pain in the calf muscles after a flight - #19920
Could you please tell me how to relieve tension pain in the calf muscles after a flight? Are there any natural remedies that might help? The pain isn’t severe — it feels like it’s from overexertion. Pls help
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Hello Jake, Thanks for sharing your concern here. Does the pain come only after flight journey or any other time? Is there only pain or stiffness too? In Ayurveda, pain in the calf muscles after a flight is often linked to an imbalance in the Vata dosha. Sitting for long periods can make Vata agitated, leading to tension and stiffness in the muscles.
A simple remedy is to perform a warm oil massage with sesame oil. Gently massage your calves to help relax the muscles and improve blood flow. Additionally, applying a warm compress or doing light stretching can further ease the tension and help restore balance. Also regularly doing- Viparit Karani (inverted pose) can help in reducing the weakness in the lower extremity.
Since your pain is from overexertion and not severe, it’s likely due to prolonged sitting Keep leg elevation Gentle massage with warm coconut oil to the calves area Stay hydrated Ashwagandha churna 1/2 tsp with warm milk at night If even after 2 3 days pain persists let me know
Hello Jake, In Ayurveda, this can be seen as an imbalance in Vata dosha, leading to stiffness and discomfort in the muscles. To help alleviate this, you can try gentle stretching of the calf muscles and foot rotations. Applying warm sesame oil or ginger-infused oil to the affected area can also help soothe the muscles. Do you have any history of muscle or joint issues, or any circulation problems? Have you experienced similar pain before, or is this a one-time occurrence after the flight?
Hello Apply coconut oil for pain region. Take a hot water add epsom salts keep the leg in that it will relieve
Thank you
From Ayurvedic perspective, post-flight calf muscle tension is often a result of reduced circulation during extended periods of inactivity. It might cause vata aggarvation, causing tightness or pain in the leg muscles. Thankfully, there are several natural remedies you can try to alleviate this discomfort.
Firstly, consider doing a gentle self-massage using warm sesame oil or mahanarayan oil. These oils are revered in Ayurveda for their penetrating qualities and ability to soothe vata dosha. Warm a small amount of the oil in your hands and gently massage it into your calf muscles, working in circular motions for 10-15 minutes. This can help improve blood flow and relax the muscles.
After the massage, you could perform some stretching exercises specifically targeting the calf muscles. Stand facing a wall and place your hands on the wall at eye level. Step one foot behind the other, keeping it straight, and press its heel into the floor. Hold this stretch for about 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Drinking warm water with a pinch of dried ginger powder or fresh grated ginger could help as well. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate muscle soreness. Take couple of slices of ginger and steep it in hot water for 5-10 minutes before drinking.
Include in your diet foods that pacify vata, which are generally warm, moist, and grounding. Think about consuming cooked vegetables, soups, and whole grains like rice or quinoa. Avoid cold, raw, or excessively spicy foods as they can increase vata imbalance.
Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps — so make sure to drink plenty of warm water or herbal teas. During future flights, trying to move around a little, doing ankle rotations or slight walking every now and then could help prevent such issues.
Although these measures should relieve some discomfort, If the pain persists or worsens, consider seeking medical advice, it might indicate a more serious condition like deep vein thrombosis, which requires immediate attention.

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