It is approximately three quarters of the adult world population that currently wear contact lenses or glasses. This is a huge number of people. While needing glasses is not viewed as a serious eye condition, and as we can see, it is very common, it is still seen as a hindrance or problem for many. Some people never find them comfortable; some people’s eyes seem to reject contact lenses. And even for those who don’t mind wearing them, there are times when glasses really get in the way or cause a problem. For example, swimming isn’t possible with glasses on. And what about when you are outside in the rain? Talk about irritating! While some may feel that wearing glasses or contact lenses is a fact of life now, it doesn’t have to be. What if you didn’t have to wear them ever again? Of course, we are talking about the option of laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery is becoming increasingly popular and has a very high success rate. Speaking from personal experience, I know a number of people who have had it done and they have all been very happy with the results and recommend it to everyone else. But so far, lasik eye surgery has been the most common choice for people. Now however, ilasik has been introduced and, while still gaining popularity, it is proving even more successful than lasik. So, I hear you asking, where can I get ilasik near me?

More and more places are now offering ilasik eye surgery as an alternative to lasik eye surgery so you should be able to find somewhere that can do the procedure for you. Of course, you don’t want to choose just anywhere. You want to make sure that the place you opt for has been fully trained in this procedure, having both the knowledge and experience your eyes deserve. You also want to find a place that has many good reviews and testimonials from people who can recommend this procedure to you. As I mentioned earlier, I know of a number of people who have had the different laser eye surgeries available. If this is the case for you, speak to all those you know and ask for their recommendations. These are very safe procedures, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still search for the best options available to you. Whichever you decide on, lasik or ilasik, I’m sure you will be happy with the results.

 

Tick infestation is consistently rated as the most common issue that dog owners face. Especially in recent times, ticks have been more resilient and widespread, making them a year-round threat. Typically, dealing with tick infestation involves purchasing various over-the-counter insect control products for pets. However, this strategy can quickly snowball into a money pit as it gets increasingly tedious and expensive. Additionally, different health and wellness institutions have recently flagged some over-the-counter products due to the dangers they bring to your pet’s condition.

Dealing with ticks is an extensive procedure that requires careful consideration and caution. In general cases, here are some things to do if your pet has ticks. Although nothing can beat the service of a veterinary professional, there are some medically proven alternatives to which you can resort to.

Apple cider vinegar

Ticks leech on blood by attaching themselves to your pet’s body. Apple cider vinegar includes natural substances which make your dog’s bloodless appetizing to ticks. This is done by adding a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water dish. With this strategy, you are preventing ticks from attaching themselves to your dogs in the first place.

Garlic

Garlic works in essentially the same manner as apple cider vinegar. Natural substances in garlic and other garlic-based mixtures make your dog’s bloodlessness attractive to ticks. However, it is critical to note that large doses of garlic are unsafe for dogs. As such, it is important that you conduct extensive research and consult with professionals before integrating garlic products into your dog’s diet.

Herbal additives to collars

Commercial tick collars are available which supposedly offer protection to your pets through special chemical compounds. However, these products often subject your pets to prolonged exposure to potentially harmful substances. A good alternative for commercial tick collars is herbal collars which are made from natural substances. Additionally, you may also create your own herbal tick collar by regularly applying essential oils to your pet’s collar.

Citrus repellants

Multiple studies show that the organic compounds inside citrus plants such as lemons and limes are excellent deterrents against ticks. Homemade citrus-based solutions are great and effective alternatives to commercially available sprays. A simple example would be to boil halved lemons in water and let them cool down and soak overnight. By morning, the solution should be ready for use. Apply a couple of sprays to your dog’s coat after a bath or whenever necessary. Alternatively, you may also simply use freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and lightly rub them onto your dog’s fur before taking them out on a walk or some other trip.

Prevention is always better than cure. Regarding your pet’s health, it is always important to keep an eye out for signs, symptoms, and warnings and to effectively deal with them long before they turn into complications.

At the end of the day, securing the health and safety of your pets need not be an expensive task. There are various alternatives you can consider which are equally effective yet are available at drastically lower prices. Natural remedies are best suited for this application because they are usually mild and non-aggressive, unlike commercial products. Additionally, they also tend to be efficient and sustainable because they are derived from materials that are renewable and easily accessible materialise. Nevertheless, caution is required no matter what kind of products you use with your pets. Even natural alternatives that are mild can be harmful to your pets at certain doses or levels. Be sure to do advanced research and consult the relevant health professionals before proceeding.

Reference(s):

• https://www.dogseechew.in/blog/home-remedies-for-ticks-in-dogs#:~:text=1.,a%20walk%20or%20short%20trips.
• https://www.dermagic.com/blogs/dermagic/how-to-prevent-and-get-rid-of-ticks

 

Know Your Skin Type

Your skin type is the first thing you should know to find the skincare that works for you. You might already know about possible skin types—oily, dry, combination, and sensitive.

• Standard skin type is not too oily or dry. It doesn’t have many visible pores.
• Combination skin is a complex skin type. It is oily and dry. Most people with a combination skin type have an oily T zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Combination skin is oily and has open pores and blackheads. You need different skincare for different parts of your skin.
• Dry skin is rough, reddish, dry, itchy, and less elastic throughout the year.
• Oily skin has large open pores, blackheads, shiny pimples, and blemishes.

Are you sure about your skin type now? If yes, let’s choose the best skincare for you!

Use Organic Skincare

You should try buying some organic skin care products because they don’t include harsh chemicals like everyday skincare products. If you are using organic skincare, you will have fewer chances of having allergies or irritation.

An organic skincare set will be less aggressive for your skin. It includes organic cleansing water, natural toner, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. It should consist of a double cleansing product if you have a combination or oily skin.

Note The Products That Irritate Your Skin

Sometimes, you use some skincare products, but your skin doesn’t feel good after using them. It must be because that skin care is not your type. If your skin feels irritated, itchy, has hyperpigmentation, feels tight, and looks red after using it, you must be using the wrong skincare. You should avoid this specific skincare if you see any of these symptoms after use.

Check The Ingredients Before Buying

Suppose you are buying skincare products for yourself. You should take your time to look into the ingredients of the skincare. If that product has formaldehyde, parabens, alcohol, synthetic fragrance, retinol, or aluminum, you should avoid buying them. These elements can be aggressive for your skin.

Buy A Skincare Set

If you are buying a skincare set, the first thing to do is to consider your skin type. Search for some skincare sets according to your skin type and check their ingredients. Get reviews and suggestions from your dermatologist.

Your skincare set must include some essential products. A good skincare set consists of a cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturizer. Then, if your skin gets used to it, add some more products, but don’t overuse them.

Test Your Skincare Products

Check if it’s working. In that case, you will:

• have even tone
• less acne
• smooth to touch the skin
• feel less itchy, etc

Wait For The Results For At Least 28 Days!

Few skincare products may make your skin itchy because your skin is healing. If itchiness doesn’t last for more than 3 days, then keep using that product. Remember that each skincare requires at least 28 days to show its results ultimately.

 

Hemp is an organic source of CBD and a type of cannabis, which is considered a superior substitute to tobacco. Often people have a wrong notion of characterizing marijuana and hemp; when the case is, both are different! So, whenever you consume marijuana through smoking, the core inhaling component is THC, a chemical compound causing psychoactive effects.

On the other hand, while smoking hemp, you’re inhaling CBD, which has umpteen health benefits. So, without any further delay, let’s see 4 absolute benefits of consuming hemp cigarettes!

These aren’t addictive

Do you have a high propensity for tobacco cigarettes besides knowing they have high nicotine %? But as far as hemp cigarettes are concerned, they don’t contain nicotine, and you will never get hooked on them! The surprising fact is that hemp cigarettes can aid you in quitting tobacco ones.

An evidence-based medical study proved that hemp cigarettes could help you eliminate the desire for nicotine. So, if you’ve recently purchased a few hemp cigarettes and want them to keep somewhere safe, you need top-notch packaging! Hempak is the best and most customized packaging solution to preserve hemp products.

It boosts sleep quality

It’s challenging for some people to get a sound sleep at night as everyone lives a busy life, where they must juggle several things around them. Therefore, smoking hemp is the best option for improving your sleep quality and a top-notch alternative to sleeping pills as they are natural and not addictive.

In addition, the infused CBD portion in hemp collaborates with your sleep receptors, which boosts your sleeping pattern.

Smoking hemp is a perfect alternative to vaping

The initial idea was that vaping would be a much safer alternative to smoking when it’s become popularized. But after that, a wide array of breathing and health issues have stemmed from vaping over the years, which allowed smoking hemp as a much better option to consume CBD! However, with the stringent regulation on hemp, you must know what you’re buying and that the presence of CBD in hemp can benefit you vs. just filling a gap.

They fight inflammation

Inflammation is a severe concern in western countries, leading to serious health disorders, such as achy joints, stiffness, and acute pain. Therefore, it’s the most significant reason physicians travel additional miles to diagnose their patients for inflammation. But smoking hemp upholds healthy inflammation functions as CBD oil in the hemp cigarettes lowered aches inflammation.

Conclusion

The aforementioned health benefits of hemp cigarettes are pretty surprising because you might not have known smoking is better than vaping hemp! However, apart from all these benefits mentioned above, hemp cigarettes can help with depression, addiction, and anxiety issues.

These are being smoked by people globally and if anyone frowns on your hemp cigarette smoking, tell them its excellent benefits. The best part is that if you’re worried about exposing yourself to cancer, there’s no proof that smoking hemp can cause cancer. So, improve your quality of life with hemp!

Do you have any questions about this article? Click here to contact us today.  

 

Due to their immense health benefits, you must be well-acquainted with pumpkin, chia seeds, and even sunflower seeds due to their tremendous health benefits! But what about hemp seeds; have you added them to the list?

These edible seeds are intensely nutrient-enriched, which means the 3 tbsp of hemp seeds provides 10 gms of protein, 166 calories, 14 gms of anti-inflammatory fat, 2.5 gms of carb, and 1 gm of fibre.

You may consume them by sprinkling a drizzle on your daily diet or blending them into shakes or smoothies. As a powerhouse of nutrients, hemp seeds are renowned for their tremendous health benefits, as shown below.

1. Boosts immunity levels

With the maximum concentration of vital fatty acids, hemp seeds increase oxygen transport to your cells. Therefore, cells possessing more oxygen can easily impede fungal and bacterial infections.

In addition, hemp seeds offer plenty of nutrients, for example, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. All these vital nutrients boost immunity, generating antibodies at a cellular level and fighting those bacteria in the body.

1. Soothes insomnia

Are you an insomnia patient? Grab a handful of quality hemp seeds and get a relaxing sleep for 8 hours. These seeds are brimming with magnesium, known for relaxing and calming feelings throughout the body. However, a single scoop of hemp seed consists of 50% of the regularly recommended dosage of magnesium.

Are you worried about containing the hemp seeds as they might deteriorate their quality if left in the open air? Try custom hemp packaging today to maximize its shelf life!

1. Reinforces weight loss

Because of fibre and dietary fats, consuming hemp seeds will aid you in feeling fulfilled for prolonged hours. In addition, they reduce the appetite that takes you in the vicinity to achieving your weight loss mottos.

All you need to remember is that because of their high-fat %; it contains a high number of calories. As it’s an FSSAI-approved food product, different loops of hemp are available in the market.

1. Hemp seeds reduce skin disorders

The fatty acids might affect immune responses in your body, and as per the study, your immune system depends on the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These seeds are an incredible source of essential and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

They possess about a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. As per the studies, using hemp seed oil for those with eczema might boost blood levels of vital fatty acids. Moreover, this oil soothes dry skin problem and reduce the skin medication need and itchiness.

Conclusion

To summarize, hemp seeds are enriched with antioxidants and can be cherished differently. You may easily buy these products in the leading eCommerce stores or supermarkets. It’s high time to try out different hemp products and be creative in the kitchen by adding them to delectable dishes and sweets. The most fantastic fun fact is out of the three million+ edible plants on our planet, there’s no plant source like hemp, which is as awesome as compared to its nutritional values.

 

 

Tea has a long and complex history, dating back thousands of years. The first recorded mention of tea comes from China, which was used as a medicinal drink. Tea quickly became popular in China, and by the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), it had become the country’s most popular drink.

In the 8th century, tea began to spread to other parts of Asia. It was introduced to Japan in the 9th century and Korea in the 10th century. By the 12th century, tea had also reached Europe.

The popularity of tea continued to grow over the centuries, and it is now one of the most popular drinks in the world. Thanks to its many health benefits, tea is now consumed not just as a beverage but also as a medicinal drink. Here are five of the best teas in the world and their health benefits.

Green Tea

People make green tea from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s common in countries like Japan, China, and Korea. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

Green tea has been shown to improve brain function and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. It may also help prevent breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer.

In addition to its many health benefits, green tea is also a good source of caffeine. Caffeine can improve brain function, mental alertness, and memory.

Unlike other teas on this list, green tea can be pretty picky if you want to extract all the vitamins and necessary minerals. However, by preparing it right, you can ensure you can get the best out of your green tea. Start by getting an electric gooseneck kettle temperature control. By getting this equipment, you can slowly brew your green tea. You should also adjust the temperature to around 175-185 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this will help preserve the antioxidants in your green tea. Through this, you can prepare the perfect green tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s most common in China. Unlike green tea, black tea is oxidized, which gives it its dark color.

Black tea is rich in antioxidants and has improved heart health. It may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Black tea may also reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, black tea contains caffeine, which improves brain function and overall alertness.

Brewing black tea is a lot simpler than green tea. Start by boiling water and then pour it over your teabag or leaves. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes before removing the leaves or bag.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is an aromatic flower that people continued to cultivate for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. The Egyptians were some of the first to cultivate chamomile, and they used it as a healing herb and perfume. The Greeks and Romans also prized this versatile herb to treat various ailments, including asthma, insomnia, and indigestion.

Chamomile tea is one of the most popular ways to enjoy this herb’s healing properties. The tea has a sweet, apple-like flavor and is naturally caffeine-free. Chamomile is effective in treating various conditions such as anxiety, PMS symptoms, and stomach problems. It can also help promote restful sleep. The tea is also common in Egypt, Israel, India, and the United Kingdom.

Ginger Tea

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a popular spice that has been used for centuries in Asian cooking. Ginger is also a well-known remedy for nausea and upset stomach.

Ginger tea is made by steeping fresh ginger root or ground ginger in hot water. The resulting tea has a warm, spicy flavor and can be enjoyed with or without sweeteners like honey.

Ginger tea has many health benefits, including relieving nausea, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. It may also help control and regulate your body’s blood sugar levels.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint that has been used for centuries as a culinary herb and natural remedy.

Peppermint tea is made by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in hot water. The resulting tea has a refreshing, minty flavor, and people can enjoy it with or without sweeteners like honey.

Much like ginger tea, peppermint tea can help regulate blood sugar levels. But it can also help with fever and other illnesses. It can also help regulate body temperature if it’s too cold inside your home.

Tea is one of the oldest beverages in the world and has been enjoyed for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. Each type of tea has unique health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Drinking tea daily can ensure you get the most out of these health benefits.

If you want to be beautiful every day as well as reduce the signs of ageing, then you must be aware to implement a skin care regime on a daily basis. Indeed, implementing a good skincare routine is essential if you are looking to preserve the health of your skin, as well as look radiant on a daily basis. Furthermore, you must also be aware to choose the right type of skin care products, if you are looking to implement a skin care regime. If you are looking for suppliers of a variety of natural skincare products in Australia, then you must think about carrying out research because you will be able to identify several companies that you can contact about the various products that are available on the market.

Reduce the signs of ageing

If you want to make sure your skin stays in great condition every day, then you must think about implementing a daily skin care regime. Furthermore, if you are looking for a variety of products, including natural skincare from Rococo Botanicals you must check a search engine, so that you can identify a supplier in Australia. You can also choose from a wide variety of skincare products to help you achieve fantastic skin while using a combination of cleanser, toner and moisturiser is essential if you are looking to provide your skin with the care that it needs to remain youthful looking every day.

Look youthful every day

Another reason that you should think about implementing a skin care regime on a daily basis is so that you can look more youthful. Indeed, as you get older your skin cells will regenerate slowly, making your skin look less radiant. As a consequence, if you are looking for a quality skincare product, you must think about talking to a specialist company in Australia as quickly as you can. You can also look youthful as a result of implementing a daily skin care regime using a variety of natural skincare products. By contacting a specialist supplier of natural skincare products, you can identify an appropriate skin care regime that you can use every day.

Improve your self-confidence

Lastly, if you are looking for a great way to improve your self-confidence, you should implement a daily skin care regime because you can help your skin to look better as well as reduce the signs of acne or other skin conditions. Moreover, choosing the right type of natural skincare products that are available on the market is essential, so you can create a youthful look every day.

• Reduce the signs of ageing, by implementing a daily skin care regime
• Look youthful every day
• Improve your self-confidence, by improving the condition of your skin

To conclude, if you are looking to reduce the signs of ageing, including removing the presence of wrinkles around your eyes so that you can look youthful every day and improve your self-confidence you must consider implementing a daily skin care regime using a variety of natural skincare products from a reputable supplier in Australia.

 

If there’s one thing people fear in life, it’s being in a situation where they are facing chronic pain with no healthy recourse for relief. Our medical science has created incredibly powerful painkillers, and one would hope that such medicines would be the end of pain, and in the physical sense of the word, they do mean the end of pain. However, the side-effects and potential for addiction means they can’t just be doled out to anyone who wants them.

This reality has forced countless people to seek alternatives to pain medication, remedies that are more natural and don’t come with added side-effects. The following examples may not all relieve one of pain permanently, or even immediately, but they’ve all been shown to benefit those who are suffering from chronic pain.

1. Medicinal Cannabis

It’s known to many simply as a drug, but what is medicinal cannabis? Cannabis for medical use and pain relief comes in different forms, but its active ingredients like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are part of what give it its pain-relieving properties. To address a limited range of medical complaints, doctors around the world have started looking more at prescribing patients with medicinal cannabis products as a more natural way to help.

People suffering from glaucoma, cancer, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions have found a great deal of pain relief from medicinal cannabis. It is still very strictly regulated, and despite many people wishing it were more freely available, it’s only prescribed in more extreme cases where alternatives are not really an option.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice that is as old as civilisation itself, tracing its roots back thousands of years to ancient China. For those not in the know, acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the body at various key points with special needles, the goal of which is to restore the body’s “Qi” (life energy) to its proper flow and balance.

When the Qi is flowing properly, practitioners believe that it will help to relieve pain and other symptoms that present themselves during times of illness. To some it all sounds rather far-fetched, but there’s a growing body of evidence and opinion that acupuncture does have real application as an alternative treatment to chronic pain.

3. Massage

This alternative is likely the most familiar on the list; something that people may have even tried in some context before. We tend to think of massages as just a way of relaxing ourselves after a stressful day, perhaps while enjoying other great facilities at a hotel or spa. However, there’s a real science behind massage techniques that work to resolve muscle and joint pain, and restore the body back to equilibrium.

Even a single session of massage can do wonders for the body, delivering many hours and even days of comfort. What’s more, it’s a popular alternative because it’s widely available, and affordable as a service, even when engaged privately.

4. Kava

Special tea drinks derived from pure kava root — a special plant that grows in Polynesia — have long been used in the Pacific islands as a method for relaxation and recreation. Kava contains active ingredients that have a similar effect on the mind and body to alcohol, but without spells of blacking out or a dreadful hangover the next day.

It has been used by some in their quest for a less harsh and easy-to-prepare form of stress relief that’s also far less addictive than medication. It has been shown as especially useful for those who are looking for a way to relax properly before getting a good night’s sleep.

Physical and mental ailments affect us in so many ways, sometimes even preventing us from carrying out what at one time were the most everyday and mundane of activities for us. For Victorians suffering in this way, it takes a professional health care team in Melbourne to get people back on their feet, and in particular it takes the help of an occupational therapist.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

When we are facing any kind of illness or problem that impacts our ability to live normally and independently from day to day, an occupational therapist may come along with special therapeutic techniques that use our everyday activities and occupations to rehabilitate our capacity.

In a physical sense, it might be that we’ve lost our conventional strength, sense of balance or coordination, perhaps after suffering through something like a car accident or a stroke. We might be fine in most other ways, but without that strength we once had, we might not be able to even lift a kettle full of water, cut wood for a fire, or haul heavy grocery bags. A course of occupational therapy (OT) can help restore that strength to us.

Common mental abilities that an occupational therapist may help us with include memory, organisation skills, and coping strategies after something like a bereavement or being diagnosed with a particular illness.

The practice of OT is not always about overcoming a disability or other physical/mental obstacle outright. More often, the broader goal is to help patients recover a normal, independent lifestyle where they can use the abilities they still have and thus better cope with and adapt to a new situation.

How Does an Occupational Therapist Benefit Patients?

There are some who might wonder why OT is really beneficial if the main goal isn’t to cure people of what ails them. The fact is that there are many situations that occupational therapists help with that are not a “cure or no cure” situation, for example a patient who has lost a limb in an accident, or due to an illness. There’s no “cure” but the patient does need help to cope with their new limitations.

Broadly speaking, OT benefits patients by helping them first with coping and adapting to new situations, and secondly by helping people restore a broken life to normality.

1. Coping and Adapting

So, the first and most important benefit is that OT benefits patients in that it helps them adapt to new physical and mental realities. Learning to get around any limitations that have been foisted upon them allows them to live a much more normal, fulfilling and enjoyable life. There are so many instances where patients may start to feel extremely low, even depressed, as they imagine their future while going through whatever is happening to them.

What an occupational therapist does in many ways is help change that pessimistic vision into a more hopeful one by demonstrating the alternatives. Imagine someone whose neck injury had them convinced they’d never be able to indulge in their favourite pastime of cooking again. An occupational therapist knows, for example, that changes to the layout of the kitchen, such as raising the countertops, might well be the key to them retaining that little pleasure in life.

2. Restoration

In other cases, OT can absolutely help people regain lost strengths and abilities, which in turn helps people return to their normal pre-ailment life, regain their abilities in sports, to return to work or school, and to continue to live independently. This marks a significant improvement compared to a pre-therapy situation in which they may have been looking at extended hospital stays, prolonged periods of physical or mental care in institutions, and more.

If you’re a Victorian and are suffering from acute or chronic neck and back pain, then probably the best response is to seek an experienced chiropractor in Melbourne for help. However, sometimes the pain can get too much to bear and you need a more immediate way to respond to provide you at least with enough comfort until you can consult with an experienced medical professional.

For those in this position, the following advice should prove extremely useful, and will hopefully assist you in restoring some equilibrium to your neck and back without any harsh measures or need to take painkillers.

1. Relax and Take it Easy

A lot of the time, especially when suffering from acute back pain, the best way to deal with it is just to take a load off, relax, and restrict your movements for a few days. If you combine this with simple over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, you may resolve whatever issue it was, perhaps causing overly tensed or pulled muscles to relax and unknot themselves.

Acute pain can sometimes feel as though you’ll never recover, which is why some people freeze in awkward positions, slowly lowering themselves to the ground or to a bed or sofa just as fast as their pain threshold allows them too. As dramatic as it can feel to sufferers, and look to those around you, there’s rarely any cause for panic.

2. Ice First, Then Heat to Follow

Some people forget the particular order of application when it comes to cold and heat when helping people with back pain. They know that ice and heat both help, but they do need to be applied correctly. First you have to apply ice to the affected area, potentially for the first 48 hours of pain or injury. Only after reaching the milestones should you start applying heat to increase blood flow and help to relax the muscles.

The ice helps to reduce the swelling and inflammation, which is what helps relieve the pain coming from your muscles and ligaments. It doesn’t last forever, though, and that’s why after a maximum of 48 hours, heat is applied to the affected area to promote blood flow to the deep tissue.

3. Gentle Massage

Whether you call someone up for a professional consultation, or you just have a family member, friend, or other loved one with some experience to help you, performing a massage of the affected area can really work wonders. Stretching out the tightened muscles and working them back to a more natural state can really help provide temporary relief. The more skilled and experienced the massage therapist, of course, the more they can do for you.

4. Look at Your Standing and Sitting Positions

How would you rate your normal posture when you’re sitting and standing? Did you know that posture can have a huge bearing on your overall neck and back health? If you stand slouched for long periods of time, it can exacerbate existing pain or even bring about added pain, and the same goes for sitting. Stand up straight with your head up and shoulders straight as much as you can. When sitting, have your knees and hips at a right angle, and feet flat on the floor.

5. Lie on a Firm and Supportive Surface

If you are experiencing acute back pain, then you can also gain some temporary relief by ensuring that you lie down on a firm and supportive surface. In your mind you may crave a soft mattress, but what you really need most is proper support. You can put a board under your mattress for additional firmness, or lay the mattress on the floor. For your neck, ensure that you have a pillow that will support the curve of the neck as you lie down.