Prescription medications, despite designed with the best possible intent, are subject to being abused and leading to addiction or undesirable side effects. Unfortunately, this is a trend which is on the increase. Therefore, the need for alternative medicine has become more prevalent than ever. At AcuHealth we know that, in many cases, natural remedies can be as effective as prescription medications, without the risk of negative side effects.
So, today we will explain how acupuncture (available right here in Melbourne, FL!), essential oils, and even the foods you probably have at home can successfully help you escape from chronic pain and much more!
Food
Studies have found that many plant and animal-derived natural compounds possess similar effectiveness in treating the inflammatory reaction seen in chronic and subacute pain syndromes. The following compounds, which you can find in your pantry, have been proven to be the most effective at providing pain relief:
- Capsaicin (chili pepper) – approximately 12% of the chili pepper is capsaicin, used for medical purposes by native Americans for centuries. This compound produces a highly selective regional anesthesia, thus it is often used to treat post-herpetic neuralgia, peripheral neuropathies, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- Green tea – widely known for it’s fantastic cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and cancer preventative characteristics, due to its high antioxidant properties. Recent research has recognized its place in arthritic disease treatment as an anti-inflammatory.
- Curcumin (turmeric) – a flowering plant of the ginger family with a naturally occurring yellow pigment. It has been a prominent ingredient of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines as an anti-inflammatory agent, digestive disorder treatment and promoter of wound healing. Research continues to show that it is a viable natural alternative to nonsteroidal agents for inflammation treatment.
- Omega-3 EFAs (fish oil) – the use of cod liver oil for the treatment of muscular, skeletal and discogenic diseases dates back to the 18th century. Several studies show that it is one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories.
At our acupuncture clinic in Melbourne, we understand that what you consume affects your physiology. Therefore, we encourage patients to adopt a diet designed to suit their specific health and well-being needs.
Essential Oils
It is generally recognized that using essential oils topically, or inhaling their aroma can improve inflammation and reduce the sensation of pain. It is important to not consume essential oils as they can be toxic! There are four commonly used essential oils that have distinguished healing properties:
- Lavender – research has shown that inhaling lavender oil can relieve migraine headaches and reduce inflammation.
- Rosemary – it is claimed that rosemary acts on receptors in the brain, which are involved with the sensation of pain (opioid receptors). Thus, it helps treat headaches, muscle and bone pain, seizures, reduce inflammation, relax muscles and boost memory.
- Peppermint – most often this oil is used topically on aching, or painful areas. It is associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and pain-relieving effects. A scientific review also showed that this oil has been used to relieve painful spasms and arthritis-related problems.
- Eucalyptus – people are advised to inhale the eucalyptus oil to benefit the most from it. Studied have shown that it can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese acupuncture involves inserting extremely thin needless shallowly into specific areas of the body (acupoints). This procedure is mostly sought after by people suffering from chronic pain. However, it is believed to ease many more ailments, including lower back pain, nerve pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and menstrual cramps.
Acupuncture in Melbourne, FL is incredibly successful at helping patients manage their pain because our expert carries out the procedure flawlessly. Properly executed acupuncture can give such benefits to patients due to its following properties:
- Increases blood flow to the affected area
- Promotes endorphin release
- Stimulates serotonin production
To learn more about the role of acupuncture in pain management, take a look at our pain management page.
More about AcuHealth’s Acupuncture Clinic in Melbourne!
At AcuHealth we want to give you a pain-free life without a life-long prescription to potentially harmful medication. We believe that good healthcare focuses on reversing all aspects of the damage – physical, mental, and spiritual. You can be sure that acupuncture at AcuHealth is the therapy you can rely on as our physician will give you effective education and the treatment required for sustaining long-term well-being.
Ready to take your first step towards a healthier lifestyle and pain-free life? Contact us today!
- Visit us at Acuhealth Integrative Medicine (Inside the Health For Life Wellness Center), 402 N. Babcock, Suite 101, Melbourne, FL 32935
- Call us today: 321-422-2240
- Or, send us an email: info@acuhealthmedicine.com
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
