6 Ways to Treat Chronic Pain by Naturopathy!
Chronic pain lasts for weeks, months or even years. The origins of this are varied and include conditions like arthritis, cancer, infection, degenerative disc disease, neuropathies and others. Chronic pain is a difficult condition to treat. Pharmaceutical strategies are effective in treating acute pain, but have not shown much success with chronic pain. Also, they have several unpleasant side effects that are not at all attractive. Natural therapies have been found to address chronic pain better than any other treatment method.
Naturopathic Medicine for Chronic Pain
Naturopathy makes use of non-toxic natural therapies to effectively treat chronic pain. Their unique approach provides relief from pain that may have no identifiable cause. This is because naturopathic medicine is capable of detecting the bodily imbalances that cause pain.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Work?
Naturopathy tries to determine the nature and source of the chronic pain. It can identify pain that arises from high levels of acid in tissues, caused due to stress or toxins. If the pain is confined to one location in the body, it is likely to be caused by an injury.
Two concepts that are central to naturopathic medicine and its treatment of chronic pain are diet and nutrition. It also uses reflex therapies that help to reduce chronic pain, at least to some extent, by activating pleasurable chemicals in the brain to mask the pain.
Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathic medicines use soft tissue and bone manipulations to treat chronic pain. They also make use of techniques of muscle strengthening and manipulation similar to the methods used by chiropractors, osteopaths and physical therapists. They help you restore movement and functioning to injured areas through stretching. This improves blood circulation. Sometimes, naturopathic medicine may include visceral manipulation, wherein the painful organ and surrounding connective tissue is manipulated to reduce pain.
Some of the Main Naturopathic Treatment Include:
1. Acupuncture - Acupuncture helps relieve pain that arises from neuropathies and carpal tunnel syndrome by releasing endorphins which are painkillers. It also decreases pain signals to the brain and facilitates proper circulation enabling the body to better heal itself.
2. Anti-inflammatory Diet - Suspect foods that may cause inflammation are removed from your diet. By following a diet high in antioxidants and healthy fats, you can reduce inflammation
3. Supplementation - Many supplements like fish oil, curcumin can reduce inflammation while certain other supplements decrease muscle tension or help build up cartilage. These are natural supplements and do not cause side-effects and therefore are a viable solution
4. Hydrotherapy - Hydrotherapy increases circulation. This will speed up the healing process, decrease inflammation and promote detoxification, thus helping you manage the pain. This practice has existed for centuries and has shown results.
5. Homeopathy - Your experience of pain will be matched to a list of remedies made from highly dilute concentrations of natural substances. Homeopathy removes obstacles that are preventing the body from healing
6. Physical Therapies - Massages and other physical modalities like laser therapy and ultrasound come under physical medicine. It would also include gentle stretching exercises, maintaining hydration, staying healthy, proper breathing and lifestyle counselling. These methods are used to heal injuries, decrease inflammation and pain. Strength training is important for keeping the body fit and thereby decreasing further injury.
Anecdotal and certain scientific studies show naturopathy appears to be one of the best solutions to treat chronic pain. Most naturopathy treatments are painless and easy to follow. By using naturopathic treatment, you will soon be free from your chronic pain.
