When I was a kid I loved to run track and field, and was actually pretty good at it. My only downfall was the dreaded side stitch. I was too young to know what it was at the time and just thought I was prone to cramping when I ran.
A side stitch, also known as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), is a pain felt on either side of your abdomen. It’s more commonly reported on the right side. Symptoms may range from cramping or a dull ache to a pulling sensation or a sharp, stabbing pain. https://www.healthline.com/health/side-stitch#overview
I'm slightly competitive and refused to stop running when I began to feel the all-too-familiar pain start in my right side. If it was a timed race and I was ahead, I would grab my side, and run hunched over if I had to. I also remember running with my right arm over my head desperately trying to stretch out the area so as to get some relief. No way was I stopping! I'm laughing as I write these words, I must've looked quite ridiculous! Ahh youth...
If only I had known about Bryonia.
I first learned about using this remedy for side stitch when I was discussing my love/hate running relationship with a colleague. She used to run marathons and she shared with me the remedy she used whenever she went running. I believe she used Byronia in a 6c, but I like to suggest this remedy in a 30c because it's readily available at most health food stores in that potency.
Bryonia is the first remedy we think of for when there is pain with ANY movement. Even subtle movements can aggravate. The need to be perfectly still regardless of the cause of suffering can be enough to consider this remedy.
When I used to run 10k races, I would take one dose before my run, and then another dose if I began to feel the pain start come on. I would then take Bryonia as needed until the end of the race.
I know what it's like to train for months for an important race only to have it derailed by the dreaded side stitch. Isn't it nice to have this remedy in your hip pocket for those times?
Yep, totally.
Happy trails,
~Lisa
The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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