Alternative therapies to help rheumatoid arthritis pain
This article was originally published by myself in Yahoo Voices before they shut the writers forum down in 2014. The authors were given back the ownership of their articles. I am republishing it today with some additional information on what I take for my arthritis symptoms.
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If you have RA, you may suffer severe pain and discomfort at times. Perhaps OTC pain medications or drugs do not help. Perhaps they help the pain but cause stomach problems. You want to find something that relieves pain but not a prescription drug with a huge list of side effects. The therapies you will learn about in this article involve physical activity and the power of using your mind over pain. Learn about herbal formulations that might help as well. Here is a review of those therapies:
Meditation:
We are not talking about religion but meditation techniques that can relieve stress and help you to relax. Meditation has been proved to help in pain relief. Patients have used it to help with depression, anxiety, and to lower heart and blood pressure rates.
Deep Breathing:
The deep breathing techniques again help with stress reduction and aid you to relax. You breathe in while you tense your muscles, then let the air out while you direct your muscles to relax.There are sites to help you learn how to use the deep breathing method for health.
Creative Visualization:
In this technique, you close your eyes, then use the power of your mind to imagine places such as a peaceful meadow to induce peace, relaxation, and healing. It has been shown to reduce pain. In some cases, you may imagine peaceful, white healing light radiating down to the area where your pain is. You see and feel the light relieving your pain and discomfort. There are books and tapes to walk you through this method. It is used in many hospitals today with cancer patients.
Biofeedback:
This technique, taught by a therapist, teaches you how to control health functions such as heart rate and blood pressure, by controlling your reactions. You learn to calm yourself down when confronted with stress and anxiety. Some patients can use it for pain control. I took care of a woman years ago whose religion did not allow her to take pain medicine. I watched her calmly sit through two root canals without a flinch. She had learned that as part of her religion. She used her mind to control her pain. I was amazed as I watched her.
Tai chi:
Tai Chi is a form of exercise with very slow, graceful, and exact body motions. There are classes from beginner to advanced. It improves range of motion, balance, and joint strength. There is an element in Tai chi to teach you how to use your mind to focus away from the pain you are experiencing. Tai Chi is supported by all health organizations including the Arthritis Foundation to help seniors with body balance and health. It has been shown in a number of studies to relieve the pain, stiffness, and fatigue present in RA, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. It is good for the mind and the body and its benefits are widely accepted. Tai chi classes are being given to patients in hospitals for rehabilitation.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture uses stainless steel thin needles to stimulate circulation and unblock pathways called meridians in the body. It is felt that the energy pathways become blocked, leading to imbalance and disease. Some researchers believe that through this alternative therapy, endorphins are released which block pain. Even though there are no studies with regard to RA, it has been shown to improve the pain of osteoarthritis and back pain. This method takes several weeks or months to work in some cases. Pain is not usually relieved in a one or two visits. The time it takes depends on the severity of the case and the cooperation of the patient.
Massage and Physical Therapy:
This may include hydrotherapy to help increase your range of motion, muscle strength, mobility, and reduction of pain. Exercising in a pool may be one of the only ways in which some patients can exercise at all. Massage helps to relax tissues and release toxins. Hot and cold pack therapy on inflamed tissue is suggested by many doctors.
Chiropractic: We have an awesome chiropractor who does wonders to relieve pain. His treatments make all the difference in the world in the way I feel. I have had two major accidents in my life which has impacted my bones. I go every two weeks and it is worth every penny spent. Some chiropractors will work with you on the costs. It does not hurt to ask.
Anti-inflammatory Herbs come in different combinations of herbs depending on the company. Some formulas use American herbs and others contain Chinese herbs. If you buy one with Chinese herbs, make sure it is a high quality brand that tests the material they buy before they bottle it. Some of the cheap formulations are full of dirt and heavy metals. The one I have used for years comes from New Sun Herbs called INF. New Sun carries exceptional herbs and supplements. INF contains Licorice, Chinese Smilax, Chrysanthemum, Chinese Peony, Dong Quai, Phellodendrom, Saffron, Bupleurum roots, Forsythia, Gardenia, Chaste Tree, Drynaria, Sichuan Lovage, Honeysuckle, Flfowering Quince, Tienchi Ginger root, and Tribulus fruit. I have been using it for years. If I go off it, the pain returns in my hands and feet within a few days. Years ago my blood work showed the the RA factor but the INF has kept it down so I don't suffer much from it. I am 65. I do take 6 caps a day with three in the AM and three at night. So I suggest you try it. If you are taking drugs for RA too, then there could be interactions between the prescription drugs and the herbs. Visit a holistic minded doctor to have him help you migrate from prescription drugs to herbs. If you take both, you must give them at least three hours spacing.
I also take fish oil supplements and extra Vitamin C as well.
Alternative therapies have been shown to work on a number of health conditions. Each patient and their reaction to a alternative therapy is different. The success of these therapies depends on many factors including age, severity of the health condition, the belief systems, and belief in the therapy. It does not matter if the therapy is from standard medicine or alternative medicine;your attitude makes a huge difference. If you are convinced the therapy will not work, you will have less success than if you open your mind toward being healed. Your mindset does make a difference and that has been proven. Patients with positive attitudes live longer and happier than patients who sit in a chair waiting to die. In the end, it is your choice in how you live out your remaining days. You can still experience joy in adverse health conditions, by the way you use your mind and thoughts. Explore these therapies with an open mind and heart.
References: www.naturaltherapypages.com...atoid_Arthritis_Treatments
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/tai-chi-for-arthritis-relief
http://www.canada.com/technology/youtube/reduces+arthritis+pains+Study/3795629/story.html?id=3795629
http://www.the-energy-healing-site.com/energy-healing-for-injuries.html
http://www.irvingstudios.com/portervision/pain_free_lifestyle.htm
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32419
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Published by Kate Freer
Copyright: Kate Freer, the Herbladyisin All rights are protected on this article. You do not have permission to use this article or its contents withour my express permission.
http://herbladyisintoday.blogspot.com/ (Growing and Using Moringa and Healing Herbs Blog)
http://herbladyisin.blogspot.com/ (Alternative Medicine in the News Blog)
