Is There A Natural Remedy For Arthritis Pain
Many
people suffer from some form of arthritis,
and at times the pain of an inflamed joint can
be quite unbearable. This pain gets worse when
it is left untreated. However, in light of the Vioxx and Celebrex scandals, people are now looking towards unconventional
or alternative therapies to relieve them of their
arthritic pain. The main benefit from most natural
remedies is negligible side effects.
Here are a few herbal preparations and holistic
methods that may or may not help you. However,
it is important that you consult your doctor before
you try any of the following therapies.
Glucosamine Sulfate
& Chondroitin
Taken together,
these supplements are known to prevent the progression
of arthritis, reduce inflammation and relieve
pain. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring sugar
found in the body that helps prevent arthritis
by keeping the joint tissue and its surrounding
fluid well lubricated. Chondroitin is also a natural
substance is found in the body. It is present
in cartilage and helps to retard cartilage breakdown.
SAM-e
SAM-e is a natural remedy used to treat depression.
However, it also eases moderate pain and decreased
mobility caused by arthritis. SAM-e stands for
S-adenosylmethionine, a molecule that assists
in several chemical reactions in the body.
SAM-e brings sulfur to the cartilage, which in
turn helps build the collagen bonds that strengthen
the joints. The sulfur in SAM-e also helps to
relieve pain and inflammation.
Turmeric
Turmeric possess powerful medicinal
properties. It is a member of the ginger family,
and is used to treat mild arthritis pain and inflammation.
This herb has been used for centuries in the treatment
of inflammation in Ayurveda, the traditional medical
system of India. It works by inhibiting the production
of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins
and leukotrienes.
Vitamin D
Several studies have shown that
vitamin D plays a vital role in keeping cartilage
healthy. A study found that arthritic women with
moderate to low levels of vitamin D lost more
cartilage in their hips than arthritic women with
the higher levels of the vitamin. Vitamin D doesn’t
relieve pain however, but it does impede cartilage
loss.
Ginger Extract
Sometimes referred to
as Zinaxin, ginger extract is a natural anti-inflammatory,
which works by removing dangerous oxidizing agents
from the body.
Willow
Willow is an age-old arthritis treatment.
It is a naturally occurring form of aspirin that
has little to no side effects.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod Liver Oil helps to
strengthen bones and prevents cartilage from breaking
up.
The following are some holistic methods
and techniques that can relieve the pain of arthritis;
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine
practice that has been used for over 2,500 years.
Western scientists agree that acupuncture can
work, although they cannot say why. Here the body
is seen as a bioelectric system with definite
energy pathways. It is believed that there are
14 meridians, or energy channels, running through
the body and along these meridians are 361 acupuncture
points. According to acupuncture, when energy
is disturbed along the meridians, pain and illness
result. Needles are used to stimulate and restore
balance and health.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a similar technique to acupuncture,
which uses fingertip pressure. It involves the
pressure of fingertips on tender areas, so as
to relieve pain by dispersing lactic acid that
builds up.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic therapy works on the
belief that many diseases are caused by pressure,
especially of the vertebrae, on nerves. A chiropractor
treats diseases by manipulating the spine and
other body structures.
Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy is an
ancient form of pain management and stress relief.
It helps us relax by allowing blood to flow naturally
through our bodies.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the concept
that the muscles and organs of the body are affected
by specific areas of the feet. When pressure is
applied to these areas parts of the body begin
to relax.
Alexander Technique
This therapy believes
that poor posture is partly a reaction to stress,
which can affect the body’s functioning.
This technique re-trains the body to eliminate
unhealthy postures.
Floatation Therapy
The combination of relaxation,
weightlessness, and the Epsom salts has been documented
to relieve pain partly by stimulating endorphin
production. This therapy is often used to treat
people with chronic pain, anxiety, and addictive
behaviors like cigarette smoking.
Heat Treatment
This is perhaps the oldest
form of arthritic treatment. A hot bath, hot pack
or heating pad has been used to treat arthritis
for centuries.
Cold Treatment
A cold compresses or ice pack when applied to
an inflamed area works by soothing the sharp,
intense pain of an arthritis flare-up.
Tens
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) involves the use of electrical stimulation
of the nerves to block pain signals to the brain.
This therapy is performed by a professional only
and is usually done after all other methods of
pain relief have failed.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is being taught by
many physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists,
and therapists today. You are taught several relaxation
techniques and by attaching sensitive monitors
to your body you can see immediately how your
body is reacting to your efforts to relax.
Visualization
Visualization helps pain become
more tolerable by detracting attention away from
it. Here you close your eyes, breathe deeply,
and imagine that you are in a restful place.
Mediation
Like visualization, meditation is about
relaxation and the reduction of stress. It slows
the heart rate and breathing, thereby reducing
stress.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy involves the use of essential
oils from flowers, plants and trees. It is sometimes
combined with a massage or used as a scented candle.
Yoga
Yoga is a combination of breathing techniques
and exercise to combat stress and help circulation
and movement of the joints. |
