Bina "Artiste" Chauhan

When the pain management techniques you have been using seem to be longer ineffective ~ Rather than taking extra pills or using alcohol…

Coping with Pain

There are alternative ways to quickly alleviate the pain you feel without adding harm to your body. Prescription painkillers are commonly prescribed to reduce pain but they can also have damaging effects on our stomach and liver, and can lead to dependence and addictions in some cases.

Below are 5 Simple and Natural Strategies to Help Manage Pain

1. Visualization Exercise ~ imagine you are at a very special place. An easy option is envisioning lounging in a hammock at your favorite Caribbean sugar sand beach. Don’t have a favorite Caribbean beach? Imagine one you would like to visit and take a mini vacation in your mind. Focus on what you see - notice the different colors of the water - the light blues, dark blues and greens of the ocean. What do you hear? Do you taste something? Smell something sweet? Perhaps it is coconut suntan lotion. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face, shoulders and arms… Before you know it you’ll forget about pain and feel more comfortable and relaxed. Practice this technique as often as you like - obviously not while driving or operating machinery

2. Relax! ~ Not a visual person? Try listening to a relaxation tape with soft soothing music or have a hot bubble bath or Jacuzzi tub. Or do a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) exercise. By tensing and then relaxing individual body parts and muscle groups it is possible to achieve a state of calm, relaxed and reduced pain. After a muscle has been tensed, it is able to reach a relaxation that is deeper than it had been before the tensing, creating a domino-effect of relaxation in your body and mind. For a FREE PMR script simply email Bella at [email protected]

3. Homeopathy ~ Ask your Naturopath for natural solutions to ease your pain related symptoms. By using small doses of plants and minerals, homeopathic medicines are safe for children and the elderly and every age in between. Homeopathics can come as single remedies (Arnica is the most common for injury) or combination formulas, such as Traumeel by Heel, which can treat a wider variety of symptoms. Common complaints that have been alleviated by homeopathy include muscle sprains and strains, headaches, post-surgery complaints and menstrual concerns. Don’t have a Naturopath? Dr. Cathryn Coe ND, is currently accepting new clients — contact Cathryn at 604-514-8555 so you can get your life back minus your symptoms!

4. Phone a Friend – Anxiety and pressure to get rid of pain can make us feel rushed, leading us to fall back into old unhelpful habits as we long for the days before pain. Seek the support of someone who understands and can help you learn positive coping strategies. This someone can be a friend, relative or counsellor. By talking with someone new you can get a fresh perspective and see other angles to solving your problems as well as create a customized self care plan that fits for you.

5. Play ~ Low activity due to pain can lead to low mood, low energy, poor concentration and negative thoughts which all get in the way of our happiness, making our pain more intense. Taking part in enjoyable activities such as cooking, crafts, gardening or challenging hobbies such as yoga, swimming, games or puzzles can help us to focus on something other than our aches, pains and worries. It will also help to boost your confidence as your stamina increases, switching your focus from all the things you’ve been limiting yourself from doing to all the things you are Capable of doing!