Hello readers,
For those who don’t know me let me introduce myself, my name is Jackie Canale and I am a holistic therapist working in Gran Alacant, promoting holistic well-being wherever I can.
Welcome to June. In previous issues I have explained some different treatments and the benefits they have to the body, in this issue I would like to talk about some natural anti-inflammatories for pain relief.
Living with chronic pain is difficult, many of my clients experience this daily, and I myself suffer from a painful hip condition called bursitis that affects my sciatic nerve causing very painful flare-ups in my hip. Those who know me know how much I challenge myself to keep it in a manageable place with regular visits to my physio, booking massage appointments with other therapists once a month, exercising regularly and by using some wonderful supplements daily.
Inflammation Fighters:
Turmeric: Up there with my favourites, I personally take it daily, as do a lot of my clients and the benefits speak for themselves. Great for the joints, any muscular pain, aids digestion also so not as harsh on the tummy as taking an ibuprofen.
Ginger: Fresh is best, personally I use this also for a hot compress, grate some into freshly boiled water, leave for 5 minutes to allow it to infuse, soak a flannel in it (being careful not to burn yourself) wring it out and place it over your area of pain. Great for the joints and tired muscles. Alternatively, drink some fresh ginger tea, also a great way to rid headaches.
Onions, Garlic, Black Pepper: Cooking a lot of dishes using these ingredients is a fantastic way to rid pain. They are naturally high in the potent antioxidant quercetin which is known to help the body fight inflammation. Don’t like the taste? Get the supplements in capsule form to take daily.
Pineapple: The bromelain contained is a great way to give your immune system a boost. Freshly juiced or chopped in a fruit salad. Perfect!
Spinach: Another favourite of mine! Steam cooked is best, it contains carotenoids which is an inflammation reducing antioxidant. Alternatively, have some in with your salads, through your eggs etc. so tasty!
Hemp Seed Oil: Use it in your soups and sauces or dressings, alternatively you can choose any unrefined organic oils with omega-3 fatty acids which all help to reduce inflammation.
Lastly, aromatherapy…there are essential oils containing anti-inflammatory properties I use blends on my clients very often, some for respiratory inflammation, others arthritic inflammation, or ones for inflammation on different skin conditions. I make the blends for massage but for respiratory you can purchase a diffuser and have it on at home.
Some of these oils include, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, Spike Lavender, German chamomile to name a few.
So, as much as we sometimes need to reach for the medicine cabinet for our pain at times, we don’t always need to turn it into habit, making some small changes to our daily routines can avoid frequent flare ups. Using the above to our lifestyles, join a yoga, Pilates or tai chi class (all available in Gran Alacant) no matter how mobile you feel, every little will help! Build up the muscle round they joints.
If you are on any medication for a certain illness please consult your doctor before starting any oral supplements.
Please feel free to call or drop me an email with any questions you may have, to book an appointment or to book a free 30-minute consultation to determine what treatment suits you best.
