Self-care: Treat versus Treatment

Today we have become a society that woefully neglects our own self-care. We are running around trying to take care of work, family, friends, children and focusing our attention on everyone else while neglecting the most important person in our lives: ourselves. Self-care can feel indulgent, like something that we are forced to feel guilty about. In reality, taking time out for a little self-care can end up dramatically improving the quality of one’s life and health. Too often, self-care is seen as a “treat” when it should be considered treatment.

Massage and Acupuncture: Treat or Treatment?

Massage and acupuncture have a reputation for being “treats.” They are viewed as rewards that can only be indulged in on rare occasions or special events. Just like a bubble bath, a glass of wine, or a cozy chair and long book, they are nice and relaxing but impossible to do regularly. What most people don’t realize is that these so-called treats are more than an hour-long escape. They are powerful treatment tools that can have a dramatic impact on your mental and physical health.

Ignoring your own body and pushing yourself to the limits for others may seem noble, but it takes a toll. The body begins to break down, and pain signals tell your brain it is time to rest. Old injuries can flare, and new ones can crop up. When you’re in pain, the help you can give others is diminished. Pain is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong, and it is time to stop. While medication may be a short-term fix, it isn’t always the long-term answer. It may be time to stop thinking of massage and acupuncture as treats and start exploring the possibility that they are effective ways to manage pain.

Effective Pain Management Treatments

Yes, massage can feel good. However, it has also been proven to be an effective tool in the management of pain and can ease the symptoms of serious health conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, cancer, and digestive disorders. Massage works by helping the body release and flush toxins stored in the muscles. It also facilitates the movement of fluid through the lymphatic system. Massage also can ease stress and anxiety. Excessive stress and anxiety may exacerbate pain and contribute to harmful inflammation in the body. Even Harvard Medical School advocates massage as a legitimate form of pain therapy.

Acupuncture finds itself in the same boat as massage: viewed as an extravagance. Yet, acupuncture has been practiced for over 3,500 years and has a wide variety of therapeutic applications such as pain management and stress relief. Studies have shown that acupuncture helps stimulate the body to produce chemicals such as dynorphin, endorphin, and corticosteroids, which help elevate mood and relieve pain.

Contact Jersey Premier Pain For Pain Management Help

There is nothing noble about ignoring your pain. Self-care isn’t weak or indulgent. It is a basic tenet of keeping yourself healthy and active. Massage and acupuncture are amazing tools that can help manage pain, stress, and anxiety. It is time we stop viewing these tools as treats and recognize them for what they are: effective pain management therapies.

At Jersey Premier Pain, we employ a team of qualified and experienced providers of holistic pain management treatments. From physical therapy to massage, we have the resources to help patients take back control of their lives. Ready to explore new and powerful ways to get pain relief? Contact us at 201-386-8800 and let us treat you to a whole new pain management experience.