Millions of people around the world suffer from chronic pain. Many of these same people live under the false assumption that all they can do to stop the pain is pop a pill or two. This is not true.
Here are 10 all-natural ways to relieve chronic pain - no matter the cause.
Participate in Gentle Exercise
Perhaps the most overlooked of the pain relief methods,
it is also one of the easiest. Living under the false assumption that more movement means more pain, many people don’t try one of the most effective pain relief methods, which is to simply get up and move around. This simple form of exercise is especially helpful for head and back pain relief.
Breathe Deeply
Deep breathing through your nose can bring stress relief - which,
in turn has been known to trigger pain relief. As you concentrate on deep breathing,
your mind travels to a more peaceful state and pain dissipates. Additionally,
when your muscles are tight, your pain usually be more intense.
Read Pain-Free Material
There are lots of materials you can find on pain and how to prevent or at least help ease it. You can find books and packets on pain reduction in your local library.
Counselling
Feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed? These feelings might be causing you more pain. Counselling could be a good outlet for letting go of some of these feelings,
and as these feelings are being released, so will your pain.
Shift Your Focus
Thinking about something else, whether you do this by reading a book, turning on the T.V., taking a bath or fixing dinner, can shift your focus away from your pain.
Studies have revealed that a lot of times, your pain comes from your state of being
and can be reduced by altering the way you think.
Developing a new hobby is another good way to switch your focus.
Talk About It
Talk to someone who has gone through similar pain and find out how they coped. Whether you are dealing with very real physical pain - such as a disease,
or emotional pain it is always good to get your story out there.
Talking with someone can not only ease your mind, but can help you reduce your
stress and help you find new ways to deal with some of the pains in your life.
Sleep Well
We know that this is easier said than done, but, it is essential. If you can make and keep a regular sleep schedule, you will benefit from it greatly.
Oftentimes sufferers of chronic pain benefit from a steady sleep schedule,
even though the pain is often worse when the sufferer is lying down.
Take a Self-Management Course
Whether you are suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus,
there are courses that can help you deal with your pain.
It is not the time to be shy. The sooner you sign up the sooner your pain can be relieved. Check with your local hospital, your doctor, or your local government to see where the nearest self-management course is.
Stay Connected
It is important to stay connected with friends and family. Sometimes it is easy to lose touch with those we love when we are suffering from pain of any kind.
Staying in touch can keep you grounded.
Don’t be afraid to show emotion, and to turn to those you love for help.
Share stories from your past, or talk about your problems now.
Emotional release often helps relieve pain.
Relax
Relaxation isn’t always easy to come by. Soak in a hot tub, get a massage, or take a nap. Even just sitting down for a half an hour to have a meal with the family is a great relaxation technique, and relaxation is a known stress reliever, which in turn eases pain.