So you’ve just spent 8 hours bending over a small screen on a cheap chair and now your neck feels like it’s going to let go of your head.
Does it sound familiar? Well, if it does – don’t worry! You’re not alone, not by any means. As our working days grow longer and less and less time is left for physical activity we often find ourselves hurting and cramping after a long day of work.
So, given your neck/back/hip/head/feet/whatever-ache, what cure first comes to mind? A wheat bag? Probably not. Many of us probably turn to painkillers. Maybe you pop an Ibuprofen or Paracetamol. Or why not smear some Diclofenac on that sore neck? Well, I’m here to tell you that sometimes it’s better to keep it all natural and simple. Because sure, stuffing yourself full of drugs can help. But bear in mind that pharmaceuticals can often carry some unwanted side effects. Of course, that’s not to say they’re never useful. Modern drugs are an essential part of our modern world. Only, sometimes there is a better, less known, natural alternative. So even if drugs are the first thing to come to mind when in pain, maybe it’s worth considering an alternative that’s kinder on your body?
The alternative
Sometimes a simple solution is the best. Something that really gets this point across is the wheat bag. Try to think of something simpler than a bag of wheat that can help with tension, cramps and stiffness. I’ll wait..
In the meantime – let me tell you about the wheat bag. First of all it’s as simple as it sounds. It’s literally a bag filled with grains of wheat. But why wheat, I hear you ask? Well, wheat retains heat extremely well and it can stay chilled for a long time, neat right?
The wheat bag also works on an extremely simple idea. When you apply heat to an area of your body the blood flow increases in this area. This means that more oxygen and nutrients can reach this part and thus relieving some of the pain. However, the effect is double fold because as heat is applied the tissue gets warmer and this helps muscles relax. As a bonus the wheat bag can be used chilled, too, as it retains cold very well. It’s a win win!
Know when to – and when not to use a wheat bag!
So, does this all mean you should bring out the old wheat bag for every occasion? No, knowing when it’s appropriate to use a wheat bag and how to use it is key and sometimes it can do more harm than good.
As a wheat bag can be used hot and cold it’s essential to know when to use what. A cold wheat bag can be used on the following occasions:
- Swelling
- Inflammation
Just remember to be careful not to make direct contact with the wheat bag and any open wounds as the wheat bag probably isn’t disinfected. And obviously you should definitely discontinue any treatments that feel uncomfortable.
If you experience any of these ailments, a warm wheat bag is probably your best option.
- Aches
- Cramps
- Arthritis pain
- Pain related to sporting or physical activity
- Etc..
The list could probably go on for a while but you get the idea. Anyway, as previously mentioned it’s key to know how to use the wheat bag correctly to make it as effective as possible. But when you do get the hang of it it really does work quite well!
So remember that the next time your neck starts to cramp up, instead of reaching for those painkillers, put a nice wheat bag in the microwave, run it for a few minutes and place it on your neck. You’ll feel the soothing warmth spreading through your whole neck and back. And it’s all natural!
Looking for a nice wheat bag? Have a look at the Scandinavian inspired wheat bags from Blästa Henriët!
