Finding Health and Wellness with Natural Remedies
By Debra Rodzinak
With the new year, I have decided to try to live as naturally as possible. The thought of additives and preservatives scares me. Not knowing what is in my food is frightening. I plan to also try to find pain relief methods that do not involve drugs or surgery. This has led me to discover the following natural remedies for pain relief.
My top 10 natural pain relief methods are:
- Stretching
- Aerobic Exercise
- Yoga
- Breathing Techniques
- Soak Bath with Epsom Salts
- Aromatherapy
- Capsicum
- Chamomile Tea
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
Stretching
A definite help with tight and tense muscles, stretching allows the muscles to expand and then contract, which can ultimately help with stress.
Aerobic Exercise
Any time our heart pumps blood faster, oxygen is circulated around the body and endorphins are released. Those endorphins make us feel happier and allow the body to respond in kind.
Yoga
Yoga is not only good for the physical aspects of stretching and building up muscle, but for the mental aspects as well. While performing many yoga poses, participants are asked to clear their minds of all thoughts and focus on breathing. This naturally relaxes the body and brings the participant an overall feeling of wellness.
Breathing
Not simply breathing, but breathing with purpose. This can be done anytime, anywhere. Simply sit, or lay, in a comfortable position. As you close your eyes, imagine a string lifting you up to the ceiling. Breathe deeply from the nose and fill up the lungs. With a controlled exhale, breathe out through the mouth, taking twice as long to exhale as you do to inhale. During this process, empty your mind of all thoughts.
Epsom Salt Bath
Soaking in a warm bath for 30 minutes, add two cups of Epsom salts while the tub is filling up. The heat from the water soothes sore and tired muscles while the Epsom salts promote anti-inflammatory properties.
Aromatherapy
Add essential oils to a bath or directly onto the skin and inhale deeply. The scent stimulates the brain into relaxing muscles and relieving pain.
Capsicum
A common ingredient found in hot peppers has been found to interfere with pain receptors. You don’t have to eat the peppers, but rather crush red pepper flakes and mix them with your favorite lotion. Rub this mixture on areas that are sore. Be careful not to get the mixture near your eyes.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea can create a calming effect that allows smooth muscle tissue to relax and can relieve back pain.
Acupuncture
The needles used in acupuncture are thought to stimulate blood flow and relax muscle spasms. Let only a qualified acupuncturist provide treatment.
Chiropractic Treatments
Recognized by the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research as an effective treatment for lower back and neck pain, chiropractors use gentle spinal manipulation to restore proper alignment to the spine and has been found to be very effective in relieving lower back pain.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.