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Vitamin C Relieves Pain and Boosts Immunity

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By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW Many people have been using vitamin C supplements for decades to boost immunity during cold and flu season or to treat viral infections. High doses of vitamin C have been used intravenously by many holistic healthcare practitioners to treat chronic and life-threatening diseases. Did you know it is also helpful for treating pain? Vitamin C and Pain   An excellent review of the research on vitamin C and the treatment of pain  was published in 2017 in the  Journal of Translational Medicine . Interestingly, the authors report that various stressors on the body, including having a viral illness, trauma, surgery or cancer, can deplete the body’s vitamin C levels and result in the development of, or increases in, pain. They report that lower serum concentrations of vitamin C are found in those with many pain conditions compared with healthy controls. These include those with neck and back pain, arthritis, CRPS, postherpetic neuralgia (pain after a shingl...

The Pain-Relieving Power of Helping Other

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Minimize image Edit image Delete image In this season of giving, people living with chronic pain may feel that they have nothing to give. Pain, whether physical or emotional, can feel all-consuming, isolating, and overwhelming. When you’re in the throes of chronic discomfort, the last thing you might think about is stepping outside your world to help someone else. Yet, science and lived experiences increasingly reveal a surprising truth: helping others can ease your own pain. This phenomenon is rooted in psychology, neurology, and the power of human connection. Let’s explore how lending a hand, offering support, or even sharing a smile can create a ripple effect of relief and healing. The Science Behind Helping and Healing Activating the Brain’s Reward System Acts of kindness and generosity stimulate the brain’s reward system. Neuroimaging studies show that helping others activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social bonding, and trust. This release of “feel-good...

The Real Reason for Pain Flares During the Holidays

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Have you ever noticed that your pain starts flaring up around the holidays? This is not an unusual experience. You may have thought that it was because of the additional physical demands of the holidays--there's so much extra to do. But that may not be the real reason you are having increased pain. The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many individuals, it can be a period of heightened stress and emotional turmoil, especially for those with unresolved trauma. This article will delve into the intricate relationship between pain and trauma during the holiday season and what you can do to minimize it. Understanding the Link: Effects of Unresolved Trauma:   Trauma, often stemming from past adverse experiences, especially with family, can linger in an individual's psychological and physical being. When   trauma   is not adequately addressed, it can manifest in various ways, including heightened anxiety, depression, and  physica...