Painkillers are very common these days, but can come with side affects so it could be much better to swap to more natural and just as effective alternatives. There are many to choose from, but some require a little effort rather than popping a pill but the benefits can be immense.

Tai Chi for example, an exercise that involves gentle movement and can help ease neck pain, back pain and pain from rheumatism as well as giving an overall improvement in quality of life.

The Alexander Technique can help improve posture and so relieve pain, as many of our aches and pains can be attributed to poor posture. Studies have shown that it can produce a 30% reduction in pain, compared to 3% reduction through standard pain care.

Harnessing the power of the mind to overcome pain is one of the most studied and the most successful methods. Placebos versus actual painkillers seem to be just as effective according to research. The power of the placebo seems to be increasing.

Acupuncture has long been used with great success as a painkiller. The therapy targets the same neurological pathways as painkillers.

Herbal remedies can help for specific aches and pains too. Feverfew contains aspirin and studies have shown it to be effective for headaches and migraines. Lavender is also effective for migraine, and turmeric which has a good track record for relieving back pain, and St John’s Wort is good in general for relaxing, but do check that any of these herbs are compatible with existing medication.

These are just a few examples of the many natural painkillers available to us.