Dealing with Pain Naturally

Before I knew about alternative medicine, I was not one to use medication as the first option. I usually just pushed through. My back used to be a chronic issue for me. At one point, in my mid 20's after my first child, a c-section and major stress, my back went out on me and I couldn't walk. That was my first use of chiropractic! I had never heard of it and decided to try it over medication. I was told I would be paralyzed if I went to a chiropractor but for some reason, that didn't scare me. It was the best choice of my life! I was a "new" person for a long time after that initial treatment. The next thing I learned about was massage. That just seemed a bit luxuriant for spoiling my self, but when my back was again a concern, after my second child, massage was amazing to assist with the pain! So, I now had two new modalities at my disposal and they worked wonders!

When I began to have extreme fatigue and debilitating migraines, I went to yet another natural option; Iridology. The practitioner was professional and amazing and knew her stuff. I was sold. I began herbals that immediately brought relief BUT the greatest change I ever made and noticed worked the best was NUTRITION.

FOOD MATTERS! What we eat has vital properties that support us at cell level. It is not a joke that canned, processed, fast food, sugary foods, etc. are of absolutely no use to the human body! I heard someone say one time, "if you would not feed it to your dog, why would you eat it?" That makes a lot of sense! Any one who has any common sense will understand not all foods are created equally! Raw food is super nutritionally healthful to our body and can assist in eliminating pain.

Herbals are a category of foods. There are some herbals that must be considered before taking if you are on medications, have health concerns or any issue that should be considered by your health care practitioner. The herbals I found to assist me and my clients the most with pain are: Vitamin B (this is the complete form, all B's), Calcium and Magnesium (calcium is your anti-inflammatory and magnesium is your muscle relaxer), Curcumin is much stronger and more effective for pain than Tumeric, other sedative type herbals are Hops, Skullcap, Valerian, Passionflower, Catnip and Chamomile.

My education led me to aromatherapy as an option also. When using essential oils, a little goes a long way. Lavendar applied topically or in a bath to soak can be a great soother. Peppermint is another helpful one to use topically and Frankincense can benefit certain pain. The use of essential oils, test first on the inner wrist with a small amount noting any "reaction" before applying or ingesting.

HYDRATE!!! There is nothing more beneficial for pain than water! Drinking water throughout the day is vital to wash toxins away and keep muscles flexible. Replacing electrolytes is another good way to naturally address pain. Muscle cramping can often be stopped with coconut water. Basically, there are so many options, maybe a pill should be the last choice! Prayer and meditation have been scientifically proven to block pain! Reach for something healthful before going to the medicine cabinet!