Many people are starting to try more natural ways to relieve their pain or treat diseases and symptoms. It’s understandable since some medications cause unwanted side effects, or people just don’t want to take medicines for certain conditions. That’s why we want to share some things you can do for natural pain relief.
1. Massage Therapy
If you have irritated a muscle, tendon, or joint, it may be beneficial to try massage therapy. By massaging the place on your body that is in pain, it could reduce your stress and anxiety, which could be prolonging the pain. You can always ask someone else to massage your pain point, or you can do it yourself. Or, you can add in some self care and book a massage appointment!
2. Gentle Exercise
It probably doesn’t come to mind to exercise for natural pain relief. Doesn’t exercising aggravate your pain? Not necessarily. Your body may actually become more stiff and painful if you don’t continue to move. By keeping up your range of motion, your muscles will stay fluid instead of locking up. Some of the best ways to get in gentle exercise are walking and practicing yoga.
3. Acupuncture
For thousands of years, people have been using acupuncture for a variety of reasons, but natural pain relief is one of them! A professional acupuncturist will know exactly where to place the needles to help you best with your pain.
4. Moderate Stretches
Along the same lines as gentle exercise, moderate stretching can keep the range of motion in your body. It can actually feel good to stretch the parts of your body out that are bothering you, and you may get back to feeling more like yourself even quicker if you incorporate stretching!
5. Hot and Cold Compresses
If you have a strain or sprain, it will be beneficial to use hot and cold compresses. Within the first 48 to 72 hours, you should only use cold compresses. The cold reduces swelling and inflammation and numbs the area. After these few days, you can switch to heat. Heat brings blood to the area to promote healing. Both methods shouldn’t be used for more than 20 minutes at a time. You can also alternate the two compresses, or use whichever one helps your pain the most.
6. Use Certain Plants
What better way to use natural pain relievers than those that grow from the earth? There are certain plants that are said to help with pain relief. Some of them include rosemary, lavender, turmeric, ginger, and cloves. You can use these in teas, meals, oils, and supplements to manage your pain. A supplement we recommend is RapidRelief, a combination of turmeric and boswellia extracts for quick, targeted support for muscle and joint comfort.
If All Else Fails: Try OTC Pain Relievers
While trying these natural methods for pain relief are great places to start, you may find that you still are in pain. If this is the case, there’s nothing wrong with opting for over-the-counter medication. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. depending on your medical needs.
These natural pain relief methods are great ways to help your body feel better. If you find yourself in need of OTC pain relievers or want to discuss other options, please reach out to us. We will be happy to help you find a solution for your pain!