Natural Pain Relief Techniques

Searching for the best way to relieve chronic pain can be a daunting task. Medications can have harmful side effects, require higher dosage over time, and can even lead to a pain killer addiction.

Natural pain relief techniques are not only good for your body and mind, but can also provide long-term pain relief. Natural techniques like these are easy to try on your own or with a professional to manage pain.

Maintaining healthy habits such as diet and exercise is a great place to start.

Exercise

Staying active is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, specific exercises can be beneficial for reducing pain as well. Here are some examples of exercises you can try to get your body moving and feeling better:

• Yoga
• Tai chi
• Stretching

Whether slow or fast movements, these exercises stimulate blood flow which can help your body manage pain better. Trying water exercises such as light swimming or water aerobics may be more comfortable as it takes pressure off aching joints. Combining two or three of these a few times a week can make a serious difference.

Not only is it important to get your body in shape, you also need to prioritize your mental health for a better overall wellbeing.

Mind-body techniques

Although mind-body techniques may seem like they only benefit your mind, they are also physically effective. Here are some techniques that bring your mind and body to a grounded state and reduce tension.

• Meditation
• Breathing
• Mindfulness

By slowing down and focusing on your senses, you can allow your body to calm itself down. Stress and pain can cause muscles to tense and worsen your discomfort. Using guided mind-body techniques from a pro or video is a great way to start learning how to ease tension in your body.

You can also involve external elements, such as temperature, to change your body’s response to pain.

Temperature

Hot or cold packs are very effective in immediate pain relief. You can use hot pads or ice packs to use on the affected area whenever it bothers you. Also, asking a chiropractor or masseuse to utilize hot or cold methods is a great way to elevate your relief further.

Taking a hot bath, relaxing in a sauna, or spending a little time in a hot tub are great ways to use heat to ease aching muscles. Time spent just relaxing can also take your mind off of the pain.

Going to see a professional can be a beneficial resource to reduce your pain naturally. Searching online for a chiropractor, acupuncture, or massage therapist is a great place to start.

Acupuncture

This alternative therapy technique is great for reducing chronic pain, especially in stiff joints or neck and back pain. Although a fear of needles may cause hesitation, many have reported that acupuncture greatly reduced their chronic pain. This technique uses needles inserted into the skin, causing the body to release endorphins — the pain-killing chemical. Releasing this chemical throughout the body can help with chronic pain immensely.

If needles aren’t your thing, maybe something a little more soothing would help.

Massage & Chiropractor

A literal hands-on approach might be all you need to ease the discomfort of chronic pain. Massage therapy is a great way to ease muscle tension and calm your mind. Some massage therapists also use oils or other aromatherapy to make your body relax.

Chiropractors are experts in finding pain spots and making adjustments that get your body back in alignment. They use extensive training to understand the human body and help patients achieve lasting pain-relief.

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All of these natural pain-relief techniques are great as complementary or alternative methods to reducing chronic pain. Taking the time to try some out or research them further is a great first step in reducing intake of harsh medications for good.

Reducing pain without drug intervention is possible. If you feel like you have a problem with pain medication, start by researching substance abuse treatment programs. Using one natural pain relief technique may not compare to prescription medication, but combining multiple may lessen your discomfort drastically. Try some of these techniques for healthier, natural pain relief.