As always, conversations began, and discussions of alternate therapies happened. My massages are an important part of my health plan. They help relax me, the lymph drainage ones help the swelling on my legs, and the reflexology lets me know sometimes of issues that I wasn't aware of.
I have been a fan and user of alternate therapies for many decades, and as my health has deteriorated with age, and I have an inability to take many drugs, I am thankful for the knowledge I have accrued over those years.
My "go to" for pain is an essential oil blend, which - when massaged on hips or back - alleviates it. To relax, and to help me sleep, I have lavender oil and a lavender pillow spray. Aromatherapy has also been a mainstay, has different fragrances provide different moods, some uplifting, some soothing.
My "go to" for colds and flu, since so many over the counter products are unsuitable for people like me with high blood pressure and heart issues, has always been Vicks vapor rub. It goes on the soles of my feet, along my sinuses, under my nose, around my throat, and on my chest and back. I have been a Vicks fan since my childhood, and have sometimes have even used it as a rub for pain when I have not had any essential oils to take care of it.
I also use foods to help with various issues that I have. I eat plenty of fruit, which helps lower blood pressure. I drink cherry juice or eat cherries, to help my arthritis. I add lemon juice to my water, and sometimes cucumber, as they are natural diuretics for the body. In moderation, I use sunlight to get my vitamin D. When my heart goes really slow, I will eat something spicy as that helps boost metabolism. Since I don't usually drink any caffeinated drinks, when my heart rate drops below 40 I will often have a couple of sips of my husband's soda to help boost it.
I also pedal on my elliptical bike to help raise it longer term. Most days, every couple of hours, I will pedal for 10, 15, or 20 minutes, just to keep it at a reasonable rate. The exercise is obviously also helping me to lose weight and tone up the muscles that my immobility leave slacking.
There are certain drugs that I must take basically to stay alive, but for most of my other ailments and issues, I stick with the natural. And another way that I lower my blood pressure, something that I find soothing, is to watch water - rivers, waterfalls, and streams. They provide me with my peaceful places that help to calm me.
With everything that I deal with, my doctor says that I am still one of her healthiest patients. I guess I must be doing something right.
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