Photo of Johana Mukandila

3 ways to fight pain without painkillers

Pain is the top reason for visits to emergency departments and general practitioners. According to research, about one in five people suffer from chronic pain.

When pain occurs, the first reaction is often to take a painkiller. But natural solutions also exist to help relieve pain.

According to Citizen News, here are three ways to keep your body pain free all naturally without any painkillers:

Meditation 

The practice of meditation has been done for over centuries. Meditation is one option to consider for pain management. In this case, it is particularly mindfulness meditation that can be helpful. It consists of being attentive to the present moment, and identifying what is going on within oneself, namely one’s thoughts, emotions and perceptions. The practice also requires being aware of what is happening in one’s immediate environment, such as noises and smells. The idea is to acknowledge them and embrace them with acceptance. According to several studies, meditating could reduce the intensity of pain and have an analgesic effect.

Diaphragmatic breathing 

Also known as “abdominal breathing” or “belly breathing”

With stress and our increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, we tend to forget one basic essential; breathing. When we feel pain, our bodies tend to tense up and our breathing becomes faster and more irregular. This can increase fatigue, cause numbness, muscle tension and increase the heart rate.

Keep your back straight and relax. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest to feel the breath. Breathe in through your nose for a long time, while inflating your belly, then breathe out while pulling your belly back in. Repeat this action for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Peppermint oil 

If you are experiencing pain it is best to use peppermint oil which may provide relief. It can be used for headaches as well as the menthol in this oil has this essential oil which gives it an analgesic power. It should be applied in small quantities on the temples, the wrists or on the forehead. Its refreshing smell makes it a perfect ally in case of fatigue. In case of small health concerns, various essential oils can be a handy addition to your first aid kit.

 

 

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