There always seems to be a new, weird trend in recovery methods. But we found some that are weird AND trusted.
We've not tested all of these, but we're curious to hear if you have!
Pickle Juice
It may sound wacky, but drinking pickle juice has actually been proven to reduce muscle cramps after strenuous exercise, and it has enough potassium to keep you hydrated.
Try sipping on a shot glass of pure pickle juice at the first sign of cramps, and work your way up to 2 to 3 ounces once or twice/ week. On a side note, the green liquid is also said to be effective in curing the symptoms of a nasty hangover!
Sensory Deprivation Tanks
If you live in a big city, then we bet you have at least one friend who's hooked on deprivation tank therapy. It may sound like a fleeting fad, but the tanks have been around since the 1950's, and they've received approval by many behavioral health docs who affirm that the therapy helps to reduce the body’s stress response.
Sensory deprivation tanks are filled with salt-saturated water that allow you to float in a completely dark space. By eliminating sensory input, the brain experiences deep relaxation. Benefits range from pain management to heightened creativity.
Face Cradle Pillow
As one smart Instagram commenter wrote under the caption of this photo, “One can’t be concerned with judgmental onlookers when they’re fast asleep.” So true!
While this odd airplane pillow does look like a bizarre Medieval torture device, the proof is in the pudding-- people love it! And it must be better than accidentally falling asleep on the shoulder of the stranger sitting next to you.
Cupping Therapy
During the 2016 Rio Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps had a whole lot people talking, and not just about his freestyle. The record-breaking champ walked in front of a televised audience of billions, sporting odd-looking purple circles across his back. People were confused, but Phelps was simply practicing ‘cupping’, an ancient form of alternative medicine.
A flammable substance is put inside of a cup made of glass, bamboo, or silicone. When the flame goes out, the cups are placed open side down on your skin. The cooling air, trapped within the cup, created a suction on the skin.
While not always recognized by Western doctors, fans of cupping therapy swear by it, saying that it helps to decrease pain and inflammation, and increases blood flow.
Raw Garlic
Who has time to be sick when there are so many fun things to do in life? Eating raw garlic has been proven to boost immune systems, so you can fight off any illnesses that might sideline you from your favorite activities. If you want to get it over with quickly, you can pop a peeled garlic clove just like a pill. But if you're a garlic lover, get creative! Chop up raw garlic to put on salads or sandwiches. Just make sure you're eating it raw, as that's the best way to get all of the nutrients.
