More and more, evidence from scientific studies is showing us that a mind-body connection truly exists and that it greatly influences our health and well-being. Therefore, treatments that address bodily pain and discomfort through this connection seem to be more effective than pain medicines alone. Below are three of those alternative therapies for you to think about.

Movement Therapies

Movement-based therapies seek to reconnect or rewire a person’s sense of self through their bodies and how they move, paying special attention to breathing, posture, stretching, and areas of specific weakness or pain. These types include yoga, pilates, stretching routines, and the Feldenkrais method, among others. When searching for a local practitioner such as Feldenkrais near me, make sure the person is certified and/or has several years of experience.

Mental Therapies

Sometimes our thoughts can actually make us sick. If you’ve ever experienced nausea due to extreme nervousness about a situation, you can understand how this happens. At other times the effects are more subtle and also more lasting. Some therapies designed to combat this negative connection include biofeedback, meditation, music therapy, color therapy and guided imagery. Hypnosis can also be an effective tool. These therapies’ purpose is to make a person aware of their negative thoughts and combat them with lasting positive techniques.

Stimulation Therapies

There are several alternative therapies that stimulate different parts of the body. They can be effective alone but are usually used as complements to other types like those listed above. Popular stimulation therapies include aromatherapy, Chinese acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic massage. Aromatherapy and acupressure can be practiced at home, while acupuncture and chiropractic massage are best left to licensed therapists.

The great news is that if you’re in pain, you don’t have to stay that way! There are many more therapeutic methods than listed here, so keep trying until you find something that works for you.