If you live in the Sarasota, Bradenton or Lakewood Ranch area and are struggling with some sort of chronic pain issue then you are about to learn five ways to stop hurting naturally. Chronic pain is a terrible thing as anyone who has experienced it can tell you. It not only effects you on a physical level, but also emotionally as it is hard to maintain a good mood and positive outlook when you are always hurting. At Lakewood Ranch Acupuncture and Wellness, we treat predominately use acupuncture for pain relief (which will be discussed in this article) but there are other things people can do on their own alongside using acupuncture for pain relief. So what can people who are in chronic pain do to end their suffering?
NUTRACEUTICAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Flaxseed Oil:
I would say that most Americans do not get enough essential fatty acids in their diets and a deficiency in these good fats can aggravate chronic pain. Taking a tablespoon of flaxseed oil every day can reduce inflammation and increase synovial fluid in the joints. It can also help with the depression that accompanies chronic pain.
SAMe:
This is a naturally occurring metabolite found in the human body and plants. The active ingredient is methionine. SAMe has been shown to alleviate depression, reduce appetite, and improve neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor binding. I will often use SAMe when there is a combination of depression and chronic pain, as it reduces inflammation and regenerates joint tissue. It is excellent for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Start with 200 mg early in the day on an empty stomach, increase to up to 1,000 mg over a period of a few weeks as needed.
MSM:
2 grams daily prevent cartilage breakdown
Vitamins and Minerals:
Key nutrients that manufacture synovial fluid are vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E. Calcium, selenium, magnesium, and zinc are also crucial. Vitamins C and D are most important for nourishing bones and connective tissue.
Cetyl myristoleate:
This is a form of fatty acid that has extraordinary qualities for joint lubrication. It needs to be taken constantly at a dosage of 500-1000mg/day. It is useful for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
CHINESE HERBS
Chinese herbs are very powerful and even more powerful when used in conjunction with acupuncture for pain relief. Depending on where in your body you are experiencing pain, there are different formulas designed to send the body’s energy to and specifically heal that part of the body. There are even overall tonics to treat arthritis or fibromyalgia when there is pain all over the body. Here are a few of the most popular formulas for pain.
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang:
This is a formula used for systemic blood stagnation characterized by sharp and severe pain throughout the body. It is useful for muscle spasm, inflammation, and pain that is fixed in nature.
Juan Bi Tang:
This is a classic formula for arthritis. In Chinese medicine, Bi is a syndrome that is characterized by certain elements such as wind, damp, or cold lodging in the body causing pain. This formula is helpful for achiness and stiffness primarily in the upper body.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang:
This formula is useful for Bi syndromes that affect the lower back, legs, and knees. It helps to relieve achiness and tension.
SPZM:
This is a Health Concerns formula that is useful for muscle spasm, particularly in the upper body.
Channel Flow:
This is a Health Concerns Formula that is useful for pain anywhere in the body. It can help with moderate or severe pain.
NUTRITION
The following basic dietary tips will be very helpful for managing the symptoms of chronic pain.
- Start eating an organic whole foods diet that is rich in beans, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This diet is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates: These foods promote inflammation and pain and weaken digestion and vitality.
- Avoid synthetic additives and sweeteners and genetically modified foods.
- Avoid coffee and alcohol: Both of these are irritants to the liver, colon, and stomach. They can exacerbate pain and emotional ups and downs.
MEDITATION AND YOGA
Meditation and yoga have been practiced for thousands of years in many different cultures. They have stood the test of time because they have enormous healing benefits for the mind and body. If practiced appropriately, meditation and yoga can offer profound support for managing chronic pain, overcoming fatigue, and improving flexibility.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR PAIN RELIEF
Saving the best for last, acupuncture is amazing at healing chronic pain. Utilizing acupuncture for pain relief has shown stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain which are the bodies natural painkillers. Acupuncture has also been clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and trigger the rest and restore mode of the nervous system. It also is very effective at treating the emotional side effects of chronic pain like the depression and frustration that can a lot of times accompany pain. Acupuncture should be painless and deeply relaxing. I recommend getting weekly treatment for 6-8 weeks for chronic pain, then assessing for progress.
Amanda Carter is a nationally board certified Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture Physician with a private practice in Lakewood Ranch, Florida which also services the surrounding areas of Sarasota, Bradenton, Parrish, and Ellenton, Florida. Her practice, Lakewood Ranch Acupuncture and Wellness, is a Chinese Medicine practice utilizing acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, cupping, guasha and homeopathic injections to coerce the body to heal itself.
If you are ready to take your health into your own hands the call our office at (941) 518-6237 so we can set up your first appointment. We are never too busy to help you!
