Best Tips to Relieve Pain Naturally
Our clinic remains closed while we ride out this current global situation. Although we are available to see patients in person for urgent care, we thought we would share some natural pain relief options that you may need to hold you over in the meantime. We often recommend various natural pain relief options to help supplement our treatment. The following natural pain relief options are generally easy to try, inexpensive and have the potential for reducing your pain. Try a few to see what works best for you.
Tip 1: Release your inner endorphins
Endorphins are the natural pain killers produced by your body. They bind to the opioid receptors in the brain to block the perception of pain. Increased production of inner or “endogenous” endorphins can substantially reduce pain and produce profound feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Any physical activity that gets your blood pumping for a sustained period will release endorphins into your system. Some of you may recognize this as “runner’s high”. As always, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Tip 2: Enjoy the outdoors
Being outdoors boosts our mood and may also promote better immune function. As a matter of fact, Shinrin-yo, also known as forest bathing, is a popular therapy in Japan involving soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of a natural setting to promote physiological and psychological health. Additionally, sun exposure can help the body produce vitamin D, which may help reduce pain. Unfortunately, many of us have a Vitamin D deficiency and may need to supplement.
Tip 3: Soak in warm water
Soaking in warm water can alleviate certain types of arthritis, muscle pain and spasm. There are many options for a warm soak including a deep tub, hot tub or warm pool. Our favourite is to soak in an epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulphate and most of the reported benefits of Epsom salt are attributed to its magnesium, a mineral that most people do not get enough of. Add one or two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath to relieve muscle soreness and stress.
Tip 4: Eat more anti-inflammatory foods
Anti-inflammatory foods – such as berries, avocados, broccoli, olive oil, turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna), dark chocolate and cherries. At the same time, decrease consumption of foods that promote inflammation such as junk foods; processed meats; refined carbohydrates such as white bread; fried foods; and sugar sweetened beverages.
The Last Thing You Need to Know Relieving Pain Naturally
These are just a few natural pain-relieving tips are intended as ideas for you to consider but if you need professional advice or help, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are the best strategies you have used to relieve pain?