Pain is an individual experience affecting more North Americans than any other health disorder. Yet, pain is our defense mechanism and vital to our survival. Acute pain is useful in a protective way while constant or recurring pain signals that both physical and psychological elements require attention.Healing therapies and techniques can reduce or eliminate pain even when the exact cause is a mystery or the cause cannot be removed. Whether the pain is sudden and severe or a long term chronic condition, the mind and entire body are affected.
The most effective method of eradicating pain is finding the underlying cause. Rather than masking and suppressing pain with pharmaceutical drugs, empower the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Our bodies release endorphins, an intermedium used by the body to naturally deal with pain. The word endorphin means “internal morphine”, along with enkephalin are biochemicals produced by the brain itself to block and regulate the sensation of pain.
Endorphins create a euphoric state with natural painkilling effects. Too often people turn to conventional medicine risking dependency. These drugs produce side effects associated with ulcers, kidney failure, bladder, and liver problems. Pain elicits several responses in the body, causing accelerated heart beat, sweating, rising blood pressure, pupil dilation, and breathing irregularities. Anyone suffering from extended pain may experience loss of appetite, lower sex drive, constipation, restless sleep, irritability and digestive problems.
Pain Description
The character of the pain may provide clues to the nature and severity of the problem. Waves of pain that gain momentum, plateau and then subside are referred to as colics.
A colic example; pain in the abdominal area, resulting from the contraction of any hollow organ.
Pain which shoots in one direction, suggests nerve involvement.
Relaxation will lessen pain as demonstrated with women in childbirth labour who have learned to accept the ebb and flow of pain during contractions.
Cramping pains typically indicate muscle contractions, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes.
Spasms causing sudden pain as seen in leg and foot cramps are ordinarily the effect of the circulation being cut off due to sitting awkwardly.
When pain is chronic and the source cannot be found consider food allergies. An allergic reaction to food can trigger and sustain chronic pain. Have allergy tests done particularly when no other discernable cause can be found. Allergies affect the nervous and immune systems. Once the allergen is detected and eliminated, the pain is alleviated.
Other culprits are fungus, Candida, parasites, dental fillings and heavy metals.
Natural Pain Therapy
The following will outline alternative approaches of pain relief in the form of nutrition, homeopathy, herbal remedies and physical therapies.
Eliminating animal protein from the diet is highly recommended to improve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Limiting foods high in saturated fats including dairy, red meat, shellfish, hydrogenated oils as well as caffeine, alcohol and refined carbohydrates will lessen pain and boost the immune system.
Choose a diet high in fibre, organic poultry, cold water fish, vegetable proteins like lentils and beans.
Essential fatty acids found in nuts, seeds and cold pressed oils form prostaglandins (hormone like substances) which produce an anti-inflammatory response.(especially fish oil)
Supplements help raise the body’s threshold for pain and sensitivity. In particular, the amino acid DL-phenylalanine has proven effective in releasing the body’s own natural endorphins and reducing inflammation in patients with chronic pain.
Oxidative stress not lactic acid is responsible for tissue inflammation and soreness after a workout or competition. High intensity training and exhaustive exercise programs induce free radical damage in muscle tissue.
Antioxidants minimize tissue oxidation caused by free radicals and support the liver, blood, joints and brain from their negative effects.
Alpha lipoic acid is an excellent antioxidant. Vitamin C, E and selenium are others which work synergistically when taken together.
The minerals calcium and magnesium calm the nervous system along with all B vitamins. Leg cramps in any form are often alleviated with these nutrients. If cramps arise from poor circulation add vitamin E with mixed tocopherols.
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) and Glucosamine are sulphur compounds found naturally in our cartilage, synovial fluid and joint material. Taken in supplement form these compounds with their proven anti-inflammatory properties relieve pain while assisting the body to build new tissue. Research has now shown for MSM to reach optimum effectiveness, 3000 mg should be consumed.
Herbal and homeopathic remedies relieve pain by calming the nerves and increase circulation to promote healing without suppressing the condition. However, all homeopathic remedies are chosen according to symptoms.
Herbs for Pain Relief
White willow bark
White willow bark contains natural salicylic acid, the active constituent found in aspirin, perhaps the most used medication in the world. As in traditional times of the North American Indians, willow bark is used to ease any kind of pain, sore muscles, rheumatism, headaches and fever.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorne’s primary action is to increase coronary blood flow. While currently treating an array of heart related illnesses, hawthorn is valuable for treatment of angina pains.
Lady’s slipper
Lady’s slipper comes from the root of the orchid. People are using this herb to treat muscle spasms, headaches, nervous depression, sharp stabbing pains, and fever. Today, lady’s slipper is also combined with valerian root (nervine herb) to further its calming effects.
Other Herbal Remedies
Herbs commonly taken for their soothing and pain relieving aspects include:
St. John’s Wort
Hops
Feverfew
Devil’s claw
Chamomile
Licorice root
Slippery elm
Alfalfa
Yucca
Yerba mate’
Capsicum
Magnolia
Valerian
Burdock root
Curcumin (Extract of Turmeric)
Combination products are available in health food stores containing one or more of these herbal remedies.
Homeopathy
Arnica
Arnica, an external homeopathic remedy is wildly used to treat sports injuries involving sprains, bruises, hematoma, dislocations and swelling in conjunction with fractures. Also, rheumatic muscle and joint pain and inflammation due to insect bites, boils and phlebitis.
Colocynthis and Magnesia
Colocynthis and Magnesia phosphorica are common homeopathic remedies for colic pain brought on by gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Consult a professional for specific recommendations.
Alternative health care practitioners employ a wide range of methods to treat an individual’s pain. Complementary therapies and techniques may include biofeedback, acupuncture, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, mediation, osteopathy, exercise and relaxation practices.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is routinely used to relieve pain such as headaches, tennis elbow and chronic pain where the underlying cause has yet to be discovered. By inserting very fine needles along the energy pathways called meridians, acupuncture harmonizes and enhances the bodies own natural restorative powers. And, it works well with other alternative healing therapies.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy eases pain generated by inflammation, using applications of bathing or compresses. For management of chronic pain, various hot and cold techniques offer a convenient and simple way to treat injured tissue. Epsom salts and a variety of essential oils will assist pain relief and induce sleep.
Energy devices
Energy devices known as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) and Electro-Acuscope are commonly used for treating acute and chronic pain. These facilitators produce various frequencies and voltages of mild electrical stimulation to conduct tissue repair and management of pain.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is primarily done with the hands using a variety of techniques and strokes to provide healing and pain relief. Overtime, muscle spasms become hard fibrous tissue, often involved in chronic neck and back pain. Massage methods leave the body feeling rejuvenated while easing the pain of tense muscles.
Other
Fear and anxiety amplify pain, while quietness of mind will help control it. Soft music, relaxation tapes and mediating are used to alleviate stress and relax muscles. Music generates a relaxation response, soothing the mind. Research suggests music also promotes the production of our pain killing hormones, endorphins.
Pain interferes with our daily enjoyment of life. Many alternative therapies are available today which have proven effective in managing and reducing chronic pain symptoms.
Copyright © 2017 – All Rights Reserved – Michelle Honda Ph.D.
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While close attention was given to the accuracy of information in this article, the author accepts neither responsibility nor liability to any person with respect to injury, damage, loss or any circumstances involving alleged causes directly or indirectly related to the information in this article. The sole purpose is to educate and broaden ones awareness. This information is not meant to replace medical advice or services provided by a health care professional.
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