Managing Pain

WHAT TO DO ABOUT PAIN:
Here is a list of ways to deal with pain without taking pain pills. The best part is that some of these not only help deal with pain but also help you HEAL in the process!

• Cramp Bark - hands down this is the best! I would say that it's as powerful as taking an ibuprofen. I have found it only in a tincture. You can purchase it through Amazon.  (I have also seen it in pill form but as a blend with other things in it which you have to be careful about. For example, if it has Black Cohosh in it you would not want to take it because that is an estrogen.) Cramp Bark tincture works within seconds/minutes. I keep it in my purse! I buy Herb Pharm brand. I recommend taking a few drops every day because Cramp Bark helps block the process of endometriosis in the body. For pain management I take a full dropper. 
• Ginger Root - Ginger root has the ability to warm the body which helps create circulation. It also aids in digestion. 2 caps of ginger root every hour during pain. I've been amazed at how much this can help menstrual cramping! It is also anti-inflammatory and since endometriosis is an inflammation disease this helps a lot.
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine - Of all the supplements I've read and studied for endometriosis this is hands down the very best in detoxing the body. As a powerful antioxidant it detoxes and protects the liver. It pulls out heavy metals (great if you have dental metal in your mouth that is causing liver toxin overload), it pulls excess estrogen out of the body, and even fights cancer. This is the most agreed upon supplement from women suffering from endo that I've come across. Using this supplement long term can help bring pain levels down as you heal.
• Castor Oil Pack - I do this as well especially when I'm swelling in the abdomen. It really helps the pain. You have to use a non-processed type of castor oil though. I buy the NOW brand at Super Supplements.
  Here are instructions on how to do a castor oil pack. This works best when you are going to be home since it stains your clothing.  
• Tumeric - Tumeric is a seasoning (root) usually used in Indian food with other seasonings such as curry. Tumeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. I try to use tumeric daily in my cooking in some form even if I just dump some of it into some applesauce to get it down really quick. 
• Yoga - I've used the first 4 or so of these yoga youtube videos and they have really helped when I'm in a lot of pain. I have found that my pain will come and go in waves so the yoga can help get me through a rough hour or two and then my body gives me a break before another wave of pain hits.
• Tens Machine - A tens machine can help get you through the peak of pain and make it manageable until other pain solutions kick in. 
• Grounding/Earthing - Grounding the body helps reduce inflammation. Consider sleeping on a grounding mat from a company like Earthing.com.
• Raw Carrot - Raw carrot pulls excess estrogen out of the body which can help lower pain levels. Try eating a raw carrot every day. 
• De-stressing - I really try to keep my self from any stress in the height of pain. I seek out relaxation. Bubble bath, shower, massage (look for a massage school in your area-they usually offer 1/2 priced massages), nap, if I'm not in too much pain a leisurely walk can be relaxing for me, a good book, etc. Find things that you enjoy that relax you. When your body is stressed it stops producing progesterone (which the drop in progesterone makes estrogen rise) and instead produces a hormone (cortisol) to cope with stress. So keeping stress low helps keep the progesterone production where you want it during that time. Holy Basil Trinity Formula is a great herb to help suppress cortisol which allows your body to still produce progesterone.
• Tapping - (EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique) I'm experimenting with this for pain. So far I'm finding that it does help. I have found that it helps to relax me really well. I know that it probably sounds like new-age-voodu! but the more I'm learning about acupuncture/acupressure, I see why this actually works. It doesn't really have to do so much with the "words" that you say when you tap so much as the pressure points. I use my own words and tell my body to relax and let go of pain and that seems to help…again, especially the relaxing part which is a big part of dealing with pain. Here is my favorite tapping (EFT) how-to video. ZPoint Processing is another great tool for dealing with emotional/stress issues.
• When I'm in the peak of pain I'm very cautious about what I eat. I stay completely away from sugar during the peak of pain because I've noticed a direct trigger with sugar and pain for me. So I would encourage you to pay close attention to what you eat and how it makes you feel in the 30 minutes following what you eat. Everyone is different and one trigger for one person may not be a trigger for another. If you identify certain triggers then you can avoid those during the peak of pain times. 
• The Endo Diet - this of course helps lower pain. 
• Devil's Claw - this is a herb my new ND just recommended for endo pain that I have just started trying. Do note that Devil's Claw should not be taken if stomach ulcers are present. This is what I've learned about Devil's Claw: 

"Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is named for the tiny hooks that cover its fruit. Devil’s claw root has been used for thousands of years in Africa for pain reduction. Devils claw root contains phytochemicals known as iridoid glycosides, including harpagoside, that have soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that taking devil’s claw root significantly reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with joint pain."

Which makes a lot of sense since joint pain/fybramyalgia and inflammation are usually a part of endometriosis.