Tired of pill-popping? You are not alone! There are many who are taking their chances with alternative forms of healing, and most of them do swear by it. If you would like to venture into the world of ancient remedies dating back as far as 2,500 years old, you can put your eyes on TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are trained practitioners who can help you in your quest for healing, and there are those which you can easily do all by yourself.

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that your bones and lower back are part of your kidney’s network, where energy may rise and fall as a person ages. Unhealthy diet, stress, and substance abuse ( drugs or alcohol ) truly contribute to making your kidney network weak, which results in lower back pain… or worst, chronic fatigue. This is why it is essential to preserve this energy that flows in your kidney by the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicines.

What Traditional Chinese Medicines Can You Use for Lower Back Pains?

1. Eucommia

This traditional herbal formula is great for joint and back pains. Since this contains a compound that promotes collagen development, which is vital in keeping your skins, tendons, and ligaments healthy, taking this herb at 350 mg twice in a day will help relieve your lower back pain.

2. Acupressure

This is your acupuncture alternative, if you hate those needles. You will use your fingers instead to press certain points of your body to stimulate that acupoint. You can apply pressure with your right thumb between your inner anklebone and Achilles tendon in your right foot. Hold for three minutes. Then, repeat on your left foot.

3. Tonic Oil

Try massaging your lower back with tonic oil made from the essence of peppermint, eucalyptus, fennel, wintergreen, and camphor. This will help relieve minor pains.

4. Cocktail

Non-alcoholic, of course! You can mix unsweetened black cherry juice with red grape juice. Drink three to six glasses a day until pain is relieved. Try to put pineapple in your diet too, as it contains a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme known as Bromelain.

5. Stretching Exercises

You can do a simple stretching exercise each time you wake up in the morning. Even a regular exercise program can help slow the progress of aging on your muscles and bones. You can even walk each day, or do moderate weights to flex your muscles. Learn the soothing moves of Tai-Chi, which can help you relax after a day’s work. There are plenty of instructional DVDs that you can buy if you don’t have the time to hit the gym. Simply, move your body to avoid all those stiffness and joint pains.

( Read from a blog by Dr. Mao )

In the end, you will always have to choose your natural, healthy options to find the best healing you can get. These alternative remedies are not to be a substitute for professional, medical advice. If you’re not sure about the cure of your choice, you better ask for an expert opinion. Know Your Options Very Well!

The Basics of Back Pain: