Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/820827
acupuncture in the treatment of back, neck, and shoulder pain, osteoarthri s, and headaches. Physical and massage therapy: has been shown to be as good as surgery for painful condi ons such as torn car lage and arthri s. Astaxanthin: is one of the most effec ve fat-soluble an oxidants known. It has very potent an -inflammatory proper es and in many cases works far more effec vely than an -inflammatory drugs. Higher doses are typically required and you may need 8 mg or more per day to achieve this benefit. Ginger: This herb has potent an -inflammatory ac vity and offers pain relief and stomach-se ling proper es. Fresh ginger works well steeped in boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice. Curcumin: In a study of osteoarthri s pa ents, those who added 200 mg of curcumin a day to their treatment plan had reduced pain and increased mobility. A past study also found that a turmeric extract composed of curcuminoids blocked inflammatory pathways, effec vely preven ng the overproduc on of a protein that triggers swelling and pain. Boswellia: Also known as boswellin or "Indian frankincense," this herb contains specific ac ve an -inflammatory ingredients. This is one of my personal favorites as I have seen it work well with many rheumatoid arthri s pa ents. Bromelain: This enzyme, found in pineapples, is a natural an -inflammatory. It can be taken in supplement form but ea ng fresh pineapple, including some of the bromelain-rich stem, may also be helpful. Cetyl myristoleate (CMO): This oil, found in fish and dairy bu er, acts as a "joint lubricant" and an an -inflammatory. I have used this for myself to relieve ganglion cysts and a mild annoying carpal tunnel syndrome that pops up when I type too much on nonergonomic keyboards. I used a topical prepara on for this. Evening primrose, black currant, and borage oils: These contain the essen al fa y acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is useful for trea ng arthri c pain. Cayenne cream: Also called capsaicin cream, this spice comes from dried hot peppers. It alleviates pain by deple ng the body's supply of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits pain signals to your brain. Medical cannabis has a long history as a natural analgesic. At present, 20 US states have legalized cannabis for medical purposes. Its medicinal quali es are due to high amounts (about 10-20 percent) of cannabidiol (CBD), medicinal terpenes, and flavonoids. Varie es of cannabis exist that are very low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the psychoac ve component of marijuana that makes you feel "stoned"—and high in medicinal CBD. The Journal of Pain, a publica on by the American Pain Society, has a long list of studies on the pain- relieving effects of cannabis. Methods such as yoga, Founda on Training, massage, medita on, hot and cold packs, and other mind-body techniques can also result in astonishing pain relief without any drugs. Grounding, or walking barefoot on the earth, may also provide a certain measure of pain relief by comba ng inflamma on. Exhaust other options before you resort to a narcotic. Abby's Magazine - Volume 5 Issue 3 | Page 19