Now Is a Great Time to Start Sipping Peppermint Tea
Made from the dried leaves of the peppermint plant, peppermint tea is an herbal infusion with a fresh, soothing flavor. And unless it’s mixed with green, black, or white tea (check the label), peppermint tea is a caffeine-free, tea-free, zero-calorie beverage that packs in so many health benefits, it’s kind of wild that it comes […]
Relieving Pain with Watsu Water Therapy
Those looking to relieve stress and pain might test the water with Watsu, a form of water therapy. In a heated therapy pool, Watsu incorporates the systematic pressure and gentle stretches of Zen shiatsu to balance energy, reduce stress and pain and encourage relaxation. Massage therapist Diane Novak, certified in shiatsu and Watsu, practices Watsu […]
Are You Taking Too Much Anti-Inflammatory Medication?
Harvard Health Blog You might call them pain relievers. You might take them for back pain, headache, or arthritis. Your doctor calls them “NSAIDs,” which stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Whatever you call them and for whatever reason you take them, NSAIDs are among the most popular medications worldwide. In fact, estimates suggest that about […]
Brain MRI shows why meditation helps reduce pain
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: For years, I have needed narcotic medications to control my chronic pain. My doctor is trying to reduce my dose by asking me to practice meditation. Can this really help reduce my pain? A: Yes, meditation and other avenues to mindfulness can help decrease your use of […]
Heart-safer NSAID alternatives
Harvard Health Letters In July 2015, the FDA repeated a previous warning about the heart hazards of common pain relievers known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) and prescription-only NSAIDs. Should you avoid these medications at all costs? Not necessarily. NSAIDs have cardiac risks, but are still a […]
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Pain relief from corticosteroid injections can vary greatly
By Paul Huddleston, M.D., Tribune Content Agency DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have osteoarthritis in my spine. About a month ago, I got a steroid shot in my lower back because my doctor said it might help with stiffness and pain in my back and legs. It worked wonderfully, and my symptoms are gone now. How […]
