When you hear the term ‘self-care,’ what does this bring to mind? Oddly, there are still people out there who interpret self-care as something that focuses purely on the self with little care or concern for others in the family, circle of friends or even in the community at large. According to the World Health Organization, WHO, self-care is anything but ‘selfish,’ self-centered.
It is a process whereby individuals, families and even entire communities can achieve healing with, or without, a healthcare provider. Therefore, if you are looking for ways to soothe what ails you so that you can be more effective, more present, to those around you, these three self-care procedures might be exactly what you need.
1. Cryogenics
This might elicit a chuckle from some of our more sci-fi leaning readers, but it’s not about putting yourself into a cryogenics chamber to be reawakened at some future point when there is a cure for what ails you. Cryogenics is actually a procedure being used by some of today’s leading athletes as a way to prepare for a particularly strenuous workout or to relieve and reduce inflammation after the exercise. Both provide increased healing and can be used as a whole-body procedure or local cryogenic therapy. A performance wellness center with advanced technology in cryogenics will offer this type of procedure as a therapeutic process for professional athletes and laypersons alike. It’s something worth investigating if you suffer from soreness or pain frequently.
2. Acupuncture
What can be said about acupuncture that you probably haven’t already read? Many people are almost afraid of going to an acupuncturist simply because it involves the use of needles being inserted through the skin, into the areas of the body causing pain or stress. Yes, acupuncture can offer a reduction in stress as well as in pain and this is why it has become one of the leading procedures for soothing self-care in use today.
It is a therapeutic procedure that has been around since at least 6000 BC, but at that time, needles weren’t in use. Evidence in China where acupuncture originated suggests that long, sharp bone fragments were used at that time. Something that has provided relief for this long a period of time must offer results, especially if performed by a licensed acupuncturist.
3. Massage
According to world renowned Mayo Clinic, massage is an effective self-care procedure that offers relief in a number of ways. These include:
- Stress reduction
- Increased relaxation
- Pain relief, especially from sore muscles
- Increase in energy due to improved circulation
- Improved immunity
Related reading: Try a Therapeutic Body Massage to Aid Natural Detox
The final bullet point above is particularly interesting at this point in time because of the tenacity of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that continues to mutate. While massage cannot, and should never, represent a way to provide immunity from Covid-19, it can help you to achieve a healthier, more stress-free way of life that are known to enhance immunity.
There is something to be said about our very real need to take care of ourselves before we can function to our potential in everyday life. Whether you are in need of relief today or are looking for ways to mitigate future pain, stress or anguish, these three soothing self-care procedures might be just what you need.
Massage image by Ale Romo Photography
