So many of us are living with chronic pain. Whether it’s because of an illness, an accident or any other reasons. Although medication can help us manage our pain, it can also come with several side effects, high costs and having to play roulette to find the most effective one.
But drugs don’t have to be the only option. Nature provides so many options that we can also use for natural pain relief. These pain natural relief ideas including food, healthy habits and lifestyle adjustments can really help you combat your aches and pains.
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FOOD IS MEDICINE
TUMERIC
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant, which is also part of the ginger family. It is most commonly used in Asian food, but also it’s used in traditional Indian medicine as a remedy for things like indigestion, stomach upset and natural pain relief.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, which according to studies is also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, which promotes healing.
Studies have also shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric can help with osteoarthritis, IBS, ulcerative colitis, among many other health conditions.
We can buy turmeric as a fresh root and also in powdered form, which can you can find in most grocery stores.
Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your diet:
GOLDEN MILK
Ingredients
– 1 cup of Milk
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 inch Ginger root
– Sprinkle of black pepper
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1-2 teaspoons of Honey (optional)
– Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Place milk, turmeric, ginger, black pepper and cinnamon stick in a saucepan on a medium heat
2. Stir and cook until warm
3. Add in honey to taste
4. Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon, stir and serve
TURMERIC TEA
Ingredients
– 2 inches of turmeric root
– 1 inch of ginger root
– 3 slices of lemon
– Sprinkle of black pepper
– Honey or sugar to taste (optional)
Instructions
1. Chop turmeric and ginger into small pieces
2. Place turmeric, ginger and lemon slices into a saucepan and pour over water
3. Bring to a boil, strain and let it cool
4. Add a sprinkle of black of pepper and honey or sugar to taste
5. Stir and serve
TUMERIC SUPPLEMENTS
If you’re not fond of the taste of turmeric, you can also take turmeric supplements (please consult your doctor beforehand to avoid any unwanted side effects).
GINGER
Similar to turmeric, ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is a great alternative to NSAIDs, as it can offer similar pain relief.
Along with pain relief, ginger can also help prevent the side effects associated with common painkillers, such as nausea.
Research has also shown that including ginger regularly in your diet can help with pain often associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
You can incorporate ginger into your diet in so many ways, such as eating it raw, boiling it in tea, adding it to certain dishes or taking capsules.
As with turmeric, consult your doctor before using it and if you are taking capsules, follow the intake recommendations or consult your doctor first.
TART CHERRIES
Believe it or not, the use of cherries as medicine was pretty standard for pain relief back in the day.
According to studies, the property that gives cherries their red colour may have the same effects as NSAIDs such as aspirin.
Also, they can reduce the levels of uric acid in your body, which is beneficial for those suffering from gout.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS & NATURAL PAIN RELIEF
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is often used in conjunction with other methods to manage chronic pain. It focuses on using essential oils for inhalation and massage.
Although the effectiveness of aromatherapy has been controversial, there have also been several studies showing that it can be helpful for pain relief, anxiety and depression.
Many people who suffer from chronic pain along with some healthcare providers, like to use aromatherapy as its cost-effective and also comes with minimal side effects.
Aromatherapy can be very calming, which can help you relax and thus feel some pain relief.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a treatment used in Chinese medicine for all different types of pain. Fine needles are inserted into specific parts of the body, known as acupressure points. Once inserted correctly, the needles can reduce inflammation, stiffness and relieve pain by relieving pressure in your body.
Although acupuncture is a more holistic approach and may seem too good to be true, there is evidence proving its effectiveness.
Results from several studies suggest it can be helpful in relieving pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine and carpal tunnel syndrome.
YOGA
Yoga is not only great for exercise but has also been used to help relieve chronic pain. It can help people with fibromyalgia, migraine, arthritis, and several other chronic pain conditions.
Studies have shown that yoga helps improve mobility, decrease inflammation, and reduce pain perception. This is as it helps to build strength, improve flexibility and release muscle tension.
Here is a really great video if this is something you’d like to try.
MENTAL HEALTH & NATURAL PAIN RELIEF
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a commonly used method for pain management. It is a type of speaking therapy used to help identify and change negative thoughts surrounding pain by developing different skills.
Changing the way you think about pain can be really helpful, as it can allow you to create strategies and techniques to help you be more active and get more out of life.
It’s not everyone’s preferred choice of pain management, but it’s definitely worth a try. Speak with your doctor or specialist for more advice.
JOURNALING
Journaling or keeping a pain diary is another great way to manage pain for several reasons:
– It helps you to track your pain
– Identify possible triggers
– Document any changes to your condition
– Keep track of treatments and how well they are working
– Identify any psychological issues caused by your pain
Keeping a pain diary will not only help your doctors provide you with the most effective care but will also give you an outlet to express all your thoughts and feelings related to your chronic pain.
It’s a healthy way to regain control and identify the best way to manage and eventually relieve some of your pain.
PACING
There are so many ways to go about managing chronic pain, and pacing is one of them. Pacing is a technique used to break activities down into manageable chunks by taking periods to rest.
It’s a more structured approach to coping with pain. Rather than reacting to pain, you can create a strategy to help conserve your energy whilst still getting things done.
Pain relief doesn’t always have to be over the counter or prescribed, natural pain relief can work just as well.
Whether it’s introducing certain foods, making lifestyle changes or taking care of your mental health. Why not combine some of these natural pain relief methods to help combat pain?
Do you use any natural pain relief methods to manage chronic pain? Or will you give any of the ones I’ve listed a try? Let me know your thoughts…
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