How to Overcome Pain: Natural Approaches to Dealing with Everything from Arthritis, Anxiety and Back Pain to Headaches, PMS, and IBS

Living with pain can provoke frustration, anxiety, depression and sometimes even a reliance on pharmaceutical painkillers. In this important and highly accessible book, registered osteopath and naturopath Leon Chaitow outlines a wide range of tried and tested natural approaches to pain relief, as well as groundbreaking research including the role played by fascia in the experience of pain and a whole host of breakthrough mind-body techniques. The author begins by explaining the nature of pain and why it is that the more you understand about it, the greater an ability you tend to have to overcome it. He then goes on to outline key pain relief approaches including meditation, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, light and colour therapy, breathing techniques, massage, stretching, hydrotherapy and herbalism. There is also extensive information on the importance of nutrition and supplements. And a special feature is the extensive pain directory that provides treatment advice for the most common problems including headaches, neck and shoulder pain, and backache. Featuring step-by-step self-help exercises and occasional helpful diagrams, this is an essential book for everyone wanting to take control of pain, get their health and vitality back, and enhance their sense of comfort, ease and freedom in everyday life.