to the game quickly. The Bowen Technique is being used at high levels of sport in this country, with rugby clubs and premiership football clubs showing interest.
For further information contact Jenny on 0770 300 2143
or email jenny.exon@dsl.pipex.com
