Natural Strategies for Pain Relief

Here are some natural strategies for pain relief; I hope you discover some helpful new tips.
I also encourage you to do your own research and consult with your doctor.

• Take warm baths with epsom salts. It's essential to use large quantities of salt; 3-4 cups per bath. It's a lot of epsom salts, but it can really help.

• Now that it's summer, make sure to get outdoors and do some sunbathing to receive Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with a variety of chronic pain conditions.

• Schedule massage therapy. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.

• Consider physical therapy. Kinesio tape is a great technique if your therapist utilizes it.

• Find a positive, happy distraction (pleasant movie, uplifting book, relaxing music). Mental distractions actually inhibit the response to incoming pain signals at the earliest stage of central pain processing.

• Use heating pads. When inflammation is present, ice may be better.

• Use citrus oils to alter pain perception. Try diffusing sweet orange essential oil for 30 minutes. This is best used in conjunction with other pain relief therapies.

• Take hot baths with Dr. Singha's Mustard Bath. It contains powdered mustard seeds and a highly effective blend of essential oils.

• Utilize the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric. Take organic turmeric in capsules or use it generously in your cooking. I sometimes double the amount of turmeric in my Kitchari recipe.

• Ginger is another incredible anti-inflammatory herb. It can relieve nausea, indigestion, menstrual cramps, arthritis, muscle pain, and more.

• Try Wu Yang Patches. They feel tingly and a bit hot at first (think Tiger Balm), but they do provide long lasting pain relief. 

• Consider supplementing with magnesium.

• Consult with an herbalist to see if Kava Kava or Valerian may be good herbs for you. Both can help with muscle tension, pain, and spasm. They also ease tension and anxiety. Make sure you buy herbs and herbal supplements from credible sources.

• Do yoga. Chronic pain is known to cause brain anatomy changes such as a reduction in grey matter. However, according to a new study, yoga can actually prevent or reverse these changes to the brain.

• Get a custom tailored essential oil blend for easing pain.