Traditional allopathic medicine is known and loved for its ease and convenience…you take a pill and you get results. There are lots of arguments about the challenges of side effects and long-term use that come into play. For that reason, I like to share the knowledge that I have gained from education, trusted mentors, and experience over the years that helps manage pain naturally. Thinking and applying self-care in layers will get you the best results.
Epson salt baths-(magnesium sulfate) in a hot bath soak are a great way to manage muscle and joint pain. If your doctor has not limited you from hot bathing, this is one of the more enjoyable layers of management. Add 2 cups to a standard tub of water. Soak for 20-30 minutes. Fully submerge the parts of the body that are most painful.
Stretch routine– I highly recommend yoga because it focuses on stretching, strengthening, and breath work, all in the same hour. Also, a master yoga intructor will teach a very important but less talked about skill, quieting your thoughts along with your breath work. This trains you to manage runaway thoughts and strengthen your psyche, which goes a long way in managing pain. There are lots of yoga classes out there that use caution for people with injuries, challenges with movement, or nervousness from being a newbie. No matter where you go, since you are utilizing yoga as a stretch routine and as a way to help your body while it’s in pain, I’d like you to choose a yoga instructor who has a strong focus on proper positioning. Talk with the yoga center you choose and ask if they observe and correct for proper positioning.
Physical therapy– if you haven’t tried, please do so. Do the homework they give you. Exercise and stretching are really one of the greatest things you can do to manage long-term pain. You need to be your own advocate for your limitations. Some soreness will be present. There is a difference between soreness and pain. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong and to stop or ease back a bit.
Topical natural therapeutic supports– I formulated HM Salve with essential oils that research suggests reduces inflammation, reduces spasm, increases blood flow, reduces pain, and supports the body’s natural healing process. Though it is not allopathic medicine, it is considered of great benefit. You can also use other topical over-the-counter ointments and creams, however, I prefer that whatever you use, you do not choose a product that is formulated to only numb the pain. This can give you a false sense of freedom in which case you might be overly active causing more problems. Getting better is my goal, not simply masking the pain.
Hot ginger compress– Ginger is well known for reducing any inflammation be it digestive, joint, or muscle. This is truly a great resource. It takes some time and effort but if you put in that effort you will be surprised by how effective it can be. It is an accumulative effect, so it is a committed routine. Doing it three or more times a day is going to get you the best results. See the directions below. Keep in mind once you do it a time or two it becomes an effortless routine. Caution….don’t burn yourself.
- ½ cup of powdered ginger- Check your local nutritional shops.
- A stockpot with about 1 gallon of water
- A washcloth and or hand towel for submerging in water
- A large dry towel
Boil the water and then stir in ginger with a whisk, turn off and cover.
When the water has cooled enough to use without burning yourself…but is still hot… submerge a smaller towel, ring it just until it stops dripping, and place it on the problem area. Keep the dry towel under you to catch any drips. Once the cloth has cooled, re-submerge, ring, and replace on the problem area. Continue this until the water in the pot is no longer hot. Your skin should be pink and you should feel a warming heat from the ginger for 10-20 minutes after. Alternatively, if it is your hand or foot you can soak right into the pot and eliminate the compress.
You can cover and refrigerate the water and reuse it for 2-3 days but no longer. If it begins to look cloudy or murky it’s time to discard and make a fresh batch.
Use until the pain is gone and then for another 30 days after.
People often report that they feel better after the 3rd treatment (3 or more a day) and that they feel great improvement after a week. Some even report the issue is gone after the recommended treatment of use.
Using hot ginger compresses is a tried and true natural medicine of the Japanese tradition.
The above directions are a variation of the original recipe.
