Relaxation with Felke: How to relieve chronic muscle tension
Many people experience back pain and tension in the neck or shoulder area on a daily basis. These issues often develop gradually and persist for a long time. As well as physical causes, stress and inner tension can also be factors. Our Felke clay therapy is one of the naturopathic treatment methods that can help.
Health tips
14 April 2026
6 Min.

When tension becomes permanent
Muscle tension is often caused by a combination of lack of exercise, repetitive stress and internal tension. The back and neck are particularly affected. Sitting for long periods of time, a lack of balance, and sustained muscle tension mean that individual muscle groups can no longer relax, creating a permanent state of tension over time. The muscles harden, blood flow is reduced and mobility is limited. A dull feeling of pressure and radiating symptoms are not uncommon.
The psyche is also involved here: Stress, inner restlessness and high demands in everyday life are reflected in muscle tone. In a sense, the body always remains 'on standby'.
Muscle tension increases, breathing becomes shallower and regeneration processes are hindered. If this condition persists for a long time, the stress patterns become entrenched. Short-term measures then no longer lead to relaxation. The body needs impulses that address both physical and vegetative processes, which is where holistic approaches come in.
These approaches treat the whole organism, not just the affected area.
Felke applications: Regulation via natural stimuli
Felke therapy uses simple, natural stimuli, such as the four elements - light, air, water and clay - combined with movement. The aim is to activate and calm the organism simultaneously.
Clay applications are a central element of this. These work through several mechanisms and levels:
1. The alkaline clay deacidifies the tissue and muscles.
2. The clay's high specific density intensifies blood flow to the muscles and internal organs.
3. Metabolic processes are stimulated.
4. The autonomic nervous system reacts with noticeable relaxation.
Therefore, the application does not have a selective effect, but rather a two-dimensional one. Consequently, it can reach even deeper muscle structures, which are often difficult to treat locally.
Clay therapy versus massage

Massages are one of the most well-known methods of treating tension and back pain. They target individual muscle groups, release tissue adhesions and promote blood circulation.
Clay baths and packs, on the other hand, have a wider effect as they influence the whole body. However, this effect often only becomes apparent after several applications.
Both procedures are not mutually exclusive, but complement each other. While massage specifically relieves localised tension, clay baths and packs create the basis for more comprehensive relief.
Movement and conscious regeneration
Tensions cannot be permanently relieved by passive applications alone. Exercise is also important, as it improves blood flow and activates muscle metabolism.
Targeted muscle-building and muscle-balance exercises, as well as regular exercise sessions and walks, help restore the muscles' natural alternation between tension and relaxation. In addition, breathing exercises and regular breaks help to support the autonomic nervous system. This combination of activation and relief creates the basis for sustainable change.
Combining several therapeutic approaches
As a health hotel, we offer our guests the opportunity to combine different approaches in a meaningful way. Various Felke applications, targeted movement and deliberate rest periods work together to create optimal conditions. The body needs recurring impulses to regulate muscle tone and change established tension patterns, especially in the case of long-lasting symptoms.
Our large fitness area and extensive range of courses, including Qigong, Yoga and Pilates, help guests to consciously control the interplay of breathing, posture and muscle tension.

• Equipment training is an extremely effective way to build muscle and prevent back pain.
• Qigong's slow, flowing movements support inner peace and help you to perceive muscle tension more consciously.
• Yoga improves mobility and elasticity, and has a positive effect on the respiratory system and nervous system.
• Pilates specifically strengthens deep-lying muscles and stabilises posture, which is very helpful for chronic tension.
Together with experienced therapists and doctors, we offer a therapeutic approach that addresses physical and psychological tension. This enables chronic pain to be treated not only selectively, but also holistically.
👉 Find out about our clay application offers and experience for yourself how muscle tension can be relieved in a targeted and sustainable way.
N. Schultz
Visiting Menschels in 2025
“My tensions did not disappear abruptly, but gradually, accompanied by a general feeling of physical peace. ”
Relieve tensions - 4 concrete measures
1. Targeted heat application
Heat promotes blood circulation and reduces muscle tension. Warm clay packs, clay baths and sauna sessions can help to relax hardened muscles.
2. Integrate movement into everyday life
Regular exercise balances muscles and metabolism. Combinations of mobilisation, stretching and strengthening are particularly effective, for example through yoga, Pilates or flowing forms of movement such as Qigong.
3. Regulate your breathing and nervous system
Conscious breathing directly influences muscle tension. Calm, steady breathing patterns support the autonomic nervous system and help the body relax.
4. Recurring impulses instead of individual measures
Chronic tension responds better to regular, repeated applications than to one-off, targeted treatments. Structured alternation between application, exercise and recovery helps the body develop new tension patterns.





