Why Do Muscle Cramps (Charley Horses) Happen?
- caulocare
- Aug 28
- 3 min read
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo – Caulo Care Acupuncture, Forest Hills, New York
Introduction
Almost everyone has experienced the sudden, sharp pain of a muscle cramp—commonly called a charley horse. These painful spasms may occur at night while sleeping (muscle cramps at night), during intense exercise, or even while sitting for too long. At Caulo Care
At Acupuncture in Forest Hills, we believe that understanding the true muscle cramps —from circulation and posture to energy imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—is the key to both effective treatment and long-term prevention.
Western Medicine Explanation
From a biomedical standpoint, muscle cramps happen when muscle fibers contract involuntarily and cannot relax. Common leg cramp causes include:
Electrolyte imbalance: Low potassium, calcium, sodium, or magnesium for cramps disrupts nerve and muscle signaling.
Dehydration: Lack of fluids concentrates electrolytes, making nerves hyperexcitable.
Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow deprives muscles of oxygen, especially in the calves and feet.
Nerve compression: Lumbar spine or peripheral nerve impingement increases the frequency of muscle cramps at night.
Overuse or fatigue: Intense exercise or prolonged standing leads to muscle exhaustion and sudden spasms.
Anatomy & Posture (A&P) Considerations
Postural imbalance plays a major role in muscle cramps:
Tight fascia and shortened muscles: Sitting with bent knees shortens calves and hamstrings, predisposing them to cramp.
Poor posture: Rounded shoulders, forward head, or pelvic tilt interferes with circulation and nerve pathways.
Vascular compression: Crossing legs or sleeping curled up reduces venous return, leading to leg cramps at night.
TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cramps are not random—they are signs of internal disharmony:
Liver Blood Deficiency – The Liver nourishes sinews; when deficient, spasms occur.
Spleen Qi Deficiency – Poor digestion leads to weak transformation of nutrients, causing fatigue and cramps.
Kidney Yin Deficiency – Lack of Yin fluids leaves muscles “dry” and prone to tightness.
Cold or Damp Obstruction – Cold constricts and Damp stagnates Qi, causing painful contraction.
Treatment – Modern Medicine
Current muscle cramps remedies include:
Medications
Magnesium supplements (especially effective for muscle cramps at night).
Calcium channel blockers (for chronic vascular-related cramps).
Quinine (rarely prescribed today due to risks).
Physical therapy – Stretching, posture correction, and strengthening programs.
Lifestyle care – Proper hydration, electrolyte-rich foods, and avoiding prolonged immobility.
Treatment – TCM Approaches
At Caulo Care Acupuncture, Forest Hills, we use natural methods that go beyond symptom relief:
Acupuncture for muscle cramps. New York: Points such as GB34 (Yanglingquan), BL57 (Chengshan), and ST36 (Zusanli) regulate Qi and relieve spasms.
Moxibustion: Gentle heat applied to the legs warms meridians, easing pain from cold-induced cramps.
Herbs for muscle cramps:
Shen Jin Cao (伸筋草) – “Muscle-extending herb” for spasms.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang – Nourishes and warms sinews for chronic leg cramps.
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – Improves circulation and Blood supply to prevent recurrence.
Prevention & Self-Care
Long-term prevention of leg cramps includes:
Stretching: Calf and hamstring stretches before bedtime.
Hydration: Steady water intake throughout the day, especially in hot climates.
Balanced diet: Bananas, nuts, leafy greens, and legumes replenish potassium and magnesium.
Warmth: Keep legs warm at night to prevent cold-induced contraction.
Acupressure: Gentle massage of calf acupoints relaxes tight fascia.
Conclusion
Muscle cramps are not just a nuisance—they reveal deeper imbalances in circulation, posture, and internal health. Whether the cause is magnesium deficiency, poor posture, or Qi stagnation, effective solutions require a combination of science and tradition.
At Caulo Care Acupuncture in Forest Hills, New York, we integrate acupuncture, herbal remedies for muscle cramps, and lifestyle care to deliver personalized, effective, and natural treatment for muscle cramps that Forest Hills residents can trust.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY
🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷
Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
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