Even though it’s been the object of affection of science since the dawn of civilization, the human bodies still hide many mysteries. You’d think that modern medicine has it all figured out, but time and again, the body has responded better to traditional healing than to medical interventions and pharmaceuticals.
Sometimes, the strangest tricks can hold the key to healing your common ailments.
8 WEIRD HEALTH TIPS AND TRICKS
They really do work!
1. SOOTHE A SORE THROAT
A sore throat commands plenty of hot tea and honey, but there are plenty of other things you can do for lasting results. For one, gargle a saline solution (half a cup of hot water with a tablespoon of sea salt) every few hours to kill harmful bacteria.
For an itch that just won’t quit, scratch your ear!
Scott Schaffer, M.D. President of an ear, nose and throat specialty center in Gibbsboro, New Jersey., told Men’s health : “When the nerves in the ear are stimulated, it creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm. This spasm relieves the tickle.”
2. CALM YOUR NERVES
In time of intense stress, splash ice-cold water on your face as your hold your breath.
The cold will trigger the “mammalian diving reflex”, which optimizes the way your body uses oxygen, making you feel invigorated. Plus, getting a chill contracts your muscles; as they heat back up, your muscles will relax and you’ll feel instantly more calm.
Sipping cold water or taking a cold shower has a similar effect, so don’t be afraid to get a little cold once in awhile.
3. FIGHT YOUR FEAR OF NEEDLES
To make it through your next blood test, simply cough as the nurse inserts the needle. You might want to let her know that you’re going to do this beforehand, just to make sure she doesn’t miss her target!
Coughing will distract you from the sensation of the needle, so you’ll never have to be afraid again.
4. CLEAR STUFFY NOSE
When your nose is stuffy, it’s hard to focus on any other sensation.
To clear up the congestion, just press your tongue flat on the roof of your mouth, and apply pressure between your eyebrows using your tongue. Hold for 20 seconds, and release.
Your sinuses will drain into the back of your throat, and you’ll be able to breathe much easier.
5. PREVENT BURN SCARS
Instead of reaching for an ice pack after getting a 1st-degree burn, press the pads of your fingers directly on the affected area. This will slow your body’s homeostasis process and prevent nasty blisters as time goes by. Your skin will also heal naturally and scar-free.
6. RELIEVE TOOTHACHES INSTANTLY
If you have sensitive teeth and you feel a little pain coming on, grab an ice pack and place it on the back of your hand. Rub the pack back and forth between your index and thumb.
Your body will prioritize the sensation coming from your hand over the pain in your tooth and you won’t feel the ache anymore.
If that doesn’t work, there’s always clove oil!
7. FIGHT NERVOUSNESS
Some people are prone to getting butterflies in their stomach than others, but there are tricks that can help them keep calm and carry on.
For one, blowing on your thumb is a great way to relax. This simple task forces you to focus on your breath, calming your vagus never and slowing down your heart rate.
8. INSTANT MIGRAINE RELIEF
Get relief without painkillers by applying pressure to the muscles between your right index and thumb using your left thumb and middle finger. Hold for 2 minutes and repeat on the opposite hand.
This spot on your hand is a pressure point used in acupressure to relieve tension and promote blood flow.
