5 Ways to Relieve Pain Without Pills
We know you'd roll your eyes if we even suggested you cure agonizing pain with deep breathing and some yoga. But hear us out: Complementary and alternative therapies can provide serious help.
By Karen Asp
Photo: Getty Images
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Mindfulness Meditation
What it is: A practice rooted in Buddhist teachings that involves training your mind to stay in the moment by paying attention to your breath.
Science says: Studies have shown that the relaxation benefits of meditation can also lessen pain. A 2015 study suggests that doing a guided meditation program, called Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, for 90 to 120 minutes once a week for eight weeks (with daily practice at home) can reduce the frequency of chronic headaches. Findings were similar for women with lower back pain in a separate study. After eight sessions, subjects reported greater relief than those who received physical therapy and meds.
Best for: Lower back pain, headaches, nonspecific chronic pain.
From the
April 2016 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
