A-Z of treatments and self-help for arthritis – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia etc
It is important to bear in mind there is no one supplement or treatment that will cure you of arthritis, it takes a collection of things, time and dedication.
The 3 point strategy (number one is paramount)
1) change your diet dramatically (tinkering with it will not be enough)
2) consider having treatments to synergistically enhance your nutritional therapy
3) learn as many self-help techniques as you can
When you decide which treatment you are going to have – phone the practitioner and ask them some questions about how they work, their experience and do they specialize in a particular condition. Give the treatment a chance – and only try one practitioner at a time. For instance if you have acupuncture and at the same time have osteopathy who knows which one is working best for you. However the self-help techniques and nutrition should be done at the same time as your treatment choice.
An A-Z of the treatments and self-help strategies you could choose from to help your arthritis condition –
ACUPUNCTURE used for thousands of years to treat a number of conditions. The World Health Organization WHO, have stated that acupuncture is very effective at treating a number of conditions, especially painful conditions. It is the ancient art of using extremely thin needles, in fact minute compared to the needles used for injections. The difference is, it’s a metal tube that needs to deliver a liquid like a vaccine and remove blood for testing.
The principle of acupuncture – meridians (energy lines) run down the entire body connecting acupuncture points, hundreds of them. After tongue analysis, pulses diagnosis and a case study the acupuncturist uses his skills by selecting a number a points were the needles are inserted, 99% of the time painlessly. How it works is not 100% clear but it works. The energy lines are unblocked so there is free flow of chi (life force), or the strategic placing of the needles in a particular acupuncture point stimulates the nervous system that then relay messages to the brain. The brain then sends signal back to a particular the part of the body.
Besides treating pain, acupuncture is affective in the treatment of a number of conditions.We use this treatment extensively at the clinic.
BOWEN TECHNIQUE Has the ability to re-align and balance the body, the treatment consists of a series of gentle moves on skin or through light clothing, with the client usually lying on a treatment couch, although it is possible to be treated seated. It can result in a deep sense of relaxation, allowing the body to recharge and balance itself, helping to reduce inflammation and pain. It can be used on newborns to the elderly, being described as a gentle technique.
It is not massage, it is not acupressure, and it is not chiropractic. No manipulation, no adjustments, and no force are used. The practitioner uses fingers and thumbs to gently move muscles and tissue. In between treating each set of muscles, the practitioner leaves the room. NO I have not experienced this treatment first hand.
CHIROPRACTIC is an extremely popular and well known practice in the USA, used in other countries too, but to a less extent where Osteopaths are more prevalent. Chiropractic is a health-care system that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions particularly affecting the spine. Treatments consist of a wide range of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and spasm.
DRUG THERAPY The types of pharmaceutical medication you might be prescribed does depend on your on your condition, the severity of the pain and your doctor and what you decide to take from the number of over-the-counter medications available. This can range from NSAIDs non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to steroids or immuno-suppressant drugs. NO I have not experienced this treatment first hand.
ESSENTIAL OILS are used in aromatherapy – extremely big in Europe. The practice of using aromatic oils dates back centuries and was used in most civilizations around the world.
The essential oils are so concentrated that only a few drops are needed and diluted into a carrier oils or water or lotion or cream or liniment etc. There are so many different oils that can treat a number of conditions successfully.
Essential oils work on two levels the active plant compound absorbs though the skin and into the blood stream within 30 minutes affecting every part of the body. The other way is through their wonderful aromas, that stimulate the olfactory sensors in the nose – a direct line to the brain, affecting both the physical and emotional. There are oils for inflammation and pain.
The treatment with an aroma-therapist involves a case study so they can decide with oil they will blend into your massage oil. Then you will receive a relaxing massage that in its self will help to ease aches, pains and stiffness, all the while the oils start to take effect. You will be advised not to shower until the next morning, as the oils continue to be absorbed after the massage. We use this therapy extensively at the clinic.
FELDENKRAIS METHOD “Movement is life. Life is a process. Improve the quality of the process and you improve the quality of life itself” — Moshe Feldenkrais.
The Feldenkrais Method is recognised for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain. The effectiveness of the Feldenkrais Method is in its ability to access the nervous system’s own innate processes to change and refine functioning.
Feldenkrais is based on principles of physics, biomechanics and a complete understanding of human development. As a form of somatic education, the Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. This allows increased ease and range of motion, improved flexibility and coordination, and a re-discovery of efficient, graceful movement.
“Functional Integration” movements are tailored to each person’s individual learning needs. The person remains fully clothed, usually lying on a table or sitting or standing in certain positions which are sometimes supported by various props such as pillows, rollers or blankets. This hands-on form of kinesthetic communication conveys the experience of comfort, pleasure and ease of movement as the person learns how to reorganize their body and behavior in new and more expanded functional motor patterns.
NO I have not experienced this form of treatment.
GOOD NUTRITION IS THE FOUNDATION to your recovery – then if you want add treatments and learn self-help techniques. It’s a 1-2-3 program to change your condition.
You can find on Amazon a book called END THE FOOD CONFUSION by Sonia Jones ND it will give you a good overview.
HERBALISM This is a treatment where the practitioner uses medicinal plants. Medicinally, an herb is any plant part or plant used for its therapeutic value. There is European herbalism, Ayruverdic from India and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and so many others from almost every country in the world.
Herbal medicine is the art and science of using herbs for promoting health and preventing and treating illness. It has persisted as the world’s primary form of medicine since the beginning of time, with a written history more than 5000 years old.
Currently, only about 15% of drugs are derived from plants. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds. Science is beginning to demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness of herbs is often related to the synergy of its many constituents.
The primary focus of the herbalist is to treat people as individuals irrespective of the disease or condition they have and to stimulate their innate healing power through the use of such interventions as herbs, diet and lifestyle. We use this treatment extensively at the clinic.
INDIAN AYRUVERDIC Ayurveda is applicable to every living thing, as implied by its name, the science of life. Vedic sciences attribute life – the things such as air, wind, fire, the earth, planets, stars, etc. are all thought to possess conscience like living beings.
Everything that exists in the vast external universe (macrocosm), also appears in the internal cosmos of the human body (microcosm). The human body consisting of 50-100 million cells, when healthy there is harmony, self-perpetuating and self-correcting just as the universe is.
The ancient Ayurveda text, Charaka, says, “Man is the epitome of the universe. Within man, there is as much diversity as in the world outside. Similarly, the outside world is as diverse as human beings themselves.” In other words, all human beings are a living microcosm of the universe and the universe is a living macrocosm of the human beings.
Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine, (Ayurveda), the traditional medical system of India and Nepal, is the third largest herbal medicine system in the world today. Ayurvedic doctors treat more than 80 percent of the people on the Indian subcontinent and go through extensive training that can last as long as 12 years. NO I have not experienced this form of treatment first hand.
JUICE THERAPY Vegetable juices can be extremely healing, encouraging the body to detoxify. Made at home and drank immediately. Use varying mixtures – carrot, beets, pumpkin, cabbage, celery, parsley and other herbs, cucumber, fresh ginger, lemon, coriander etc.
You can add up to 25% fruits to your vegetable juice like apples, pears, papaya, pineapple, berries – black, blue or strawberries, etc should be taken liberally.
Some arthritis sufferers have a big problem with the deadly nightshade family – tomatoes, potatoes and peppers, they can prevent collagen repair, cause inflammation and pain. A radical change in your lifestyle can do wonders for your arthritis condition..
KINESEOLOGY Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care. Some can tell you which foods are weakening you and which foods are not.
LOW LEVEL LASER or COLD LASER THERAPY A quick simple therapy for tissue healing, inflammation, pain relief, and wound. Known as LLLT dramatically reduces musculoskeletal pain and inflammation as well as promoting tissue repair wherever the laser beam is applied. This is not a heat treatment, the effects are photochemical. One of the primary actions is on mitochondrial production of ATP, therefore potentially affecting any eukaryotic cell in the body. LLLT has undergone over 1000 published laboratory studies and is already proven successful on randomized double blind controlled clinical trials (RCT’s). These trials include osteoarthritis, tendinitis and other sports injuries, back and neck pain, diabetic foot and venous ulcer wound healing. We use this therapy extensively at the clinic.
MASSAGE is an effective and pleasant way to manage arthritis pain. Many people have experienced varying degrees of relief from pain. Massage therapy is a proven way to improve muscle and joint movement. Massage therapies for arthritis break the cycle of so much pain allowing for better sleep, which in itself helps with pain management, allowing for less medication.
The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis continues to grow as the efficacy of the treatments is validated. The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis is being acknowledged by the medical establishment as a less invasive method of therapy for chronic conditions. The benefitsof a good massage – deep muscle and tissue relaxation, reduces stress, releases toxins, increases the flexibility of muscles, improves blood circulations, lowers blood, pressure, reduces tension and pain, improves sleep, etc. We use this treatment extensively in the clinic to good effect.
NATUROPATHY and the sort of treatment you might receive will vary from country to country and where the practitioner’s passions, expertise and interests lie. Naturopaths use clinical nutrition, supplements, herbalism, maybe homeopathy and some use reflexology or joint manipulation or some other form of physical treatment. Naturopaths take a look at the fundamentals, what is weakening your foundations, what is causing your pain and inflammation – looking at the very things that are sustaining you or not as the case maybe. Then using many different tools available to them, to help you and most importantly educating you to look after yourself. Empowering you to manage your condition and in some cases people have actually managed to resolve their condition, with much perseverance.
OSTEOPATHY recognizes the importance of the link between the structure of the human body and the way it functions. Osteopaths focus on the body’s skeleton and joint function along with the underlying muscles, soft tissue and internal organs.
Osteopaths consider each person as an individual. Utilizing a highly developed sense of touch, they identify problem areas of the body. Using gentle stretching and mobilization techniques as well as manipulating joints, an osteopath works with the body to create the perfect conditions to facilitate the healing process.
Treatment usually consists of a combination of soft-tissue releasing techniques, and some specific adjustments affecting joints and soft-tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments). Advice is also given on self-help treatments.
Osteopaths usually start any treatment by releasing and relaxing muscles and stretching stiff joints, using gentle massage techniques, rhythmic joint movements and muscle release techniques. The osteopath may also carry out manipulation using short, quick movements to spinal joints. Osteopathy is a personal favorite of mine, a good comprehensive treatment.
PRESSURE THERAPY is acu-pressure, an ancient healing art that exerts pressure by the fingers to press certain points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-healing abilities. When these pressure points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupressure uses some of the points that acupuncture employs.
Acupressure is an effective method for self-treatment. It is very safe to do on yourself and others, even if you’ve never done it before, so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions.
A long with lifestyle and diet changes acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion. There are numerous books on the market that explain the technique, location of the points and what each one relates to. There may even be DVDs.
QIGONG is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention.Qi pronounced chee means the life force. Gong pronounced gung means accomplishment.
Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve correct posture whether moving or stationary, breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi, others circulate it, using it to cleanse and heal the body, and store it.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Qigong reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. It also creates a balanced life style, which brings greater harmony, stability, and enjoyment. Go to classes or get a DVD. NO I have not experienced this practice.
REFLEXOLOGY is considered a truly whole body therapy applied through the feet, the principles of the treatment work with the reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all of the body’s tissue, glands, organs, in fact every part of the body, plus the mind and soul. It is a method of activating a healing response within the body. Stimulating these reflex areas correctly can help many health problems in a truly natural holistic way. A similar principle and action to acupuncture but without the needless.
Reflexology in skilled hands is not just a foot massage it is a serious therapy in the health field helping many conditions. The wonderful thing about reflexology is it can be learned by anyone and be given to anyone from babies to the elderly, with no need for any special equipment. Just using the hands, making it a very safe and simple but extremely effective therapy, that can be done anywhere and anytime.
Our body is constantly trying to achieve homeostasis, a Greek word for balance. Medical text books devote many pages to explaining how the body achieves this. Every second of the day hormones and chemicals are produced to either speed things up or slow things down. When we get cold the body shivers in an attempt to keep us warm, when the body gets hot we sweat to cool down. Certain foods and drinks elevate our blood sugar levels too high, the body responds by producing the hormone insulin to bring blood sugar levels down again. Then there are hormones that break down calcium in our bones and others that rebuild it again. Of course this is a mere fraction that goes on every slip second of every day. Reflexology stimulates responses in the body that help the body in its quest for homeostasis, this intricate balancing act.
The feet and hands contain thousands of nerve endings, stimulation of these sensory nerve endings send messages up the spinal cord to the brain. The brain then reads these impulses as potential problems in the corresponding part of the body which is related to that part of the hand or foot known as reflex zones. This is a very similar principle to acupuncture. The body then decides for itself whether a part needs stimulating or calming down. Reflexology actives the body’s own healing power. Classes are held at our clinic.
If you want to learn reflexology for home use – available on Amazon from the beginning of October 2009 a book called SIMPLY REFLEXOLOGY by Sonia Jones ND. This book makes it simple to learn.
SHIATSU is both a form of physical manipulation and a means towards the growth of body, mind and spirit, combining a finely tuned intuition, understanding of oriental diagnosis, posture and breathing. The unique quality of Shiatsu is that it emphasizes efficient bodily movement and perception from one’s true physical and spiritual center.
Shiatsu technique involves stretching, leverage and leaning your weight into various parts of the recipient’s body to encourage greater harmony of energy, circulation, flexibility and postural integrity. Many of the techniques are applied to the same system of energy channels or ‘meridians’ as used in acupuncture, although in Shiatsu each channel is felt to cover a greater area of the body. NO I have not experienced this treatment first hand.
TENS MACHINE or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation offers an excellent alternative to pain-killing drugs. It is a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain relief. It is ideal for the management of arthritis pain. Pads are placed on or near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses (controlled by the user at all times) suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called Endorphins.
ULTRA SOUND therapy has been known to benefit individuals suffering from arthritis. Ultrasound therapy uses high-energy sound waves (those above the range we hear) to help ease painful joints and muscles. Ultrasound treatment is done by a practitioner who guides the waves into the body from the head of the ultrasound machine. Results of using this method for arthritis pain relief will vary. Ultrasound waves are transmitted via a gel the conducting agent. Muscle tissue and ligaments are very receptive to this form of energy. We use this form a treatment at the clinic.
VITAMIN AND MINERAL THERAPY Undoubtedly help as there are natural supplements that reduce inflammation, reduce stress and pain, help repair, encourage detoxification and a whole host of other things too many to mention here. A long with a therapeutic diet, supplements are a powerful therapy, but over doing it is not the answer. Used in our clinic to enhance other therapies. We believe in prescribing the minimum to bring about change and using diet to the maximum.
WATER THERAPY or hydro- and hydrothermal therapy are traditional methods of treatment that have been used for centuries to treat disease and injury by many cultures, including those of ancient Rome, China, Japan and ancient Greeks. Water is an important ingredient in the traditional Chinese and Native American healing systems.
A Bavarian monk, Father Sebastian Kneipp helped to make the therapeutic use of water in the 19th century popular again. Hydrotherapy includes baths, saunas, douches, wraps, and packs.
If you are suffering from Arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, aching joints, back pain, fatigue, insomnia, circulation, stress, muscular pain, stiffness, cramps or tension, hydrotherapy might help you. Having a bath tub or Jacuzzi or a bowl for a foot bath means you have access to hydrotherapy.
X-RATED Be aware of adverts that say this or that product that will cure arthritis. I wish life was that easy, it takes more than one thing to help manage or reduce or even reverse pain and inflammation. It certainly can be done but you need to do several things over time they will work in synergy to enhance your quest for a better quality of life and for some even cure their condition.
YOGA actually began more than 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga is Sanskrit (one of the ancient languages of the East). It means to “yoke,” or unite, the mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga includes physical movement, and certain lifestyle practices. Training your mind, body, and breath correctly is fundamental. The physical part of the yoga lifestyle is called hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on poses. A person who practices yoga goes through a series of specific poses while controlling his or her breathing. Some types of yoga also involve meditation and chanting. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and even helps them sleep better. Classes and DVDs are available in your area I am sure.
ZERO TOLERANCE Every possible chemical should be removed from your diet, cleaning products, air fresheners, filter water, avoid products in plastic containers ESPECIALLY any fatty food for instance olive oil or peanut butter etc. Buy harmful-chemical-free personal care products certainly easier to find these day, buy eco-friendly laundry cleaning products. Look at every aspect of your life and see where you can remove chemicals, of course it will be impossible to avoid every single chemical in our world, but you can eliminate ALL the chemicals you possibly can.
The more you do the better you will manage your condition and even reverse the some of the symptoms.
Remember a three point strategy -
1) Change your diet drastically
2) Get some treatment
3) Learn as much self-help as possible
The Baby Boomers with or without arthritis are turning to Pilates
More emphasis these days is on self-help, more on health and certainly being as active as possible for as long as possible. Many baby boomers are turning to exercise classes like Yoga, Callanetics and Pilates. As we age we begin to give up jogging, or high impact sports, or aerobic classes for the low impact exercises, a full workout without wear and tear, and a very low incidence of injury. The exercises that will equip us for later life – the most important are flexibility, mobility and most importantly balance and stability. As people get older one of their worst fears is falling and breaking bones. It is a serious problem as we age, so having good balance gives you the confidence to live life to the full.
Test balance and stability – while holding on to something stand on one foot, with the other foot off the ground about 2 feet, leg bent at the knee. Now let go of what you holding on to and see how long you can balance on one leg. Swap to the other leg.
The key words used to describe Pilates are
Stretching
Lengthening
Better Posture
Mobility
Balance
Stability
Flexibility
Gentle but effective
The emphasis is no longer on jumping, bouncing, jogging, running, high kicks, or big weights. NO MORE – ‘no pain no gain’ mentality.
How can Pilates help you
Pilates can slow down the signs of aging – everyday tasks are easier and more fun
A low impact exercise – leaves your body feeling relaxed, so less aches and pains
Pilates like yoga encourages deep breathing, this oxygenates the blood encouraging more nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body. This helps the body in its task to detox and repair. Better brain function.
Pilates allows people to continue on a fitness program after having to give up the high impact activities of their younger days.
As already discussed Pilates increases overall mobility and bone density which is especially important as we age.
Pilates decreases stress and tension, having a knock on affect on joint inflammation, swelling and stiffness due to a reduction in stress hormones.
Pilates can be done by men and women of any age. There is no need for any expensive equipment or special clothing. A mat and very comfortable clothing and are are ready
Pilates will you feel and look so much younger with a bounce in your step, as opposed to shuffling around.
Make other lifestyle changes especially the things you eat and drink.
Read MorePilates seems to help arthritis
To encourage joint lubrication, cartilage repair, strengthen muscles, and generally encourage better circulation to the area. Remember go easy.
Pilates can easily be tailored to your individual needs, contracting muscles without moving joints can be useful when joints are inflamed. Then there is the movement of both muscles and joints helping to build strength and mobility.
For an arthritis sufferer there are what is called closed chain exercises, they put less strain on the joints, working muscles groups.
An important part of Pilates for arthritis sufferers is encouraging the correct bio-mechanics – by specific alignment movements and strengthening the surrounding tissue. Encouraging better circulation to the area. As a result there is less pressure on the joints, less wear and tear, better circulation to the joints encourages repair.
Before you embark on a Pilates program seek out advice, even if you can’t afford the classes long term – get as many as you can afford. Then if you want to continue Pilates long-term buy a DVD that specializes in such conditions.
Little by little, step by step, never over do it and never do more than is comfortable. Remember to breath.
Pilates can be part of your program to get healthier and manage your arthritis – one of the most important things is to have a really nourishing therapeutic diet.
Read MoreWhat is the difference between Pilates or Yoga?
Both Pilates and Yoga will help manage the various forms of arthritis, Pilates or Yoga.
Pilates and Yoga are similar and at the same time very different, like Pilates from the West and Yoga from the East.
Yoga is centuries old, its roots are in Eastern philosophy, and ancient healing with almost meditative states of exercise. It about harmony, peace, at one the whole body, mind and soul.
Pilates is the young upstart from the West, designed by German born Joseph Pilates. It’s an exercise method that is all about physical conditioning of honing and toning.
Both Pilates and Yoga emphasis correct breathing, control and physical strength, and balance.
Both Pilates and Yoga require physical and mental concentration to get the pose or position correct.
Do do Pilates or Yoga, you don’t need special equipment to do the routines and poses.
However, Pilates workout can be enhanced with equipment.
Yoga does make you more flexible physically, the emphasis is on the mind.
Pilates does work the mind, but the emphasis is on the body, building strength and flexibility.
Yoga holds a pose and in so doing it dispenses stagnant energy and helps to get your chi flowing again. Tension in the body eases as you center your mind and condition your body.
In a nut shell Yoga emphasizes on feeling good and then looking good
Pilates emphasizes looking good and then feeling good
Still can’t make up your mind – no problem there are now YogaPilates classes so you have the best of both worlds.
Read MorePilates can help Arthritis – Pain Relief
Exercises for arthritis sufferers have always been recommended but it is important to choose one that will help your condition. Generally water exercises, walking, Qi Gong, and yoga but more recently Pilates is being suggested for sufferers of various types of arthritis.
As we know arthritis is in general terms an inflammation of the joints and it seems that moderate gentle exercises on a regular basis, being careful to stay within the range that is comfortable, helped to maintain joint mobility.
Pilates benefits for arthritis sufferers are
increased strength,
increased mobility,
more flexibility,
better balance
and less aches and pains.
Many people experience less fatigue, with a feeling of well-being and a sense of achievement.
Go to classes, get supervision, they will help you adapt Pilates to suit your condition and level of severity or fitness. If classes are not possible maybe you could get a DVD that specializes in Pilates for arthritis conditions, or for the older generation.
Quality of life is important, so anything you can do to improve joint mobility, reduce stiff joints means your everyday tasks are easier. Pilates is not a cure for any of the arthritis conditions, however along with other lifestyle changes it can help.
Read MoreA-Z of powerful arthritis strategies
ARACHIDONIC ACID from too much meat in the diet sets up a chain of events that encourages inflammation and suffering within the body.
BOWL OF FRUIT keep one well stock in sight and easy to reach – out of sight out of mind. Most suffers find if they avoid oranges, their pain and stiffness eases.
CHLOROPHYLL is the green pigmentation in plants, fruits and vegetables it is a really powerful detoxifier.
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE family – many suffers have found great relief form pain and stiffness by not eating anything from the deadly nightshade family. Tomatoes seeded to be the worst offered but this can vary from person to person. Potatoes, pepper and eggplants are also included.
ENZYMES from fresh foods – are vital, they encourage healing and repair.
FIVE-A-DAY is the very minimum daily requirement that is given to the general public as a guide line, which most people ignore. Evidence shows few people eat that much in a week let alone a day!
GO GREEN, introduce less chemicals into your home you will feel so much better. Use aromatherapy instead of those chemical air fresheners. Use chemical-free house hold cleaners from most supermarkets these days. The less chemicals your body inhales absorbs or consumes – so less energy is used on dealing with the extra toxins and more is devoted to regeneration and repair.
HERBS and SPICES in your kitchen cupboard should be used as much as possible – they all have a positive effect on your health and many will improve digestion, circulation, ease inflammation, encourage healing, and so much more.
INFLAMMATION is a really big key to reducing your suffering. Take a look at the deadly nightshade family cut down on meat, avoid chemicals in foods, increase vitamin C rich foods, like most fruit and vegetables, and eat more oily fish.
JUNK – completely clear out your kitchen cupboards – sort out all the food you have stored. Throw out all the out of date stuff (there is always some), put aside all the unhealthy stuff – read all the ingredients labels carefully – do you really want to be eating that? Put it aside and give it all to charity. Make a list of all the healthy food you would like to replace it all with.
KEEP WRITING A food-mood journal has shown to help people sort out what is making their condition worse or better. It is like detective work every clue helps.
LIVER It’s a good idea to help the liver – dandelion tea, fresh lemon juice and milk thistle capsules.
MINERALS, it’s important to get enough minerals eat plenty of whole grain and seeds like sesame, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, etc
NUTS are a good thing to eat in moderation, due to the essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and also help to ‘oil the body’ so to speak.
Important rules – never peanuts, only raw unroasted and unsalted nuts ie walnuts and almonds.
OFF THE COUCH – get moving anyway that suits you or anyway you can.
PLANT COMPOUNDS like anti-oxidants there have been reports for years that the lack of antioxidants speeds up aging and deterioration. Bio-flavonoids are also plant compounds that ensure healthy organs, veins, arteries, connective tissue. Bio-flavonoids also enhance the properties of vitamin C a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine and is very important to the formation of connective tissue
QUESTION the hype like ‘take this capsule for three week and it will cure your arthritis’. Nothing is that easy if it were no one would e suffering any type of arthritis. It takes a concerted effort to change your lifestyle some people manage to become pain-free with continued vigilance while others have reduce and stiffness.
RELAX, everyone needs some R and R occasionally. Stress can increase pain and suffering by changing our body chemistry.Everyone has stress you need to find ways of handling it better.
SLEEP, that is good quality sleep has been proven to help people who are suffering to pain. Help you to cope better, find.
TASTE BUDS need re-educating, it’s important to get them on your side in your quest for better health and less suffering.
UNITE with someone, maybe you can get a friend to join you or a family member in your quest to get healthier it’s easier if you have support.
VOLUMIZE with more fresh food – they are detoxifying, full of nutrients to help with repair, bursting with enzymes encouraging healing.
WATER Research points out that a lot of people are dehydrated – drink more water and less tea, coffee, sodas etc and you will reduce stiffness, aches and pains. Just because you are not thirsty is not an indicator, the brain get confused between hunger and thirst signals, after years of poor food choices.
X-RATED All artificial chemical sweeteners should be banned from your diet – research has indicated that it can cause or increase aches and pains – besides it’s not a food, it’s a chemical, adding to your toxic load.
YOGURT Choose a natural plain yogurt – fully of good bacteria – helping to ensure autointoxication is reduced.
ZEST FOR LIFE. Change your thinking and your outlook. More laughter, start by watching more comedies – spend less time with miserable people. Laughing more encourages the body to produce more natural painkilling chemicals
Read MoreCould reflexology help arthritis sufferers?
It will surprise you to discover how far reaching the benefits can be. Not only is it a truly holistic treatment but it is also an extremely pleasant experience. People get hooked on the good experience of the treatment and the health benefits gained. It doesn’t cure arthritis (you would have to make some serious diet changes etc) it can however have profound affect on your quality of life. If your arthritis is in your feet it may not be possible to have reflexology on the feet.
Reflexology can your body cope with stress
Reflexology can calm the whole body and encourage a deep sense of relaxation, this in itself can reduce the pain of arthritis. Stress is a fact of life none of us can escape it. In fact it’s not the stress that’s the problem but the way we handle it, the way we perceive it. We are all different and some people handle stress better than others. If not handled well lead to many negative health problems and increased pain. Stress like – worry, frustration, working too many hours, relationship difficulties and money concerns. As they mount up and you can end up suffering more aches and pains.
Reflexology has been proven over the years to be a really good therapy for coping with stress.
The way you handle the stress has a huge bearing on the way you age and deteriorate. During times of stress, your stress hormone levels rise, prolonged higher levels of stress hormones circulating in our systems eventually have a negative affect on every part of your body.
Reflexology can help you sleep
Without enough good quality sleep the world can look a very different place. It becomes harder to cope with the pain and even the more simple things life become a problem. Relationships become difficult as nerves are frayed and everything seems just a little more irritating. The kids just get on your nerves more than ever, the boss seems to be more frustrating than usual, and worries become magnified. Reflexology works on a deep level to bring about a real sense of peace and most people say they sleep so much better in between treatments. You will have more energy and cope with pain better.Sleeping well is so important for deep healing and regeneration, very important for arthritis.
Really, how our world looks so much better after a good nights sleep. How much easier it is to cope.
Reflexology will help.
Reflexology improves the circulation
This is really good for the many types of arthritis. Our circulation carries blood to just about every cell in the body. It carries oxygen and nutrients to nourish our cells and removes carbon-dioxide and debris a way for processing, by the liver and the kidneys. So anything that improves the circulation will improve our overall health. Our cells make up tissue of all types that form our arteries, heart, bones, liver, connective tissue, and skin and so much more. Our blood vessels contract and relax enabling the blood to reach all out posts of our body. The stress, and tiredness that results from a disease like arthritis can all affect this flow as the blood vessels become constricted, hindering our blood flow. So improve circulation and we improve the function of every cell. Improve circulation and we improve everything from stamina to structure.
Reflexology energizes
Wouldn’t we all like more energy? I have come across people in their 70s and 80s with plenty of energy and other in their 30s struggling to keep up. Feeling more energetic gives us a zest for life it makes all our daily tasks easier and certainly enables you to cope with pain better. This energy can be described as a “life-force” and pain can be very draining. I am sure you have met people who are just full of this so called ‘life force’. The Orientals call this energy “chi” and this chi needs to flow unimpeded around the whole body. If this ‘chi’ or ‘life-force’ becomes blocked we could feel listless and maybe experience pain. Reflexology will open up the energy pathways, enabling a free flow of this energy throughout the body. This philosophy has been in existence for thousand of years and has certainly stood the test of time through the practice of acupuncture.
Reflexology encourages the systems of the body to detox more efficiently
Anything that gets a slow system moving with help with inflammation. Our lymphatic system is one of our major detoxifying organs. The lymphatic system is susceptible to becoming sluggish by the very nature of its design and from our modern life-styles. Our blood circulation has a pump, the heart to ensure delivery of blood efficiently around our body. The lymphatic system is very different it relies on muscle movement to move lymph around our body. This might be more difficult for you due to the fatigue, pain and stiffness you are experiencing. A sedentary life for what ever reason is not an ideal situation for our lymphatic system, couple that scenario with a poor diet. The lymphatic system can quite easily get clogged up or extremely sluggish, which can lead to all sorts of health conditions, as well as more superficial problems like cellulite. When the lymphatic system becomes compromised, other organs of detoxification end up with more work to do than would otherwise be expected of them, this puts a lot of extra strain on them. Reflexology will help to move the lymph, encouraging it to be more efficient, helping to take the work load off the other organs of elimination – such as the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, the bowels and the skin. However reflexology will also help these organs, not just the lymphatic system to perform a better job.
Reflexology can also be used in a preventive way
As the saying goes an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. We should take prevention more seriously and have regular treatments to keep us balanced. Whether you have arthritis or not you need balance in your life.
Read MoreArthritis & Pain Program at The Haven
