I'm considering trying acupuncture. I believe that it's form of healing that's been hidden from us in the west for sinister reasons (but I may be getting into conspiracy territory here, but I'm fine with that.) Is chi real? In my experience, yes, I've felt it. I feel it everyday.
I've tried every herbal remedy I can come up with, Valerian, Holy Basil, Chamomile. I've got some Kava Kava in the cupboard but what I read about possible liver issues stops me from trying it. Valerian is awesome for sleep but it kind of smells like dirty sweat socks. Out of all the herbs I've tried thus far, Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil) has been the best. It helps calm you but most of all it's got a strong anti-inflammatory effect to it.
Plant used in Chinese medicine fights chronic pain
A plant used for centuries as a pain reliever in Chinese medicine may be just what the doctor ordered, especially when it comes to chronic pain. A key pain-relieving ingredient is a compound known as dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) found in the roots of the flowering plant Corydalis, a member of the poppy family, according to researchers who report their findings in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on January 2.
"Our study reports the discovery of a new natural product that can relieve pain," says Olivier Civelli of the University of California, Irvine. "This analgesic acts in animal assays against the three types of pain that afflict humans, including acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic or chronic pain."
It looks like the new batch of pain killers will be based around the compound found in this plant. It's referred to as the second strongest pain killer in Chinese medicine, behind opium. I've got a tincture of Corydalis and I took it once, I'm not really sure how I felt about it. I should try it again as the juries still out in my experience. At least they have something new to work with, opioids are a disaster for those who are prone to addiction.
Just sharing my findings with you guys, in case it helps someone out there.
(Also I am not a Doctor. Just a guy searching for a solution).