Complementary/Alternative Approaches of Pain
Friday, October 10th, 2008Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient method for relieving pain and controlling disease, used in China for thousands of years. It appears to be effective for some patients with chronic pain.
Thin gold or metal needles, gently twirled for ten to twenty minutes, can be used to stimulate acupuncture points, which relieve pain in specific parts of the body (for example, a point on the leg targets stomach pain). Patients usually feel a tingling, warm sensation, similar to that of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated with deep massage (acupressure), electric currents (electroacupuncture), or lasers.
The risk of side effects is low. Side effects can include post-needling pain, bleeding, bruising, dizziness, fainting, and local skin reactions. Rarely, organ damage can occur with deep needling techniques. Infection because of inadequately sterilized needles is a hazard; disposable needles are recommended.
Acupuncture is not recommended for patients with serious blood clotting problems. Acupuncture should be used with caution by pregnant women.
Massage
Massage can be a useful addition to a pain management program, especially for patients who are bedridden.
Massage can:
| Stimulate blood flow | |
| Relax muscles that are tight or in spasm | |
| Promote a feeling of well-being |
Muscles can be stroked, kneaded or rubbed in a circular motion. A lotion can reduce friction on the skin.
Massage is not recommended in cases of swollen tissue. It should be used in addition to, and not instead of, exercise by patients who can walk.
Following websites are aso very useful for alternative pain treatment:
Acne Treatment
ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Allergies Treatment Blog
Anxiety Treatment
Depression Treatment
Asthma Treatment
High Cholesterol Treatment
Natural Treatments to Prevent Osteoporosis
Migraine headaches
Pain Treatment
Alzheimer’s Treatment
Angina and Heart Disease
Arthritis Treatment
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bronchitis Treatment
Cold & Flu Treatment
Constipation Treatment
COPD Treatment
HIV Aids Treatment
Cancer Treatment
Diabetes Type 1 Treatment
Diabetes Type 2 Treatment
Diarrhea Treatment
Eczema Treatment
Fibromyalgia Treatment
Gastrointestinal Treatment
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease
Gout Treatment, Causes
Hay Fever Treatment
Heart Disease Treatment