According to the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, 1 in 5 Americans, or about 50 million people, suffer from chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a severe health condition. It decreases the quality of life, including sleep issues, depression, fatigue, and substance abuse disorder. It is difficult to exercise, do household chores, and perform your job affecting your relationship, finances, and career when you are suffering. Worst of all, you cannot enjoy your life.

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are effective pain killers. However, their long-term use can cause side effects. In addition, prescription medications may be addictive and have even more negative impacts. Common adverse effects of opioids and other pain medications include constipation, nausea, sedation, stomach bleeding, or ulcer.

The immune system and inflammation are interconnected, so the inflammatory response caused by allergies can aggravate the widespread inflammation underlying chronic pain. Allergies cause inflammation to eliminate the allergens causing the reaction, leading to joint, muscle, or body aches.

These are natural ways you can implement to manage pain by overcoming allergies and boosting the immune system:

Step #1: Use Acupressure Points

The theory of acupressure is based on acupuncture. Pressing the acupuncture points for one minute can stimulate the energy pathways and release endorphins. As a result, acupressure can promote blood circulation, relax the muscles, relieve pain, manage stress, and strengthen the digestive and immune systems.

Here are the top Acupuncture points that can reinforce your well-being.

LI4 Hegu (Upper Arm) – point between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the dorsum of the hand. It helps improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation and pain, relieves stress, and enhances the immune.

In addition, it helps alleviate constipation, frontal headache, sinus pressure, and nasal congestion.

LIV3 Tai Chong (Great Rushing) – A hollow distal point between the big toe and the next toe on the frontal foot (about 1 ½ inch from the toe edge).

In combination with LI4, this point improves blood circulation, relieves pain, decreases stress, boosts the immune, and enhances eyesight.

Both LI4 and LIV3 are contraindicated for pregnant women. However, you can use other points if you are pregnant.

SJ5 Waiguan (Outer Pass) – Two inches above the middle frontal wrist between the tendons. It Improves blood circulation, relieves pain, benefits the head and ears, reduces stress and inflammation, and boosts the immune system.

GB34 Yanglingquan (Yang Mound Spring) is located below the outside of the

knee, in a tender depression 1 inch anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. It improves blood circulation, relieves pain, stiffness, and spasm, enhances digestion, and relaxes the muscle.

Step #2: Have a Good Nutrition

These are Natural Foods that can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and strengthen the immune system:

Vitamin C - A powerful antioxidant. It protects your cells from damage, decreases the severity of allergic reactions by reducing histamine production, and helps your body fight infections. As a result, vitamin C boosts the immune system. Foods rich in Vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

Omega 3 - helps build and maintain a healthy body. It is vital to the structure of every cell wall. It can help keep your organ system working efficiently as an energy source. It also helps regulate blood clotting, contraction, and relaxation of artery walls. Good sources of Omega 3 include mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, herring, oysters, and sardines.

Vitamin D – is an essential nutrient for bone health. Studies have shown that people with Vitamin D deficiency might have joint or muscle pain, melancholy, brittle bones, fatigue, or weakness. Vitamin D-rich foods include salmon, tuna, milk, egg yolk, orange, sardine, and cod liver oil. Also, sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D.

Other healthy foods that can enhance blood circulation and reduce pain or inflammation are turmeric, ginger, cloves, and Boswellia, also known as frankincense.

Step #3: Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

Progress is possible with modifications. Small changes with consistency can make a difference. Pick a wholesome routine below that works for you.

Exercise helps release endorphins, which are the natural pain killers generated by the body. Production of these hormones can decrease pain and produce a positive feeling of well-being. In addition, walking outside for 10 to 15 minutes a day can help the body make vitamin D, enhancing the immune system and boosting mood.

Epsom Salt Bath - When mixed with water, Epsom salt breaks down into magnesium and sulfate. These minerals are absorbed by the body through the skin. Soaking in warm water with Epsom salt for at least 20 minutes can relax the muscle and ease pain or spasm.

Essential Oils have been utilized for their analgesic effects since ancient times by many cultures. Inhalation and external application are common uses to benefit from essential oils. For example, you can apply high-grade essential oil to acupuncture points and massage them. In addition, essential oils such as peppermint oil, wintergreen, lemongrass, ginger, and eucalyptus can help lower inflammation and lessen pain.

Meditation can help decrease stress, relax the body, and heighten positivity. Focus on your breathing. When your thoughts wander, notice that they have strayed and return to your breathing. Begin with a few minutes, and gradually increase to 30 minutes if you find meditation enjoyable.

Smile and Laugh Often. It can diminish stress and tension in the body, release endorphins to uplift your spirit, decrease pain and physical discomfort, and improve the immune system by reducing cortisol.

Get Enough Rest and Sleep. Restorative sleep is vital to managing pain and promoting healing. Regular exercise, visualization, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can help you sleep and stay asleep.

It is vital to note that while these natural solutions may help manage pain, they may not be sufficient for certain injuries or conditions. It's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional advice on managing pain.

Optimizing your health is a journey, not a destination. I hope that these valuable tips help manage your pain, improve the quality of your life, and enhance your well-being.

Key Action

Choose one easy step that you can incorporate daily to restore wellness.

“The greatest wealth is health.” - Virgil