More and more people are looking for alternative treatments nowadays. Some of them find medications too expensive while others find them ineffective. Of course, there are also individuals who do not want to live their lives being dependent on drugs. You know what their common complaint is? Pain. That is why they would opt for alternative medicine in order to relieve the pain that they feel.

Pain Management Therapy – Aromatherapy

With the use of scents from plant oils, aromatherapy is a proven effective method to decrease pain symptoms. This kind of alternative medicine is normally used in people with headaches, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. The essential oils may be inhaled by the person experiencing pain or applied directly to the skin.

The Ancient Chinese Medical Practice – Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to relieve the pain of an individual by balancing the pathways of natural energy found in the body. In the ancient Chinese medical practice, they call this flow of energy as qi. This method of relieving pain is done by placing very thin or tiny needle/needles into the skin of the patient. The insertion of the needle is usually to the source of pain. Then, the body releases serotonin. The beauty of this alternative medicine is that it has been practiced for about 2,000 years already and numerous studies, including the World Health Organization, have already acknowledged its effectiveness.

Pain Management Technique – Biofeedback

A modern pain management procedure called biofeedback is where it teaches the patient to affect some bodily functions such as blood pressure, muscle tension and the heart rate in a conscious manner. Biofeedback has been proven to decrease pain although research is still inconclusive about this pain management technique. Others believe that it relaxes the patient as pain can be worsened because of stress. One type of biofeedback that is most helpful when it comes to managing pain is EMG or the Electromyography.

Natural Painkillers

People suffering from backaches, toothaches and other kinds of pain do not necessarily have to opt for a pill. Relief can be found in natural painkillers. These painkillers are plant-based. Willow bark, for example, can help one ease inflammation. It has worked for centuries. Back then, people used to chew the bark to relieve fever and pain. The good news is that you can purchase a willow bark which then can be brewed as a tea. You may also find it in the form of a liquid supplement or a capsule. Remember though that this is not advised for children. Another natural painkiller is the turmeric used to treat conditions such as psoriasis, cancer, stomach upset, ulcers and indigestion.

Yoga and Relaxation Therapy

Stress can cause or can worsen a disease. When we are stressed about something, it can result to increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. It can even wreak havoc in our musculoskeletal systems and our internal organs. That is why relaxation therapy has been proven effective to counteract stress and its negative effects in our body. Relaxation techniques include meditation, yoga, progressive relaxation of muscle, and guided imagery. Many patients who opt for relaxation therapy experience pain reduction.

Tai Chi

Another to include is the moving meditation or Tai Chi. It is a method of coordinating deep breathing to gentle and slow movements of your body. It is effective for patients who are experiencing chronic pain, physical and emotional ailment. This method is practiced to prevent or lessen the pain of a person.

All of these alternative medicines to manage pain may only be effective for a certain pain or causes. This means it is not suggested for everybody. When you are experiencing pain, it is also a signal that you may have a health problem that needs a comprehensive medical evaluation. After knowing the opinion of a healthcare provider or doctor as to why you are in pain, you can openly discuss some alternative options.