|
|
Pain Management
Pain is not a disease. It is a sensation, and as such, it is a part of everyone's life. Like other sensations, such as the color green or the taste of sweetness, it is something most of us encounter in one form or another, every day of our lives. It is how the body lets us know that something is damaging or overstimulating, and as such it plays an important role in protecting the body. Pain can become problematic when it is resulting from damage that cannot be readily repaired, such as a major or degenerative injury, AND the level of pain is enough that it interferes with the quality of life. In such cases, it is appropriate to take steps to manage the pain.
In our culture, this often means the use of narcotics. There are many, many different narcotic prescription pain medicines out there, and many narcotic herbs as well (such as opium resin and coca leaf). But there are well-known problems associated with this class of substances. For a great many people, it is possible to manage pain effectively without the use of narcotics. Ideally, this can be accomplished through treating whatever is causing the pain. When that is not possible (or while that is going on) it is good to ease the pain.
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of herbal medicines that can be used to relieve pain. Some are taken internally, some are applied topically. There are also numerous naturopathic clinical procedures that can relieve pain, as well as many exercises and other techniques that patients can perform themselves at home.
The herbs and techniques discussed here are just a few of many, many treatment options available for people who want safe and effective relief from pain.
One very interesting and very safe herb for pain is Cayenne (Capsicum annuum). It works by using up or depleting the neurotransmitter (called substance P) that the body uses to relay the pain message through the nervous system. The result is an increased threshold of pain-- meaning that it takes more to make you hurt-- without any sedation. Cayenne is usually very well-tolerated (even more so by people who are used to pain), its one drawback being that, spicy as it is, it can irritate the parts of the body that it comes into contact with.
Ginger is another herb that works well for certain types of pain. it is especially good for what is sometimes described as "cold" pain: pain that is an aching rather than a burning sensation, and which is generally made worse by cold weather. This includes most joint pain. Ginger is antiinflammatory, and increases the circulation.
White willow bark, wintergreen leaves, birch bark, violets, and meadowsweet are all herbs that contain salicylates. These are chemicals that are structurally similar to aspirin (but with fewer side effects, in most cases), and which can be helpful for a variety of types and degrees of pain in the body. They are not quite as safe as ginger and cayenne (which are almost impossible to do any serious harm with) but they are, statistically, much safer than over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
Another herb which I find to be very helpful in my practice is Usnea oil extract. Usnea is a lichen, a mossy looking thing that grows on and hangs from the bark and branches of trees. I learned about this traditional medicine while traveling in the Arctic many years ago; since that time it has been studied in a laboratory setting in Iceland. As a pain reliever, it is often amazingly effective, working for tooth pain and other deep-tissue pain in a very quick and surprisingly uncomlicated manner. It doesn't cause and drowsiness or altered state of consciousness. It appears to be completely non-addictive. It just makes pain stop. Although it doesn't always work (what does?), it tends to work very quickly. For oral pain its effect is almost instant, and for pain elsewhere in the body it is as fast-acting as anything that needs to get digested first.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion is the burning of moxa (an herb also known as mugwort or Artemisia vulgaris) for therapeutic purposes. As used in this practice, a roll of compressed moxa is held near the skin to warm and stimulate it. This process does not burn or blister the skin.
When used for treating painful areas, moxabustion works both by providing counter-irritation ( a different sensation for the nerves to feel), by increasing circulation to the area (which makes any internal medicines more able to take effect in that area), and by stimulating the production of the body's natural pain-relieving substances.
This method of healing goes back to a very early date in human history, has been rigorously scientifically studied in the last five decades, and has been shown to be quite effective.
Cupping
Cupping is a treatment, like moxabustion, that has existed all over the world for a long time. In essence, it consists of applying suction to the surface of the body, using a cup. Cupping involves heating up the air inside a cup made of glass and applying this to the skin. As the air inside cools down, it draws up the skin into the cup. If enough suction is generated, this will draw blood out of the circulatory system and into the skin.
The uses of cupping are numerous. Reducing pain and inflammation is one of them. Cupping is especially helpful with pain in the lower back, which is often resistant to other forms of treatment.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha, also known as strigilation or scraping, is the process of rubbing a thin, rigid object across the skin to produce friction. This creates a red area on the skin and warms the surrounding tissue. It can be especialy useful for aching muscles, pain from old injuries, and shooting nerve pains. Gua Sha is often used in conjunction with topical preparations such as oils and salves. In addition to being an office procedure, it can also be taught to patients for use at home.
In addition to these treatments, patient education is always part of any pain management strategy. This might include stretches, pressure points, exercises, application of hot and cold, and dietary or lifestyle changes as appropriate.
Patients who are experiencing pain can generally get same-day appointments at the clinic. Please call 859-420-5648 to make an appointment.
|
|
