So many people are dealing with chronic pains now more than ever. It’s now the number one cause of disability in the U.S., many times over heart disease and cancer combined. It can be caused by many things, including injuries, illnesses, and even emotional stress.
While chronic pains can be managed with medication and other treatments, in severe cases, individuals have no choice but to go to an urgent care center to counter the debilitating symptoms of their pain.
That’s why many people turn to alternative medicine to help them cope. Here are eight alternative medicine methods that can help you manage your pain.
1. Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is a common solution to chronic pain, providing better results than medication alone in some studies. It can help with both acute and chronic pain, though the best results are found in treating chronic pain.
On the other hand, Acupressure is a form of alternative medicine that uses the same principles as acupuncture but without needles. This means it can be an excellent option for those leery of needles. Acupressure is used regularly in many hospitals to help manage pain.
2. Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine that uses natural remedies to treat illnesses and chronic pains. Herbs, minerals, and several other ingredients are used as homeopathic remedies. This alternative medicine approach uses minimal side effects and can even strengthen your immune system, which can help you cope with chronic pain in the long run.
Natural remedies can also be used with other therapies, like exercise and massage. So, if you’re looking for a natural and holistic approach to managing your chronic pain, this might be the right alternative medicine treatment option for you.
3. Naturopathy
Naturopathy uses natural methods to manage chronic pain, including herbal remedies and dietary changes. Naturopathic treatment can be used in conjunction with medication and other therapies, and it’s an excellent option for those who wish to manage their pain without too much intervention.
Moreover, studies have found that patients who use naturopathic medicine suffer less pain after the treatment than those who take medication. That’s why many people turn to naturopathic medicine to help them manage their chronic pain.
4. Hydrotherapy and Swim Therapy
Water-based therapies such as hydrotherapy and swim therapy use water to reduce stress and tension and manage pain. Water can also help improve balance and stability for those with instability or lack balance. It can also help build muscle strength, which can help manage chronic pain.
That’s why many chronic pain management clinics focus primarily on these two methods. Exercise can also help manage depression, often associated with severe chronic pain that isn’t adequately managed with medication or other treatments.
5. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy stimulates the release of endorphins, which help manage chronic pain and improve mood. It can be used as a supplement to more active treatments such as acupuncture or physical therapy, and it’s also great for chronic pain sufferers to use on their own.
That’s why getting a massage every week can help manage both chronic pain and depression. It’s also a great way to relax after a long day, which helps improve your mood even further.
6. Hypnosis
Hypnosis, like meditation and massage therapy, has been found to improve the body’s immune system and brain function, which can help in managing chronic pain. It has also been linked to better recognizing and dealing with chronic pain symptoms.
But hypnosis can also help you relax and overcome the stress of chronic pain. Trying hypnosis for five minutes a day can help you get better results.
7. Yoga and Meditation
Yoga can help manage chronic pain by physically stimulating the body into producing anti-inflammatory chemicals. It can also help strengthen your muscles to handle chronic pain because it is a body-weight exercise.
Consequently, meditation has been known to improve the body’s immune system and brain function, which can help manage chronic pain. Meditation increases serotonin levels, linked to increased body awareness and pain tolerance.
8. Mental Imagery
Mental imagery encourages your brain and body to work together, and it can also help trigger your immune system. It’s a great way to practice visualization and relaxation techniques for pain management.
However, it’s crucial to do mental imagery and relaxation techniques in a quiet area with no distractions. Mental imagery requires your total concentration without any interruptions because your brain needs to focus on this process thoroughly.
These are some of the most common alternative medicine tips for managing chronic pain, and they should help many people manage their chronic pain. But you should check with your doctor first about how these alternative medicine tips may be right for you.
