When pain strikes, or worsens to the point that clear thought becomes difficult, do you have a plan for how to cope? One of the most debilitating things about pain is the inability for clear thought when your mind is so preoccupied with the pain itself. Remembering how you dealt with it last time doesn't come quickly, nor does the ability to find remedies and relief.

Two plans to consider:

The long term plan for reducing or eliminating pain The goal here is to find what will prevent a reoccurrence of your pain or a cure for the cause of your pain.   This involves working with your health care practitioners to identify, prioritise and deal with causes of your specific pain. The short term plan for what to do when pain is at its worst Planning ahead to the next time that pain worsens by remembering now

• what works for you
• checking you have it on hand and
• making a list of things to do can mean you get relief more quickly.

When pain strikes

Here is a list of helpful things to get you started on your short term pain plan:

• temporarily increasing how much fish oil you take for its anti-inflammatory actions
• magnesium (cramping and stiffness)
• tumeric (anti-inflammatory)
• gentle stretching - movement helps!
• essential oils such as eucalyptus or kunzea are analgesics
• bath in epsom salts
• heat packs
• keep a pain diary to help find triggers and plan better strategies for next time
• get a massage
• see a chiropractor or osteopath
• distract yourself from the pain with a good book or some relaxing music
• essential oils such as black pepper or ginger are warming and increase circulation
• arnica or hypericum cream reapplied regularly, add some kunzea to increase their effect
• rest!
• take a walk
• ask for help

Make your list put it somewhere handy for the next time you need it and shorten the impact of that painful flare up.

Maria Mitchell – Aromatherapist and Herbalist

Maria Mitchell is a fully qualified Aromatherapist and Herbalist whose passion has led her into teaching, and writing about the healing power of Aromatherapy. You can learn more about Maria here Join Maria in her popular workshop: Healthy Ways to Get Pain Relief and learn a multifaceted approach to pain relief for yourself and your family – and much much more.