encierro/Shutterstock

Painful muscle cramps can wake you in the middle of the night and last for up to several minutes. Cramps occur more often in the summer when hot weather can leave you dehydrated.

While conventional medicine points to lost electrolytes as the culprit, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a deeper perspective—seeing cramps as a sign of drained energy, fluids, and nourishment. By combining hydration, targeted acupressure, and herbal remedies, you can recover faster and even be free from muscle cramps.Understanding Muscle Cramps

Prolonged sweating causes a loss of water and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium—essential minerals for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction. When they fall out of balance, calcium regulation inside muscle cells is disrupted, triggering involuntary contractions—better known as cramps or “charley horses.”

We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.