Patients normally visit the clinic for other medical reasons, but muscular cramps may form part of the bigger picture, or be a secondary problem that needs to be addressed.

Cramp is characterised by painful contraction of the muscles and is caused by insufficient qi (energy) and blood reaching the muscles or by fatigue, dampness or cold. Often the calf muscles are affected and pain can occur during the night. There is an excellent acupuncture point located midway up the calf muscle that will get eliminate calf cramp when firm pressure is applied with your thumb/ fingers.

Recurrent cramp may indicate that the acupuncture channels supplying the affected area are particularly congested. Points along the channel will be palpated and anywhere that is tender to touch can be treated.

Sometimes muscular cramps indicate a vitamin and mineral insufficiency and will respond with supplements of B vitamins and iron.