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Suffering from chronic pains can be one of the worst experiences a person could have. While taking prescription drugs is an option, medication can be very expensive to obtain in certain parts of the world. Besides, some of these medications come with very unpleasant side effects.
If you are looking for ways to relieve your pain without having to deal with these drawbacks, there are natural methods that people have used for hundreds of years to manage their pain. In that vein, here are 5 tips for managing your pain naturally.
1. Lavender oil
One all-natural way to relieve pain is by using lavender oil. Lavender oil is an essential oil that is particularly effective when it comes to pain relief. A study conducted in 2012 found that inhaling lavender oil can greatly reduce the effects of migraine headaches. Further research also suggests that this essential oil has anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition, people actually use lavender to help ease anxiety and even promote better sleep. The best way to use this oil is either through inhalation or topical application, although it is advised to dilute it with a carrier oil if you’re using it in the latter form.
2. Heat therapy
Heat therapy is an age-old pain relief trick. If you regularly suffer from achy bones and muscles, this might just be your best bet if you’re going the natural route. The purpose of heat therapy is to increase blood flow in your muscles and joints, so applying this method to those key areas can help relieve your pain.
There are a couple of ways you could have heat therapy. One of the most common is through hot Epsom salt baths. You could also make use of a hot water bottle, an electric heating pad or a heat wrap.
3. Exercise
This might seem very counterintuitive because the last thing on most people’s minds when they’re in pain is exercise. However, exercise is a tried and tested pain relief method for ages.
Research has shown that the body produces its own natural painkillers whenever you work out, which is why doctors advise patients with pain issues to practice regular exercise and aerobic activities. Besides, exercising on a regular basis is also a way to work out your muscles and joints, which helps to potentially prevent further pain.
4. Marijuana
Medical marijuana continues to gain an ever-increasing level of popularity as a natural pain remedy. This plant relieves chronic pains, even pains from nerve damage and severe inflammation.
Although research is still being carried by the FDA to ascertain the effectiveness of this plant as a pain reliever, informal research shows that marijuana does in fact, offset the pain. If you have any marijuana questions, it is advised that you do your research and consult your GP before opting for this method.
5. Acupuncture
It is still yet to be explained how acupuncture works, but one thing that is definite is that it is effective as a pain relief method. Small studies done on acupuncture show that it is a better pain relief treatment than placebos for neck pains, knee, and hip arthritis, and even sciatica related pains.
The practice of acupuncture is regulated in the United States, as it is considered to be under alternative healthcare. Before going ahead to seek acupuncture treatments, make sure you speak to a healthcare professional prior.