Staying Open-Minded About Your Healthcare

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.

The Differences Between Odorless And Odorous Pain Relief Cream And Why It May Matter

Health & Medical Blog

If you have never purchased joint pain relief cream, then you may be in for a surprise. Many of these creams have some sort of odor to them. Some people like the odor, others do not. There are some valid reasons as to why the manufacturers have odorous creams, but if you do not like the smells then you can always try an odorless version. Besides not having a smell, there are some other differences between odorless and odorous pain relief creams, and it may matter to you in the long run.

Why the Odors Are Present

When you buy joint pain relief cream, they often have a strong smell of eucalyptus, menthol, lilac, etc. Each of these smells is actually indicative of an ingredient present in the cream. for example, menthol may be present because it provides a cooling effect on the pain you feel. Eucalyptus helps open blood vessels to speed healing and flush out toxins. Lilac tends to soothe and calm your nerves so that the pain is less intense. However, these smelly ingredients may also be overpowering too, in which case you may may want to leave them behind.

Using an Odorless Cream Instead

There are any number of odorless and colorless joint pain creams and ointments on the market. They are purportedly as effective as their smellier versions, but the effects may not last as long. You may have to experiment with several odorless creams to find one that relieves pain the longest for you. If you and your significant other do not mind the smell at home, you may consider using an odorless cream at work or outside of the house, and reserving an odorous one for use at home and indoors only. (Keep in mind that some of the smells of these creams may dilute under the shower, but there may still be a lingering scent after bathing.)

The Main Pain-Relieving Ingredients Are Different Too

The pain-relieving ingredients in these creams and ointments vary widely. Some may be able to relieve pain by sinking into the skin and entering the blood stream through absorption, while others are topical anti-inflammatories that work on just the inflamed tissues. Stronger, more powerful pain relief often accompanies the odorous creams and ointments, which is why many people end up settling for these and learning to tolerate the smells. However, you may have a very sensitive olfactory nerve, in which case you may have to use the odorless creams and reapply them with a little more frequency to get continued relief.

For more information, contact Icon Health or a similar company.

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26 May 2016