1. Classic
Everyone knows about analgesic pills. They are divided into 4 classes:
- Class 1 and Class 2 are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for headaches and toothache. NSAIDs with diuretic effects help with menstrual pain.
- Class 3 are prescription NSAIDs with codeine for migraines and post-operative pain.
- Class 4 are prescription antispasmodics that relieve not only pain but also cramps for intestinal, renal, and biliary cramps.
Tip: Class 3 and Class 4 — should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled use of painkillers often leads to hypertension, stomach problems, and medicinal hepatitis. After taking medication, lie down in the dark or sleep. Do not try to relieve acute pain in the stomach, intestines, and stomach without medical supervision.
2. Ointments and gels
These help with muscle and joint pain. Cooling compositions with menthol or alcohol are effective for bruises, sprains, and dislocations. To relieve joint and lumbar pain, use warming ointments.
Tip: The deeper these substances penetrate through the skin, the faster the discomfort will go away. While rubbing, engage the acupuncture points in the area.
3. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can help with headaches. It is best not to use aroma sticks, but to apply a few drops of essential oil in circular motions on the temples or above the bridge of the nose. Lavender, rosemary, peppermint, rose, chamomile, lemon, melissa, sandalwood, and laurel oils can help you cope with pain.
Tip: You should choose your fragrance carefully, as some smells like pine can provoke migraines.
4. Rubbing and massage
When bruised, it is important to massage the sore spot — this is a natural reaction and a way to reduce pain. A bruise on the head should be massaged in a circular motion, on the arm and leg in a straight motion toward the center of the body, the shoulders toward the shoulder blades and neck, and the neck from the back of the head down.
Tip: Point massages work well. To do so, press the painful point with your finger for 5–10 seconds or press and release it in a pulsating rhythm for 5–10 seconds. Hydromassage of the feet also relieves headache and muscle pain.
5. Heat
A hot bath or warming wraps relieve muscle, throat, and joint pain. Foot baths with essential oils for 15–30 minutes are recommended to relieve headaches.
Tip: An alternative for joint and back pain is an infrared sauna, where the temperatures are relatively low.
6. Breathing
Breathing exercises can be effective for migraines and neck pain. To do so, sit on a chair, bend slightly forward, and put your palms on your knees. Take 2–4 short inhalations and exhalations while expelling the air from the lungs. Hold your breath for 6–10 seconds. Another method is to clasp one nostril with a finger and breathe through the other one intensively for 30 seconds, then vice versa.
Tip: Alternating deep breaths and exhalations with a slight delay activates the arteries. By normalizing blood circulation, you will be able to relieve spasms in the vessels and muscles.
7. Physical exercises
For non-pressure headaches, as well as spasms and pain in the back, neck, or lower back, light exercises help. Lean back in a chair and make slow, circular movements of the head to the right and left. Then sit upright and turn your head left and right, sticking your chin as far forward as possible. If there is a pain in the temples, raise both eyebrows up, then raise each up one at a time.
Tip: Researchers have noted that hatha yoga can help reduce headaches and toothaches.
