Pain in any part of the body makes you extremely uncomfortable. This can make you rush to take pharmaceutical drugs, which are readily available to soothe the pain. While over-the-counter medications are effective, long-term use can have adverse side effects, drug interactions as well as habitual use. But since you want your chronic pain to go away, other more natural ways can help relieve it.
For a long time, people have employed the use of alternative medicine to deal with pain. Alternative medicine is a collective term given to various natural pain remedies, including herbs, essential oil, yoga, and acupuncture, among other practices. Read on to know more about natural pain relief practices that might surprisingly make you feel better.
1. Movement
While in pain, pacing up and down might seem to minimize the pain. The movement is part of an exercise that aids in strengthening muscles, supporting joints and stimulates the body to produce endorphins. Endorphins are hormones responsible for relieving pain in the body.
2. Heat Application
Chronic pain can cause so much discomfort when not dealt with. You can try applying heat to the joints where the pain is mainly felt. It aids in increasing blood flow in the area and loosen stiff joints and sore muscles. This act will immediately distract the brain from recording pain.
3. Cold compress application
When in excruciating pain, a cold compress applied to the spot can alleviate the pain by reducing the inflammation. The cold compress will also slow down nerve impulses that send pain signals to the brain.
4. Willow Bark
Willow bark has been a medicinal herb for centuries. It contains a salicin chemical that is similar to the active ingredient in aspirin which aids to ease aches, pains, and inflammation. The herb is found in different forms, including liquid supplements and capsules.
5. Turmeric
The main constituents in turmeric include curcumin, which gives it antioxidant properties that help guard the body against free radical molecules. It also has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory qualities that help reduce pain in the body.
6. Cloves
Clove contains eugenol as its main component. Eugenol naturally relieves pain and is best used in the form of pain rubs.
7. Use Essential Oils
Rosemary essential oil has been found to ease chronic pain. The components in the oil act on opioid receptors in the brain to reduce the sensation of pain. Peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus essential oils also have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that aids in minimizing chronic pain. The points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals into the spinal cord, muscles, and brain. These changes in the body help relieve pain and provide healing to other parts.
9. Try CBD
There has been a lot of talk on how CBD supplements work to alleviate bodily pain. Numerous researches conducted on how CBD functions show that the phytocannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system receptors to help with inflammatory pain and general body ache. The supplements can be in the form of capsules, gummies, balms, lotions, and more.
10. Maintain Good Sleeping Habits
Sleep aids in managing pain and promote speedy healing. If you’ve trouble sleeping, it is best to get natural sleeping aids. These include increasing your vitamin C and B6 intake. Take melatonin (sleep hormone) and valerian supplements, and also L-theanine from the tea helps you relax and fall asleep faster and for longer.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to relieve chronic pain naturally. However, getting the right one that works for you is not usually a walk in the park. Luckily, the above-discussed methods are simple and effective ways to dealing with chronic pain.