Pain of any kind is something no one wants to deal with, and understandably so. Chronic pain, in particular, can be very frustrating, getting in the way of regular activity and making it difficult to enjoy your life. Unfortunately, experts report a high prevalence of chronic pain, with an estimated 50 million people living with it in the US alone. Different things are responsible for causing pain, and it’s best to visit your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, in the meantime, you can try any of the following natural ways to relieve chronic pain at home.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing
Believe it or not, breathing the right way is one effective way to relieve chronic pain, albeit temporarily in some cases. Breathing affects your entire body and oxygenates every part. It fuels energy production and plays a crucial role in improving concentration and focus. Practicing controlled breathing or breathing properly also helps to eliminate toxins while increasing the feeling of calmness. And this can help induce relaxation and lead to a considerable decrease in the feeling of pain. Diaphragmatic breathing, in particular, is known to have a therapeutic effect on chronic pain.
- Consider all-natural pain relievers
Sometimes the most effective relief for chronic pain at home is a pain-relieving medication. But consuming over-the-counter pain medications for extended periods comes with some health issues. First, such medicines place extra work on the liver and kidneys to detoxify the body, leading to some damage to these organs. Also, regular use of some pain medications can be very addictive. All-natural pain medications are made from 100% natural products like plants and are very effective. They come in various types, including CBD products. The most important thing is to consult your doctor before using any medication for chronic pain.
- Use an engaging activity to reduce nervous system sensitivity
Another way to ease chronic pain at home is to distract yourself with engaging activities. The more you idle around, the more your brain focuses on the pain. But when you distract yourself, you shift your attention to other things, minimizing the effect of the pain in the process. Activities like walking around your home, dancing, and gardening are excellent ways to distract yourself from paying attention to the pain. You can also consider going for a swim or biking where possible. All these exercises can help improve your mood by reducing nervous system sensitivity. But it’s advisable to first discuss with a medical professional before engaging in any activity for the first time.
- Do some gentle stretches and exercise
Research has shown that regular exercise reduces serotonin transporter expression while increasing the body’s serotonin levels. It also increases the presence of opioids in the body’s central inhibitory pathways. Experts say gentle exercises utilize the body’s endogenous inhibitory systems to reduce pain. Stretching also loosens stiff muscles and relaxes joint tissue, making it easier to move around with less pain. Also, depending on which part of your body is in pain, you can try various stretches to target those areas and ease the pain.
