We all have to deal with those little aches and pains now and then, whether it’s from sitting too long, working out too hard, or just from everyday life – but reaching for painkillers doesn’t always have to be your first move, even if that’s what you do right now. The fact is there are plenty of natural, lesser-known ways to relieve discomfort that can be truly effective, and with that in mind, here are some to think about; read on to find out more.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain, but unlike acupuncture, there aren’t any needles involved; it’s just gentle, consistent pressure.
Many people find a lot of relief from common aches like in your back or neck when they use acupressure mats or handheld tools (or go to an expert, of course), and it’s all about increasing circulation, which can make a big difference when you’re feeling sore.
See An Osteopath
When aches start to become regular, it might be time to call in a professional, and that professional could be an osteopath. Osteopaths are healthcare professionals who focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system – essentially, they look at how your bones, muscles, and joints all work together. They use hands-on techniques to improve mobility, reduce tension, and they also encourage the body’s natural healing process.
Even better, an osteopath can work out what’s causing the pain in the first place and work on that area of the body, which means long-term results are much more likely.
Stretch
When we say stretch, we’re not suggesting a full yoga session (or at least, not necessarily – yoga could be a good option for you, so it’s worth looking into). What we mean is that you can use simple stretches that target your sore areas, as these can provide some fantastic relief from aches, pains, and general tightness, meaning better mobility.
If you’ve got a stiff neck, for example, try some gentle neck rolls or shoulder shrugs, and for back pain, the cat-cow stretch (from yoga) or just lying on your back and hugging your knees can do a lot of good. The point is that daily stretching, even if it’s just for five minutes, keeps your muscles loose and relieves tension, plus it’s a fantastic way to unwind before bed or to help you wake up!
Try Turmeric
When you think of turmeric, you probably think of food like curry, but it can do a lot more than just make things taste really good – turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, thanks to the active compound in it called curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and reduce pain, especially in people with joint problems and arthritis, for example.
Adding turmeric to your meals, drinking it in tea, or taking it as a supplement can be a brilliant and natural way to relieve aches, and if you want to make thing even better, add a dash of black pepper too because that helps with curcumin absorption, making the entire process more effective.
