Natural pain relief may be found with acupuncture.

6 All Natural Remedies for Aches And Pains

Dealing with physical pain? At some point in time, most of us deal with different types of aches and pains here and there. Almost every single person that walks through our doors for a fitness vacation has some type of current ache, chronic pain or a past injury that causes them problems. The common theme is that people want to be pain free — and for good reason. While there’s always the potential for relief in a pill, there also comes side effects. Even over the counter pain relievers can cause stomach upset, digestion issues and more. While these taking a medication might seem like an easy fix, treating the root problem is a better option. Here are a few natural ideas to combat your problem areas.

Get Stretched - Assisted Stretch

Sometimes stretching on your own is not enough. A qualified trainer that has experience in flexibility therapy and assisted stretching can help you stretch those areas in a way that you can’t do on your own. In addition, having someone stretch you can help keep your body in the proper placement so that you get the most out of the stretch. When we stretch ourselves, we tend to compromise form just to get into certain positions. This means that we’re not getting the most out of the stretch and could cause further injury. Save yourself the time and trouble and get stretched. Plus, it’s almost like a massage. All you have to do is lay there and relax.

We offer assisted stretch sessions for our guests at the retreat as a way to enhance flexibility and range of motion during their program.

Foam Rolling

If your muscles are tight and achy and you want immediate relief, try foam rolling. Foam rolling is a form of self myofascial release — or self massage. It helps promote blood flow to the areas you are rolling and can help break up fascia and/or scar tissue. In turn, this will help reduce pain and soreness and can even promote better recovery. Muscles returned to a lengthened state will give you less pain and better range of motion. While you have to foam roll on your own, it’s not quite as relaxing as a massage but your body will thank you for it.

Foam rolling is a great way to warm up for a workout or as a recovery method after workout or any time you need relief. We also foam roll in our retreat programs because it’s something guests can do once they return home. It’s like a deep tissue massage that you give to your self but you’ll finish feeling oh so amazing.

Massage

Yes, please! I love a good massage — especially a deep tissue or sports massage that really works out the knots and leaves you feeling free and relaxed. Massage therapists will target deep layers of muscle tissue and connective tissue with slow deep strokes to reduce pain and stiffness. Massage therapy will help improve circulation as muscles and connective tissue are loosened, blood flow will increase throughout the body. It can also help improve range of motion and flexibility as well as relieve stress, eliminate toxins, enhance sleep and reduce fatigue.

Physical Activity

Move your body every single day. Physical activity isn’t just good for strength, cardiovascular conditioning, balance and posture. Fitness also helps lubricate your joints and keeps muscle tissue warm. By moving, you promote blood flow throughout the whole body which helps promote healing and repair. If you’re not moving, you’re doing a disservice to your whole body — organs, muscles, joints and more.

In addition to promoting lubrication and blood flow, moving your body can also help ward off headaches, minimize menstrual cramps and even help with menopause discomfort. Try a short, gentle walk to get your body moving and the blood flow going. It might just do the trick.

Essential Oils

Rather than lathering up with popular muscle and joint ache creams, try using essential oils like wintergreen, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, arnica and Lemongrass to help relieve sore, tight muscles. These oils are just a few that help reduce inflammation, swelling and promote pain relief. Mixing one or several with coconut oils or another carrier oil is a great way to make your own muscle relief blend. It’s always suggested to try out a few drops on a portion of your skin for a skin test first. You can find options for essential oil combinations and uses here: 18 Essential Oils for Sore Muscles

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated years ago in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is said there can be blocked energy flows in the body causing pain and discomfort. To combat this, acupuncturists insert super thin needles into specific points in the body to restore this flow or “qi”.

According to Very Well Health, Researchers don't fully understand how acupuncture might work, but there are numerous theories. One theory is that acupuncture works by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture is also said to influence the autonomic nervous system (which controls bodily functions) and the release of chemicals that regulate blood flow and pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm the brain.

Ready To Be Pain Free?

We introduce all of our fitness vacation participants to varied types of flexibility and release including static stretching, foam rolling and yoga. Many people find muscular relieve in one of those options and can do them at home or at a studio nearby where they live. It’s important to understand your body and how it feels. Going the natural route can be better for your body in some circumstances. Keep in mind that natural therapies usually take a little longer and need time to be measured if they are truly working or not. It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor for any pain issue. In addition, physical therapists are a fantastic option for help reduce and alleviate joint issues. Best of luck on your pain free journey!

WANT TO TRAIN WITH US ONE ON ONE? We offer online personal training (and in person stretching) to help you reach your goals. Get a personalized flexibility plan to help you lengthen and release tight muscles:

Online Sign Up: Online Flexibility Plan

In Personal Flexibility Sessions: Stretching & Flexibility

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