This is a collaborative post
Holistic medicine is different than traditional medicine in the sense that it is rooted in treating the entirety of the body rather than just the current symptoms. Other names that have been widely used to characterize holistic medicine are ‘alternative’ and ‘complementary’, both of which are accurate in some respects.
While prescription-based medicine is slightly easier in terms of approach, holistic medicine can be just as efficient, if not superior. Today we’ll talk about 6 holistic approaches to managing pain, so let’s start from the top:
1. Yoga
Some perceive yoga as a hobby, others take it a bit more seriously, but the fact still remains that it’s one of the most efficient and relaxing holistic practices meant to heal the body and rejuvenate the mind. Practitioners of yoga, otherwise called yogis, are typically calm, spiritual, and often in excellent physical condition due to the all-encompassing nature of activities that comprise the practice.
One of the main benefits of yoga is that it can be practiced anywhere. You can participate in group sessions with friends, approach an already-established group by yourself, or simply practice the poses at home while using the internet to research the poses and purposes behind each one.
Arguably the most popular pose called ‘Child’s Pose’ is scientifically proven to be one of the most efficient complementary exercises for back pain in particular. The combination of different poses and a well-established practicing routine will alleviate most, if not all of your pains fairly quickly, under the presumption that you’re doing them properly.
2. Massages
Aside from the fact that they feel great, massages also offer a variety of pain-relieving benefits. Therapeutic massages in particular offer an effective, pleasurable way to treat full-body pain, as well as specific areas if need be.
By applying physical pressure to precisely defined spots on the body, the muscles relax, which in turn reduces any spasms or painful contractions. Furthermore, massages are known to drastically reduce the compression of the nerves, which may reveal other underlying issues that may have been hidden prior to approaching therapy.
People who are suffering from low blood pressure may feel weak, dizzy, and oftentimes sick. Therapeutical massages increase blood circulation and can negate these consequences, ridding the patient of any pain that was caused in the process.
There are several types of massages, and not all of them are suited for effective pain management. Some types, like the Swedish massage, for example, are primarily meant to relax the muscles in the gentlest manner possible.
Aromatherapy massages, on another hand, have a more spiritual note, and they’re meant to heal the mind while providing minor long-term physical benefits.
Hot-stone massages are much more effective at alleviating pain due to the heat being applied to stiff areas. Deep-tissue massage may not be as gentle or pleasurable as Swedish massage, but it’s incomparably more effective at managing chronic pains.
Sports massages aren’t exclusive to athletes. These massages are perfect for people who’ve sustained injuries; in that regard, this type of massage offers a solid pain management solution while also improving joint flexibility and a drastically reduced risk of future injuries (of that particular part of the body).
3. Chiropractic care
Many people aren’t particularly aware of what chiropractors can do for their well-being. Chiropractors are essentially professionals that specialize in correcting the alignment of our bodies and increasing its physical functionalities. However, they’re also proficient in treating various health conditions that may affect our nervous or musculoskeletal systems.
Chiropractic care is meant to reduce lower-back pain, muscle pains, joint pain, as well as headaches. Most chiropractors also offer massaging services, especially soft-tissue and deep-tissue massaging therapies.
The uniqueness of chiropractic adjustments offers several exclusive treatments, such would be joint realignment, joint bracing, and bone realignment. Chronic pain caused by broken bones is more efficiently treated by chiropractors than by professional massage services.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is considered holistic medicine in Europe and USA while it’s a traditional healing approach among many Asians, especially the Chinese where it originated from.
In acupuncture, small needles are slowly inserted in specific body points with pinpoint accuracy. Contrary to what most people think, acupuncture isn’t painful at all. Its effects are almost immediate, and its efficiency is on par with the most successful holistic pain management systems.
The needles stimulate numerous nerves and alleviate pain at the same time. The main drawback of acupuncture is that many people who are terrified of needles won’t even consider it.
5. Pain-relieving exercises
Pain is usually preventing many athletes from exercising, so it may feel counter-intuitive to start training in order to fight off your aches. However, many exercises are able to reduce pain. The idea behind pain-reducing exercises is to tailor them in a way that you’ll feel comfortable doing them.
Walking at a comfortable pace is recommended for people who are experiencing chronic pains while power walks are more suited for people who are struggling with stomach and headaches. Water aerobics are better for people who’ve suffered an injury, as these exercises offer more flexibility and versatility of approach.
Meditation shouldn’t be dismissed, as visualization techniques coupled with deep breathing exercises can also do wonders for people who aren’t able to engage in any physical activities.
6. Natural painkillers
Basically, plant-based pain-relievers are almost as effective as prescription medicine, although they may be a bit slower. The natural aspect of plant-based painkillers eliminates the harmful side effects of drug-based medication.
Some of the most popular natural painkillers include caffeine, avocado, cloves, ginger, feverfew, and valerian root. Processed supplements are equally natural – the mixes simply include several different ingredients that are meant to treat more persistent pains and aches.
The lack of certain vitamins or minerals in the body can sometimes be the main cause of pain, in that case, taking natural supplements in the form of Glucosamine, Magnesium, or Omega 3 Fatty Acids can make a difference. Probiotics are generally considered to be among the most effective stomach-ache holistic treatment and are often prescribed by doctors as well.
We hope that this brief guide was useful to you and that you have learned something new today on holistic approaches to managing pain. Make sure you are staying safe in these times we are all going through and have a good one, guys!
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post