10 Ways to Reduce Chronic Pain Without Medication

Natural alternatives exist to fight against chronic pain, thus allowing for a reduction in medication. Here are ten of them.

1. Acupuncture

The needles used in acupuncture give off a feeling of heat, triggering the production of nitric oxide in the body. Monoxide promotes blood circulation and reduces pain. Acupuncture is recommended for migraine, fibromyalgia and back pain.

2. Osteopathy

Osteopaths use a fine palpation to detect tension or imbalances that cause pain or discomfort, and then manipulate to restore balance. Osteopathy can treat a wide variety of conditions.

3. Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy is treating certain diseases by stimulating specific points of the ear flag. The Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) recognizes its action particularly in migraines, rheumatology, trauma, neuralgia and chronic pain.

4. Hydrotherapy

Under the term hydrotherapy, we group all treatments based on the use of water as a therapeutic means. Cold water provides a contraction of the vessels, which reduces inflammation and pain. Hot water helps relieve conditions such as muscle spasms, joint inflammation or menstrual pain.

5. Meditation

Many studies have shown the benefits of meditation, especially yoga. It helps reduce pain, better manage stress and increase general well-being, provided it is done regularly and adapted to avoid increasing or causing new pain.

6. Anti-inflammation diet

Food is not a “technique” as such but plays a significant role in pain. The pain is related to a state of inflammation of the body. By focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet based on fruits and vegetables, oily fish, and oilseeds, the pain can decrease significantly.

7. Hypnosis

Hypnosis reduces pain, increases relaxation and sleep, and decreases emotional problems. It designates both a therapeutic technique and a modified state of consciousness. As there are different types of hypnosis, it is important to be well informed beforehand.

8. Music therapy

Music therapy has the particularity of using music as a therapeutic means. Studies have shown that listening to music carefully for about 30 minutes twice a day increases psychological and physical well-being, thus easing pain.

9. The rigolotherapy

Laughter therapy has many physiological and mental benefits. Laughter empties the air from our lungs and replenishes it with fresh reserves. It activates blood circulation, oxygenates the body and reduces pain.

10. Herbal medicine

Some plants are known for their analgesic properties (painkillers). This is the case, among others, with liquorice that fights against digestive pain, turmeric that soothes inflammation, willow that relieves joint pain and the queen-of-the-meadow, a real “plant aspirin”, which contains salicylic acid, effective on headaches and rheumatism.