If you have chronic pain, you know just how much of a struggle it can be to manage your symptoms. If over-the-counter medications aren’t working for you, or you are concerned about the long-term side effects, you may want to try out these natural pain relievers. Here are five natural treatments, practices, and substances that may help ease your chronic pain.
Massage Therapy
The power of human touch can be exceptionally helpful for managing chronic pain, and massage therapy has countless benefits. There are many types of massage and thousands of experienced practitioners, so you have plenty of options to choose from. Even if you aren’t able to receive massage therapy directly to the pain area, getting a simple foot or head massage can help relieve stress and reduce pain.
Medical Marijuana
Ask any avid marijuana user, and they will tout the benefits of smoking the alleged miracle plant. Medical marijuana use is still fairly new to the medical community, but people have used it for centuries to manage pain. If you are interested in using this option to manage your pain, you should check to see if there is a marijuana dispensary near you. Of course, consult with your doctor first on any possible interactions or side effects regarding your condition and marijuana use.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing method involving needles. There is a lot of debate about the effectiveness of acupuncture, but many people swear by it. This natural pain relief method is based on the idea that needling specific points on the body will release blocked energy and reduce symptoms. If you can’t stand the idea of being poked by needles, acupressure follows the same concept using gentle pressure from the practitioner’s fingertips.
Essential Oils
Many people with chronic pain have had success with essential oils. In aromatherapy, these oils are diffused into the air to help the patient relax and feel better. In proper form, these oils can also be applied directly on the skin. For example, people with chronic headaches often use peppermint oil rubbed onto the temples to ease the pain.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are often practiced together, and they can work wonders for calming your mind and reducing the stress that worsens chronic pain. There are several types of yoga and meditation, so be sure to pick a practice that works best for you and your pain symptoms.
If ibuprofen and prescription pain medications aren’t working, you may want to incorporate some of these natural remedies into your life. Natural remedies can be soothing for the mind, body, and spirit, so don’t be afraid to give them a try.
