Millions of Americans have pain from nerve damage, injuries, or illnesses. Pharmaceutical drugs are the top conventional methods of treating pain, but some have unpleasant side effects. People also worry about becoming dependent on these drugs, so they explore alternative pain relief methods.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing long, thin needles in specific body parts. Initially, it was used to get the body’s energy flow back in balance, but today, it can relieve pain. It’s thought that stimulating muscles and nerves will boost a person’s natural painkillers in their body. Acupuncture may relieve pain associated with dental issues, labor, tennis elbow and more.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural remedies for certain types of pain as they have anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties. Examples include anti-inflammatory eucalyptus oil for muscle pain and lavender oil, which may soothe tension headaches.
Nature Therapy
Nature therapy is an enjoyable way to reduce pain and help your mental health at the same time. The therapy consists of spending time in natural environments, such as parks or even in your backyard. You can take a walk, take your dog to a dog park or take a sketch pad with you to create interesting art from what you see. Gardening is also a popular activity. Some individuals like to go out at night and gave at the stars.
CBD Wellness Products
CBD is considered an effective add-on treatment for chronic pain. In its various forms, CBD has anti-inflammatory, so it is especially effective for arthritis pain. It also works well for neuropathic (nerve) pain. CBD has no mind-altering properties and is generally considered safe. Unlike prescription painkillers, users do not experience physical withdraw symptoms if they stop using CBD products.
Yoga and Pilates
Yoga is a gentle exercise that can reduce back and neck pain and the pain associated with fibromyalgia. Increased flexibility is also an added benefit. Yoga includes meditation, poses and breathing exercises. Be sure to find a yoga instructor who has experience with yoga for pain relief.
Pilates is an exercise that helps strengthen and straighten the body. When the body is in alignment, it can reduce back and hip pain. Like yoga, Pilates is a low-impact exercise that is easy to tailor to your abilities.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a mind-body technique which can help reduce pain from fibromyalgia and arthritis. It does not relieve pain, but it can change how you feel about it, so hypnosis is often used in conjunction with traditional therapies. With hypnosis, you learn how to relax and take yourself to a pleasant place, like a beach, when you feel pain. You will stop focusing on the pain and this relieves some of the stress and anxiety associated with pain.
Reiki
Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice performed by a Reiki master. Practitioners gently place their hands on a client’s body to improve their energy flow. There is no manipulation or pressure. It is a complementary therapy that may reduce nerve pain and help sore muscles. The results may last or several days or months as everyone is unique.
Authored by Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
