Tag: pain management

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Healing Through Movement: Yoga for Chronic Pain Management

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

Chronic pain is a relentless and often isolating experience, affecting not just the body but also the mind and spirit. While conventional medical treatments remain essential, an integrative approach that includes yoga can offer significant relief.

Yoga, an ancient practice combining physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation, provides a holistic pathway for those navigating chronic pain. Unlike high-impact exercises that may worsen discomfort, yoga emphasizes gentle, mindful movements that gradually enhance strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Simple poses such as Cat-Cow and Child’s Pose target back pain, while the use of props like blocks and bolsters allows practitioners to experience deep relaxation without strain. Breathwork, or pranayama, plays a critical role by calming the nervous system, which in turn helps reduce the body’s perception of pain. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga nurtures a meditative awareness that helps individuals observe their pain without judgment.

This mindful approach separates the sensation of pain from the emotional distress that often accompanies it, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-management. By engaging both mind and body, yoga transforms the experience of chronic pain from passive suffering into an active journey of healing and well-being.

Through consistent practice, individuals not only experience relief but also reclaim a sense of control, balance, and vitality in their daily lives.

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Recognizing and Managing Severe Dengue: A Comprehensive Guide on National Dengue Day

allycaralgoa

Written by Intern Elsa De Souza, Team Allycaral

May 16 – National Dengue Day, Dengue fever is a serious mosquito-borne illness that can escalate into severe dengue if not recognized and managed promptly. Understanding the early warning signs, severe symptoms, and appropriate management strategies is crucial to preventing complications and ensuring a swift recovery.

The onset of dengue fever is often marked by sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and mild bleeding manifestations such as nosebleeds or gum bleeding. These symptoms can be misleadingly similar to those of other viral infections, making it essential to monitor them closely.

If these symptoms worsen after the fever subsides, typically around the 3rd to 7th day, it could signal the progression to severe dengue. Severe dengue is characterized by more critical symptoms that necessitate immediate medical intervention, including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, and the presence of blood in vomit or stool.

Dehydration is a significant risk in dengue fever, exacerbated by symptoms like fever, vomiting, and poor appetite. Maintaining hydration is vital to support the body’s recovery process and prevent complications. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, coconut water, and clear soups can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.

In managing dengue symptoms, it’s crucial to avoid painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding. Instead, paracetamol can be used under a doctor’s advice to manage pain and fever. Recovery from dengue fever requires ample rest, avoiding physical activity and ensuring plenty of sleep to direct energy towards fighting the infection and recovering.

Regular blood tests are essential for tracking platelet levels, which can drop significantly in dengue patients. A substantial decrease in platelet count may necessitate hospitalization to monitor and manage the condition more effectively. Perhaps the most critical aspect of managing dengue is seeking medical help without delay, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

By understanding the early warning signs, severe symptoms, and appropriate management strategies for dengue, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and seek timely medical intervention. Awareness and prompt action are key to preventing the progression of dengue fever to its more severe forms.