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Most people take paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets when they are sick. But, are there any alternative methods for headache, muscle, or joint pain relief that you need? Not everyone likes to use drugs all the time. And, in some cases, it can be downright dangerous. So, if you’re counting yourself between these numbers, this guide is for you.
Do something
The pain tends to get worse when you sit doing nothing. So, try getting up and going for a light walk or exercise. You could even try gardening too. Fresh air can help you relieve headaches when active lifestyle can help you relieve tight and sore muscles. It’s 100% natural, and, assuming you guarantee you won’t hurt yourself further, it will only help.
go to sleep
As we mentioned above, pain can cause most of the problems when you are still. And, when it comes time to sleep, it can be the worst. Many people worry about this because they know pain is coming, and they may even try and delay sleep. However, the problem with doing this is that it causes more pain. Lack of sleep can make you feel worse, so it’s important to go to sleep at a regular time. Make a habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time, and you will see some improvement.
Breathing exercise
The next time you feel pain, try to focus on your breathing. For example, with severe pain, you can concentrate on taking slower and deeper breaths. It’s more effective than the average person realizes, and is a great way to help you feel more in control. Focusing on your breath is almost meditative, and you will overcome feelings of anxiety or emphasize that comes with a sharp pain.
acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice, dating back more than 2,000 years. This involves placing tiny, very thin needles into the body’s meridian system. Of course, the science behind acupuncture and its ability to cure ailments is a little questionable. But, no doubt it can help relieve pain. In fact, even the World Health Organization has it on its list of ways to treat pain – so there must be something on it. Try to find a local practitioner – but always check their reputation before signing up for an acupuncture course.
Marijuana
Marijuana has become legal for medical use in several states. And, its ability to help relieve pain from various medical conditions is well known. However, it is better not to smoke. Inhaling burning material will be bad for your lungs. Instead, try eating them, or taking tablets if you can get them from your doctor. Based on vaporizerblog.com, it is also much safer to use a vaporizer. Be sure to consult your doctor first, and they will tell you whether your cannabis use is safe.
essential oil
Essential oils are another alternative treatment that is thought to help relieve pain. You can inhale the fumes from an oil burner, for example, or apply it to your skin. They can help with pain relief like a massage – which we’ll get to later. Like acupuncture, this type of treatment dates back thousands of years. You may enjoy using essential oils, and there is evidence to suggest that they help people with arthritic conditions. Individuals who often experience headaches and cancer also get some benefits.
Therapeutic massage
Backache or stiff muscles? If so, massage can help. It gets the blood moving and exercises the muscles to make them softer. You can get rid of tight muscle knots that are adding pressure to your nerve endings, and it’s an inexpensive and enjoyable method of pain relief. Again, make sure you get permission from your doctor before getting a massage. And, always check the reputation of the masseuse you want to hire.
Relax
There is a theory that when you are in pain, you start to tense up, which makes the pain worse. So, try to relax the next time you suffer an injury or are injured. The less stress you experience, the less pain you will feel. Based on umm. edu, you could even go the biofeedback route. The result is that you can affect your normal bodily functions such as blood pressure and muscle tension. It’s seen some impressive results, so see if that can help.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is when a practitioner puts you in a very relaxed state and supposedly helps you control your state of consciousness. In essence, it puts you in control of your body, meaning you can manage your pain symptoms a little easier. Again, it’s all about helping you relax, and being able to escape stress. When your anxiety decreases, your pain decreases – it’s that simple.
Friends and family
Your friends and relatives can also play an important role in your pain management. Talking about things, and being with other people helps you focus on something other than aching feet or a stiff back. So, try to get out more and meet people more often. Or, if you can’t get out of the house, invite more people to your house, and you should see some improvement.
Tai Chi & Yoga
Tai Chi and yoga are two fun activities that can help your body fight pain. Both are meditative, and will get you started to focus, and relieve painful symptoms. It’s also good for emotional pain. The deep breathing involved in both activities can result in a calmer mind and body.
Do you have any alternative methods of dealing with pain? If so, we’d love to hear more about them and how they help. Tell us about your own pain treatment in the comments section below, and join the conversation.
