Top 10 Natural Pain Relievers
Better Nutrition|March 2017

How to ease your aches without worrisome side effects or addiction issues

Emily A. Kane, ND, LAc
Top 10 Natural Pain Relievers

Q: The news seems to be full of stories these days about people becoming addicted to opiates and prescription painkillers. Is there a better way to deal with pain? —Jeff W., Bend, Ore.

A: Making a positive change starts with awareness of a problem, exploring creative solutions, and making a commitment to the brighter, more vital path. The tragedy (for people, families, communities, and institutions) of drug addiction is that the pain created by addiction is much worse than the original injury. But the good news is that there are many well-documented and useful methods of easing pain without the scourge of addictive pharmaceuticals. Here’s my top 10 list:

1. ACUPUNCTURE works with a whole-body approach to the energy pathways that conduct information from our sensory organs to our nervous system. When energy “flows,” there is less pain, better communication, and improved well-being. Slender filaments placed gently at 5–25 locations on the body per treatment can improve energy flow quite impressively.

2. BODYWORK. Pain is felt throughout the body. Explore therapies that make your body feel good, or at least better. Skilled body workers are worth seeking out. Touch can range from super light (Reiki) to penetrating (deep tissue, or neuromuscular therapy), with many variations in between. Another plus: many health insurers cover bodywork.

This story is from the March 2017 edition of Better Nutrition.

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This story is from the March 2017 edition of Better Nutrition.

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