Tiger Balm: useful or not for bodybuilding?

Miracle product or quack ointment? Treatment or scam? Tiger Balm comes directly from the Chinese medicinal tradition, developed centuries ago. This cultural and traditional medicine has proved its worth in the Land of the Morning Calm.

Where does Tiger Balm come from?

This balm has been dated to the end of the 19th century in China by an herbalist. Today, some people have adopted it as a miracle product for their sporting activities. However, its benefits are not always unanimously accepted, and are sometimes called into question.

In bodybuilding in particular, its users are very numerous and claim fantastic performance and amazing recovery thanks to it. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it can help deal with contractures in the same way as a painkiller or arnica. See for yourself.

You suffer from painful aches and pains after your workout at the gym, after using your favorite weight machines? Many will tell you that it's ideal to massage a little Tiger Balm, a natural remedy, into your legs to combat stiffness or rheumatism. Joint pain can be a frequent occurrence during weight training sessions.

The main quality of this balm is its warming effect wherever it is applied. It is highly effective against aching joints or torticollis. It helps to reduce inflammation of joints and tendons. Of course, stretching and warming-up are essential for preserving the body before and after exercise. They should never be neglected, especially to avoid sprains.

What is this miracle balm made of?

It contains mint, clove and cajeput oil (an Asian tree with recognized therapeutic virtues) and camphor. It may also contain eucalyptus essential oil.
There are two types of balm: red and white.

While both have the virtue of warming muscles, White is lighter and gentler. It can cure backache, headache or nasal congestion. Apply with gentle massages or poultices, two or three times a day.

With the practice of sport, a physical effort can generate a stretch, or muscular pains. Cold or heat can relieve the pain. It can also be applied to the lower back. Sometimes, having recourse to a bandage is a complementary solution.

How to do the stretches for the back?

Precautions or contraindications with this spectacular balm?

Containing active ingredients, this balm is not intended for use on irritated skin or mucous membranes. This balm is not suitable for children or pregnant women.

Some countries prohibit this product, due to its high camphor content. You should also wash your hands after application, to avoid getting balm in your eyes, mouth or nose.

In the practice of a healthy sport such as muscle strengthening, this balm accompanies you in your efforts. The sports doctor can even recommend it when it is integrated into a massage oil, or an analgesic painkiller.

How to find Tiger Balm?

It is absolutely everywhere in Asia, but in France, it is a little more complicated to find this magic ointment. The red tiger balm, the favorite of sportsmen is extra strong, and its use should be reserved for lumbago, chronic pain. It is on sale in pharmacies or parapharmacy and also in specialized sports shops but some ingredients prohibited in France are not added.

The ointment can be kept for a long time, since it is used only a little, in localized application as a soother for the area where it hurts. It acts on the muscle fibres in a few minutes, following physical exercise.

Red balm or white balm?

It works wonders in the case of tendonitis, which can happen when you practice weight training assiduously. It is the case for example if one does not spare the progressions in the lifting of the weights. One then puts one's musculature at risk.

It is rather the white tiger balm that relieves headaches, or nasal congestion, by its soft and soothing effect, with its peppermint scent. It gives a rather cold sensation as opposed to the red balm which heats up as soon as it is applied. It is therefore more recommended for body-building enthusiasts.

How to use the balm after a workout?

The action of rubbing allows the balm to act and heal pain. There's no need for a prolonged massage to make the balm penetrate the skin. Just a few seconds are all it takes to deliver its full benefits after physical exertion.

Less than a small dab is more than enough: you need to get used to these new sensations of heat and cold.

Do not apply the balm near the eyes or mucous membranes. Remember to wash your hands after use.

As the saying goes, it is always better to prevent than to cure. We can therefore resort to the balm during a small accident or contracture in the bodybuilding, but it will never replace a good preparation of warm-up. Don't get into the habit of using it for a yes or a no, and make the necessary preparations for a good session.

In principle, small incidents should remain episodic. If they occur frequently, it is because your physical activity is not well adapted or calibrated. It is up to you to review the programme in line with what your body can produce in terms of effort. You must also ensure that you excellent hydrationA good diet in correlation with effort.

The rhythm of training, rest and sleep are the other components of a good sports program. You need to respect this lifestyle if you are to progress towards your bodybuilding goals. As you can see, Tiger Balm is an extremely effective product, which should be used from time to time to resolve a minor problem, but it should not be systematically integrated into your sports program.

This balm is a temporary solution. Of course, if you continue to experience persistent muscular pain after using Tiger Balm for 72 hours, you must consult your doctor for medical advice.

Would you like to follow a program established by a sports coach that will allow you to reach your goals?

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