Are you sitting comfortably? If you work in an office, then there’s a good chance that the answer to that question is “no”. Sitting behind a desk all day can be responsible for a whole host of aches and pains, and it’s not always ideal to pop painkillers to relieve the strain. Here are a few common alternative therapies that may prove helpful in tackling the twinges – naturally.
Aromatherapy
If you’re a regular headache sufferer, then aromatherapy may offer a drug-free solution to your pounding pain. Both lavender and rosemary oils can help to relieve pain when massaged into the temples and back of the neck. When applied topically to the forehead, peppermint oil has been scientifically proven to relieve tension headaches, making it a desk-drawer essential. Meanwhile, if you’re suffering from blocked sinuses or a head cold, eucalyptus oil – a key ingredient in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies – will unblock your nose and relieve sinus pressure.
Massage
Hunched shoulders? Tight neck muscles? Aching lower back? The roster of associated pain arising from sitting in front of a screen all day is enormous. But before reaching for the anti-inflammatories, instead consider popping out for a massage on your next lunch break. Effectively soothing muscle tension and promoting a greater sense of wellbeing, massage – be it on a couch or seated in a chair – is an invaluable tool in combatting pain. No time to leave your desk? Keep a tennis ball in your desk and roll over your lower back and neck muscles to help soothe stubborn sore spots.
Homeopathy
While some may dispute the credibility of homeopathy, using homeopathic remedies in place of conventional medicines may bring many perceived wellness benefits to the user. Homeopathic treatments are generally safe for use with other drugs (although you should always confirm this with your General Practitioner) and can be used in combination to treat a range of ailments, from depression to sprained ankles.
Ayurveda
A holistic system of wellness originating in India, Ayurveda works on the principle that to achieve health, all bodily functions need to remain in perfect balance. This is achieved in a number of ways through meditation, exercise, including yoga and wholesome food. Pack a lunchbox with healthy foods that abide by the Ayurvedic principles of containing all six flavours – astringent, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and pungent – then enjoy them mindfully in order to boost your overall sense of wellbeing.
Reflexology
When administered correctly, reflexology is said to confer a number of health benefits to its recipient. Each section of the foot is believed to correspond to an area of the body, therefore by applying pressure to these specific points, it’s believed that you can improve your overall health. Regardless of whether or not reflexology works for you, the prospect of a mid-afternoon foot rub makes for a stress-busting break that’s better for you than a walk to the coffee machine. Another benefit is that reflexology is easily self-administered – search YouTube for some simple step-by-step instructional videos.
So the next time you feel fatigued, stressed and sore, consider the alternatives before you head to the pharmacy.