Relief for Arthritis through Alternative Healing

We all know someone who is suffering from knee or other joint pain. Today's modern medicine has done a lot to alleviate pain but all prescription drugs have their side effects. A lot of us would like to reduce or eliminate our pain but are reluctant to ingest drugs that can be more harmful to us than the original complaint.

If you fall into this category I would like you to consider some of the following as viable options to Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means the body overacts against itself and actually attacks the membranes that secrete fluid allowing for smooth joint operation.

The first symptom of Rheumatoid arthritis is usually pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as sensitivity to pressure. Overuse of joints, especially the knees which, in many instances, carry too much body weight, are often the first to show signs of wear.

Most doctors want to treat you with immunosuppressant drugs but we can start by treating ourselves with foods that are found in high-fiber diets. These are generally low in animal products, chemical addictives and pesticide-treated foods. Eliminating rich & fatty foods and sugars will also help with weight reduction. Exercise programs aid weight loss as well as increase joint and muscle flexibility. Exercise reduces the formation of uric acid which contributes to arthritis and gout.

Another thing to watch for is maintaining good intestinal health because toxins are absorbed from the intestines and promote inflammation. Avoid constipation and support the growth of beneficial bacteria with acidophilus supplements. Consider taking herbs that support liver function, including licorice, burdock, milk thistle and red clover. Herbs that aid intestines include peppermint, aloe Vera, alfalfa, ginger and mash mallow.

The use of cold applications rather than hot works well to relieve pain. Use ice cubes in a towel, a compress soaked in ice water or a re-freezable gel pack.

You might want to consider the following herbal teas.

Stinging Nettle Tea – This tea has many anti-inflammatory effects

1 cup boiling water
1 tbsp. of nettles
Steep for 10 minutes
Drink three cups daily.

Horsetail Tea – Provides minerals that rebuild bones and tissue

Simmer 2 tsp. of herb in 1 cup of water to 10 minutes.

Acupressure is another possible alternative. Acupressure is a technique derived from acupuncture which physical pressure is applied to certain acupuncture point, therefore no needles are involved and anyone can use this method. Your fingers are used to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative properties.

There are 10 points that can be used to reduce swelling and pain associated with Rheumatoid arthritis. Three are along the Small Intestine Meridian and are called SI3, SI10 and SI12. (See the illustration to the right). One is on the Bladder or Uriny Bladder Meridian. It is called B60. Three are located on the Gall Bladder Meridian, GB3, GB8 and GB41. Two on the Stomach Meridian, ST4 and ST42 and finally one on the Triple Warmer Meridian called TW5. In our western physiology there is no correspondence to these meridians. They come from TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and relate to the way energy flows through the body.

1) To begin with locate all the pressure points on your body using the illustrations. When you find the correct location there will be a slight indentation there to let you know you have the correct spot. If necessary feel around a little until you find the indentation. Mark the spot on your skin with a ballpoint pen so that you can come back to each spot.

2) After all the points are located make firmer contact with these “ouch” areas. Press these areas with different degrees of pressure to access how much pain is felt or if pressing this point causes pain to shoot somewhere else. (These spots are not the actual places on your body where the arthritis resides but points on your meridians where the energy is blocked and not flowing freely. Opening these points will reduce or totally relieve the pain and swelling in your joints.) If pressing these spots causes pain to shoot somewhere else go to where the shooting pain is felt, this will be your new control point.

3) Massage each point until a numbing feeling is produced.

4) You do not need to massage all points included above. Some points produce stronger effects than others. If some points are sorer than others, massage gently to begin. You can use more pressure as time goes on. As you release the energy blockage in each point it will no longer hurt. This is an indication that the energy is flowing much stronger in that area. Sometimes it may take quite a few sessions of massaging a single point before the soreness lessens. This is because there is a bigger energy blockage at that point, but don’t worry, the more you practice this technique the more the energy will flow.

5) When massaging acupressure points sit comfortable or lie down, close you eyes and breathe deeply. These can be done by yourself or your can ask someone else to massage your points for you.

Hopefully, one or all of the above suggestions will help lessen your pain and reduce your swelling making your body easier to live with.