Natural Treatment Options
for Arthritis
Approximately 44 million
Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis. Many of these
people are being treated with Western medications such as
steroids and anti-inflammatories, while many others’ symptoms
are left untreated, as they do not want to pursue conventional
Western treatment options.
In my clinical practice, I
have worked with people with all forms of arthritis and I have
helped many of them get off of pain killers and steroids. This
is possible by using a combination of acupuncture, herbs,
nutritional supplements, and possibly techniques such as yoga or
meditation. I am always pleased (as is the patient) when we can
use natural therapies for pain management because they do not
have any side effects, unlike most of the Western medications
for pain relief, which can cause a host of complications. Many
of these medications weaken the body over time, which, in my
opinion, causes premature aging and general debility.
Below are several natural
herbal and nutritional supplements that have proven effective in
overcoming the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It is always
best to seek out the services of a healthcare professional if
you are interested in using these products.
Nutritional
Supplements
-
Fish Oil: Taking a high quality
essential fatty acid complex can be very helpful for
reducing pain and inflammation and increasing synovial
fluid in the joints. Fish oil can also help any depression
that accompanies the chronic pain. Start with 3,000mg
daily.
-
SAMe: This is a naturally occurring
metabolite found in the human body and plants. The active
ingredient is methionine. SAMe has been shown to alleviate
depression, reduce appetite, and improve neurotransmitter
synthesis and receptor binding. I will often use SAMe when
there is a combination of depression and chronic pain, as
it reduces inflammation and regenerates joint tissue. It
is excellent for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Start
with 200 mg early in the day on an empty stomach, increase
to up to 1,000 mg over a period of a few weeks as needed.
-
MSM: 2 grams daily prevent cartilage
breakdown
-
Vitamins and Minerals: Key nutrients
that manufacture synovial fluid are vitamins A, B complex,
C, D, and E. Calcium, selenium, magnesium, and zinc are
also crucial. Vitamins C and D are most important for
nourishing bones and connective tissue.
-
Cetyl myristoleate: This is a form of
fatty acid that has extraordinary qualities for joint
lubrication. It needs to be taken constantly at a dosage
of 500-1000mg/day. It is useful for both rheumatoid and
osteoarthritis.
Herbs
-
Evening Primrose Oil: This wonderful
herb has been found to reverse cases of mild to moderate
arthritis.
-
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang: This is a
formula used for systemic blood stagnation characterized
by sharp and severe pain throughout the body. It is useful
for muscle spasm, inflammation, and pain that is fixed in
nature.
-
Juan Bi Tang: This is a classic formula
for arthritis. In Chinese medicine, Bi is a syndrome that
is characterized by certain elements such as wind, damp,
or cold lodging in the body causing pain. This formula is
helpful for achiness and stiffness primarily in the upper
body.
-
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: This formula is
useful for Bi syndromes that affect the lower back, legs,
and knees. It helps to relieve achiness and tension.
-
SPZM: This is a Health Concerns formula
that is useful for muscle spasm, particularly in the upper
body.
-
Channel Flow: This is a Health Concerns
Formula that is useful for pain anywhere in the body. It
can help with moderate or severe pain.
Nutrition
The following basic dietary
tips will be very helpful for managing the symptoms of
arthritis:
-
Start eating an organic whole foods
diet that is rich in fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and
whole grains. This diet is rich in essential fatty acids,
antioxidants, and fiber.
-
Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates:
These foods promote inflammation and pain and weaken
digestion and vitality.
-
Avoid synthetic additives and
sweeteners and genetically modified foods.
-
Avoid coffee and alcohol: Both of these
are irritants to the liver, colon, and stomach. They can
exacerbate pain and emotional ups and downs.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the
greatest therapies available for healing arthritis. It has been
clinically proven to reduce pain and inflammation, improve
circulation, and trigger the rest and restore mode of the
nervous system. Acupuncture should be painless and deeply
relaxing. I recommend getting weekly treatment for 6-8 weeks for
chronic arthritis, then assessing for progress.
Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and yoga have been
practiced for thousands of years in many different cultures.
They have stood the test of time because they have enormous
healing benefits for the mind and body. If practiced
appropriately, meditation and yoga can offer profound support
for managing chronic pain, overcoming fatigue, and improving
flexibility.
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