From opioids and steroids to over-the-counter pain relievers, there are many reasons why you may want to avoid pharmaceuticals on your quest to better health and less pain. While oxy and morphine may have been considered the savior for anyone with pain relief in the past, their potential for abuse and addiction has led to a huge crisis around the nation. Even common OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, have been known to cause negative side effects like internal bleeding, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
It’s time to reclaim your health without having to rely on an industry that makes money off of suffering. If you’re looking for pain relief options that aren’t pharmaceuticals, consider the top four listed here.
Kratom
Kratom burst on the scene a few years ago and has had a major effect on the pharmaceutical and cannabis industries. This plant, commonly sold in powder form, can be used to decrease stress, reduce discomfort, increase energy, and more. There are several strains that each have their own strengths, but the Maeng Da Kratom powder is the one that’s best known for pain relief.
According to some studies, kratom is an effective choice for pain relief due to mitragynine. This alkaloid activates the mu-opioid receptors in the body for a similar effect as opioids without the side effects or dependency concerns.
Cannabis
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Cannabis is an alternative to pharmaceuticals for a number of reasons, including the low risk of addiction. You can also choose between THC and CBD dominant products that ensure you can decrease your pain without having to deal with any psychoactive effects. Even better, cannabis, CBD, and hemp all offer so many consumption methods! From edibles, including candy, cookies, sprays, and drinks, to inhalers, bongs, pipes, topical creams, and tinctures, there are endless ways to ensure you get the pain relief you need.
Marijuana works by attaching to cannabinoid receptors in the body that help with muscle relaxation, joint pain, appetite, mood, and so much more. Each strain is purported to have unique properties that can help in medical capacities.
If you’re interested in medical marijuana but you want to make your own products, there are tons of recipes that allow you to take complete control of your cannabis consumption. Whether you choose to make it into butter or smoke the dried herb from a store, the possibilities are endless.
Acupuncture
In addition to herbal compounds as an alternative to medication, you can also supplement your routine with physical solutions like acupuncture. This traditional Chinese treatment is when a practitioner takes extremely fine needles and inserts them at acupressure points throughout your body. These needles can help release endorphins and serotonin so your body can enjoy the pain-killing and mood-lifting chemicals that your body releases naturally.
Biofeedback
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You already know that your body has voluntary and involuntary actions. Breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate are all involuntary actions that your body controls without you having to say so, but turning your head, walking, or waving hello are all things you choose to do. This choice may be subconscious, such as turning to look toward a sound, but it’s still a voluntary action. Biofeedback therapy is a way you can gain control over some of those involuntary actions to help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, decrease chronic pain, and deal with other stress reactions.
Stress causes several involuntary reactions that lead to long-term consequences, like high blood pressure or chronic pain. When you can control your stress responses, you can circumvent those involuntary reactions. As you identify specific tension and tightness that is causing you pain, you can affect muscles that are causing pain in your lower back, stomach, and even your head. Some exercises that you use in biofeedback therapy include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and mindful meditation.
Finding Relief
Are you ready to try any of these methods for yourself? It may take a little bit of experimentation to find out which method, or combination of methods, works best for you. Explore these techniques in your own time to discover pain relief that you never thought possible without pharmaceuticals.
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness. She works closely with AR MMJ Cards, an affordable, convenient service that gives certification for your medical marijuana card over the internet.
Disclaimer: Our articles are meant to be entertaining and informative. No information above is medical advice. Please consult your physician before using any substances.
