Pain is a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean pain is permanent. If you find yourself facing chronic pain and stress, but you’ve been hitting a dead-end when it comes to care through traditional (Western) medicine. . . it may be time to try an alternative approach. Holistic health looks at both your mind and body, as well as investigates the root cause of your symptoms.

Before diving into holistic practices, however, it’s important to consider your overall healthcare approach, especially if you’re navigating Medicare options. Many people don’t realize they might be overpaying for Medicare Supplement coverage, which can drain your finances without offering the right coverage for their needs. Taking control of your health—especially through alternatives like holistic health—includes being informed about your insurance choices, ensuring that you’re not overspending on plans that don’t meet your personal health requirements.

Whether you’re familiar with holistic health or just reading about it for the first time, here are a few holistic ways to manage bodily pain that you may want to try if everything you’ve tried thus far has failed.

Focus On Your Breathing

It may sound silly, but learning to breathe differently (or adopting breathing techniques) can really help to regulate your nervous system and calm you down.

While this may not ‘fix’ the pain or make it go away fully, it does allow your body to get the oxygen it needs to refocus and realign with what you need to do next. Taking control of your physical self (and your mental state, too!) can help you to know what to do next when it comes to pain.

You’ll want to start by taking big, deep breaths, right into the belly. Think about reaching down as low as you can with your inhale (to your belly button rather than breathing in your chest). You should also try to gently concentrate on your breathing as you are doing it. Rather than thinking about what hurts, focus on inhaling, holding, and exhaling slowly. It may also help to count to five with each inhale, hold, and exhale.

Act Quickly

While this may feel like common sense at first, it’s not. Many people push off doing something about their pain because they think it’ll “go away,” or it’s “not that bad.”

It’s best to take your pain seriously, though, before it gets worse. There are many ways you can do something about your pain that aren’t popping pills or taking over-the-counter meds, too! If you’re looking to adopt a less invasive, more holistic approach, consider something like dynamic stretching (especially if it’s muscle pain), massage therapy, or pain relief spray with CBD. There are also holistic herbs that can help, for example, if you’re experiencing menstrual cramps or other hormone-related issues.

Whatever method or product you’re using, you’ll want to integrate it as soon as possible. This way, it will have a much stronger and more immediate effect on the pain.

Stretch & Move Your Body

While it may sound counterintuitive (at least at first) to stretch or move when you’re facing physical pain, it’s actually a great way to help your body move through the pain, as well as adapt and heal (within reason of course).

Side note: If you’re experiencing a torn muscle, or something more serious like that then – of course – don’t stretch or overdo it. Be smart, be safe, and listen to your body. If you try to do something and it hurts more, then stop right away!

If you’re safe to move, you might consider stretching because it can oftentimes lessen your pain and help stiff or static muscles relax. Another option is to have someone assist you in stretching (more static stretches), take a walk or ride a bike with low intensity, or even get a massage to help reduce tension.

Stay Hydrated

Although it might not seem like it, drinking water can actually achieve quite a lot when it comes to managing your pain. If you are well hydrated, the body tends to deal with all problems a lot more effectively, and that is certainly true of any kind of pain that you might be experiencing. So it’s a good idea to drink lots of water in general, but also particularly when you are in pain at the moment as well.

Those are just some of the great ways to ensure you are managing your bodily pain much more effectively.

 

Featured Image Credit:Miriam Alonso