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Millions of Americans are living with chronic pain, and unfortunately it has contributed to the trend of opioid addictions and deaths. In honor of National Pain Awareness Month, board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Shilpi Agarwal, offers some natural pain relief options that are both inexpensive and extremely effective.  “Each day more than 100 people die from opioid overdose and the victims are not who you may suspect them to be,” explains Dr. Agarwal. “They often start out using medications prescribed by a doctor for an injury or chronic issue, but the debilitating and frustrating effects of pain often lead to the misuse of these medications.”

Dr. Shilpi, author of The 10-Day Total Body Transformation: A Doctor’s Guide To Getting Leaner, Cleaner, and Happier in Just 10 days!, advises physicians and patients to look to non-pharmacologic alternatives, including the following:

1. Massage: Massage, a technique and medical treatment for pain and muscle injury, has been used long before medications were developed. Massage increases blood flow to inflamed tissue, helping to stimulate recovery and providing localized pain relief without side effects.  If one is unable to secure a licensed message therapist, Dr. Agarwal frequently recommends Wahl’s newest therapeutic massager, the Heated Deep Knead Massage Wrap, which performs a multitude of tasks.

2. Turmeric:  Turmeric is a root that looks similar to ginger, but it is orange inside. The yellow colored powder can be found in Indian, Thai, and other South Asian cuisine.  It has several healing properties and can be taken in both capsule and raw form. The anti-inflammatory nature of Turmeric aids in relieving joint pain, muscle aches, and wound-healing. If one is opposed to its pungent flavor, Dr. Agarwal suggests adding it to a fruit and protein smoothie or considering a capsule form. Read more of this story »