Skipton Triathlon to Ironman: the Alternative Way

Ever since I joked in with a coach after a swimming session that I'd go from a sprint distance triathlon to an ironman distance it's been something I've come back to - I call it my 'Em does Ironman fantasy', and so far each time a member of our Triathlon club does an Ironman Tri I've had it... fortunately there's not been too many competitions as yet...

The fact I've not run for years, not ridden a bike for longer and am not competitive at all haven't quite put me off as yet - I am hooked on the swimming element (particularly in open water - although maybe I have to get beyond the enjoyment and drinking in the views and get on with doing it properly now and again).  I'm planning Skipton Triathlon next year which'll be at least a start...  Listening to other athletes did get me thinking about the alternative bit - could you do it without resorting to conventional medication for aches, pains and strains?  Doing what I do, I'm confident you could and thought would share a few of the remedies I'd put together in a kit for this sort of thing...

Arnica often features highly which you'll realise if you've read any of my other blogs.  This is probably the most well known homeopathic remedy of all and is wonderful for helping to ease bruising and soreness.  As a quick aside I've had times on a night I've dropped something on myself and been convinced I'd have a great big sympathy inducing bruise the next day - taken an arnica and there's been nothing to see in the morning - it really is amazing!  It is also brilliant to help with tiredness - great if you're travelling to an event to help with jet lag, and also good to just help you find that bit of extra energy at times when you're really flagging.  Great as a first remedy to take in cases of shock or accidents too.

Hypericum is most well known as being useful in injuries to nerve rich areas - such as trapping the fingers in a door, falling on the coccyx or lacerations from sharp instruments.  Pains are extreme and feel to shoot along the nerves - they're better for warmth.

Ledum is great for puncture wounds such as from insects, the area is swollen, blue and cold but feels worse for heat and better for cold.  It's also particularly useful in black eyes - great for those swimming mass starts.

Ruta grav is an excellent remedy for pain in the joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilidge and bones and can be really useful for injuries to the wrists and knees.  It's helpful for weakness in the joints or tendons and has been beneficial in cases of tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Also can help to relieve low back ache and painful bruised feeling in the bones.  Worth remembering in repetitive strain injuries.

Rhus Tox is useful in sprains and strains with stiffness accompanied by restlessness.  The pains are usually around joints which ache and feel stiff and sore.  Pain is worse on first movement, with a tearing or stitching sensation but eases after continued movement.

Silica is the first remedy to think of where you need assistance in helping out splinters or other foreign bodies.  It can be helpful to assist in forcing out hard plugs of ear wax (especially after swimming) but do remember not to use if if you've metal pins, grommets, pacemakers or the like. It can also be used in helping painless wounds that are suppurating and slow to heal.

Last but not least, I thought I'd mention Aconite, not as a recovery but can be handy as a preventative for colds - if you take one tablet at the first sign of cold symptoms you may well be able to head off the cold - thus making competing more enjoyable.  It's helpful too for coughs and colds that come on quickly after being exposed to cold dry winds.

Taking remedies is a bit of an art in itself and I think an important thing to remember is that homeopathy works with the law of the minimum dose - take a pillule and wait, listen to your body - you may not need another tablet or you may wish to repeat once symptoms return.  If you've tried 3-4 doses of the remedy with no effects it's probably worth checking that the remedy is well indicated, it might be another would help you more.  Check out alternatives or speak to a professional homeopath to get more guidance. 

Olympic flag, Athens

Serious injuries and illnesses should never be treated without seeking expert advice. Use your instincts and common sense, if you are worried then call for help first and you can give the appropriate remedy whilst you are waiting for help to arrive.  If symptoms show no improvement or return always seek professional help.   

Happy prescribing!

Emma Colley RSHom BSc(Hons)

Craven Clinic, Skipton  01756 796690 or 07734 861297 www.homeopathyskipton.co.uk  em@homeopathyskipton.co.uk