6 Ways to Treat Pain
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019People frustrated by traditional medicine sometimes turn to non-medicinal forms of treatment for relief. Find out how some of these alternative treatments may actually benefit you. (Remember to always discuss these options with your doctor beforehand to make sure you are a good candidate for treatments of any kind.)
1. Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese technique, acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body to treat disease. Some Western doctors now use acupuncture, or else refer patients to practitioners, to alleviate such ailments as stubborn back or joint pain or chronic headache.
3. Herbalism
Herbalists use plants to treat and prevent many illnesses. While some remedies may contain valuable ingredients, keep in mind that many plants are toxic. Check with your doctor to make sure that an herbal medication is safe for you to take.
4. Homeopathy
This approach uses etremely diluted solutions of substances that, in large doses, can cause symptoms similar to the ailment. For instance, a solution of poison ivy or poison oak may be prescribed for dermatitis. Many traditional doctors attribute homeopathic cures to suggestion, but some believe they merit further study.
6. Osteopathy
Osteopathy is recognized as largely equivalent to traditional medicine. Practitioners emphasize a holistic approach that includes massage and manipulation, but they are also trained in conventional medicine and to practice surgery. However, there are still few osteopaths in Canada.