5 Ayurvedic Tips to Relieve Pain
Using a combination of natural remedies and Ayurveda’s perspective on chronic pain, we can learn how to relieve, soothe and stop the pain.
Why is Pain?
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.”
There are different types of pain and the severity and length of its duration vary from person to person, the initial cause of pain, type of injury, and much more.
Chronic Pain
This Pain is different and it lasts beyond the time expected for healing following surgery, trauma, or other conditions. Chronic pain can also exist without a clear-cut physical source. Based on my experience, there is always an emotional or psychological component to pain that exists “without any reason that all.”
For over 15 years, I suffered from chronic back pain. As the years went by, I became more and more determined to find an effective way to relieve my back pain for good. Thankfully, I have been pain-free for few years.
During my research, I read books, blogs, tried different yoga poses, applied holistic approaches and therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture, followed Ayurvedic protocols, and much, much more.
Emotions and Physical Pain
I came across the writings of Dr. Robert E. Svoboda and this statement resonated with me
“Ayurveda welcomes and accepts pain, even while trying to relieve it, for Nature intends pain to be a multi-layered message to us. Underlying the immediate directive—stop using that body part!—lies a request to look into our lives and see what we are doing to create this misery.”
This is exactly what I mean about pain having an emotional or psychological component that many may not be consciously aware of.
In order for me to heal and see long-lasting results I had to find the missing piece of my wellness puzzle by:
- Address the emotions buried inside me causing this pain.
- Listen to my body’s message.
In other words, buried emotions can lead to physical pain, and in order to find relief from it, you must heal the emotional root cause of your pain.
Healing From Within
Not listening to these body messages at an early stage may lead to chronic pain. The volume of the messages can build up over time. Sometimes the only way your body can make you listen is by causing pain that is so overwhelming you have to listen.
Holding your breath, constantly tensing your muscles, ignoring and suppressing emotions, bad eating habits, not drinking enough water, inability to cope with stress, and other unconscious habits can all make us more susceptible to pain. All of these factors are aggravating to Vata Dosha.
Vata Dosha is always a factor when it comes to pain in the body so it is important to learn how to pacify Vata especially when we are experiencing pain.
Natural Pain Relief
Everyone is different and will respond differently to a variety of treatments. It’s best to work with an Ayurvedic practitioner to create a program designed for your specific needs.
For now, you can try the following tips to help you find relief from chronic pain.
5 Easy All-Natural Pain Remedies
1. Diet
We are what we eat. Food has an amazing healing power that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Follow a vata-pacifying diet that consists of
- Warm,
- Moist,
- Easy to digest,
- Grounding and nourishing foods.
- Include herbs like Turmeric and Ginger to help reduce inflammatory pain.
In addition, the sweet, salty, and sour tastes all pacify Vata. Note that when I refer to sweet taste I mean healthy and natural sources of sweets (like ripe sweet fruit). Avoid eating raw, fermented, and dry food during this time since they tend to increase Vata.
2. Self Massage – Abhyanga
Ayurveda believes strongly in the power of performing a self-massage also known as Abhyanga. Abhyanga is done with oils infused with medicinal herbs, in a warm, draft-free room for 30 min.
This type of massage helps to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation since it pacifies Vata and Pitta,
- Nourishes the body,
- Increases longevity,
- Improves sleep and much more.
To learn more about what oils you can use, click here
3. Aromatherapy
Rosemary and Thyme essential oils have been shown to help increase blood flow and circulation to muscles with the added feeling of warmth. Marjoram is calming and relaxing helping soothe aching muscles.
Peppermint and Wintergreen oils are great in reducing aches, soreness and discomfort while offering a cooling sensation. You can add a few drops of essential oil to any carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut oil or Almond oil and massage affected areas.
Learn more about Essential Oils Here
4. Gentle Yoga Practice
Listen to your body and know that while there are times where rest and immobilization of the injured muscle or body part is highly recommended and needed to heal. There are times when we need to add gentle movements and stretches in order to relieve pain and release accumulated toxins, stagnation and congestion in the body.
Chronic pain (from my experience) gets worse from the lack of movement. Incorporating gentle movements and stretches can be helpful.
Yoga for Back Pain
A simple 15-minute yoga practice in the morning and evening full of gentle asanas will increase circulation in the body, help to reduce congestion in the lymphatic system and increase synovial fluid in the joints.
5. Progressive Muscle Relaxation
There are many forms of progressive muscle relaxation that can do wonders for your mind, body, and emotions.
A Progressive Muscle Relaxation practice can:
- reduce muscle spasms,
- reduce feelings of fear and anxiety,
- relieve tension,
- relax the mind
- cultivate a sense of peace and calmness.
[tweetthis]buried emotions can lead to physical pain.[/tweetthis]
If you have any questions, please comment below and I’ll be happy to help.
