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Four Natural Ways To Overcome Pain
Imagine what happens when you prick your finger with a needle or any sharp object. Your pain receptor is activated, and it sends an electric signal to the nerve, and this signal passes through the spinal cord and neck and makes it to the brain. [Link] When the signal reaches the brain, it is sent to the thalamus which relays this message to the different parts of the brain. These events take place in milliseconds, and the result is a physical reaction to the pain with a scream or even some tears.
If you suffer from pain, you probably assume that you have two options: pop some pills or endure the pain. Pills may seem like a better option, but they have side effects when taken in excess and some other long term effects. It is advised to reduce intake of pills. If you cannot take pills for pain every time, how will you endure pain or overcome pain without pills? These are some therapies that can help you overcome pain
This involves acting on the body with a pressure of different types and is done manually or with the aid of mechanical appliances. Massage can be stationary, unstructured, or in motion and can be in the form of a vibration. Almost all areas of the body can be used to massage to promote relaxation and health. Massages can be given to anybody but in cases of pain relief, a professional masseuse or physical therapist should be engaged to give relief to people in pain. Massage can be used to mitigate the pain from musculoskeletal injuries and also reduce depression and anxiety. Massages are perfect for back pains, tension, osteoarthritis, headaches, neck pain, fibromyalgia, and surgery-related discomfort.
Massage therapy boosts levels of endorphins and serotonin which are the body’s natural painkillers and also mood regulators. These painkillers also reduce stress hormone levels.
This traditional alternative medicine involves inserting thin acupuncture needles in acupuncture points for pain relief, sympathetic response or for relaxation. It can be used to treat musculoskeletal issues and back pain effectively. Acupuncture is great for migraines, chronic back pain, headaches, tension, fibromyalgia, sciatica, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and a list of other ailments.
The practice of acupuncture involves inserting needles in acupuncture points to help correct the imbalances of energy. This energy is known as qi or chi. Research from neuroscience has shown that the careful placement of the acupuncture needles in specific acupuncture points supports the activity of adenosine. This adenosine is an amino acid that becomes active after an injury to the skin to ease the pain. Acupuncture improves the general functioning of the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system in the body which is the cause of suffering. [Link]
- Yoga:
This form of exercise is useful in relief of pain and involves stretching the body. Yoga has been proven to provide relief for back pain and musculoskeletal problems. Yoga is good for Lower-back pain, migraines and arthritis. Experts say that over 20 million Americans practice yoga as a mind-body discipline because it promotes relaxation. Recent research shows that yoga relieves lower back pain by enhancing the body’s coping mechanism. This enhancement will mitigate the pain since stress can worsen the symptoms and increase the pain. Here are some methods of yoga that can relieve pain;
- Sitting or lying in a comfortable position and placing the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth.
- Exhaling completely through your mouth and making a gentle “whoosh” sound.
- Closing your mouth and inhaling quietly through your nose and counting to four.
- Holding your breath and counting of seven.
- Exhaling through your mouth and counting silently to eight.
- Inhaling and repeating the cycle three more times.
- Herbal remedies:
These are alternative herbal supplements made from natural ingredients and are mostly free from side effects. Herbal remedies are suitable for reducing some inflammation which may worsen pain. Research has shown that herbal supplements reduce inflammation and contain some nutrients which strengthen the body as well. Omega-3 fish oil supplements are one of such herbal remedies that are anti-inflammatory because of their high content of fish oils and turmeric. These ingredients can reduce pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is suggested that people with pains can use natural herbal remedies such as turmeric and ginger to alleviate the pain.
Pain is inevitable in human beings, and orthodox medicine can only do so much to relieve the pain and may have side effects. These natural methods should be considered to reduce pain.
