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Article Series: Arthritis
Help Me Understand Arthritis & Arthritis Pain
What
Are Natural Treatments For Arthritis Sufferers?
In
the fight against the painful conditions brought on by arthritis,
there is a wide range of alternative
and natural treatments that have come to the forefront. These
treatments are quite often used in conjunction with traditional
therapies.
Because the results vary and because there is sometimes a reluctance
on the part of the medical community to recognize their effectiveness
it is often left to each individual to research and seek to
verify the validity of the results that may be claimed.
Keep in mind that there are strict regulations in place with
regard to the claims that any treatment can make. Many promises
are not backed up with scientific proof and there is a need
to proceed cautiously. Because this disease can go into remission
on its own for certain lengths of time there can be uncertainty
as to the cause. Be sure to respect the therapeutic program
and medications that you have worked out with your doctor.
Of valid concern as well is the need to coordinate with your
doctor anything that could interact badly with the traditional
medications that you may be taking. It is important to not
take for granted that just because something is 'natural' that
it could not cause any bad reaction.
Some tried therapies include: acupuncture, herbal and naturopathic
medicine, homeopathy and massage therapy. Another - Ayurveda
is a Hindu/Indian health based system and philosophy. These
approaches take a holistic approach treating the whole person
and endeavoring to correct any imbalance in their bodies.
This is to effect an improvement in the body's ability to
heal itself.
While conventional medicine has long taken a skeptical stance
this is slowly changing. Some doctors and hospitals are now
incorporating a blend of conventional and alternative. So whereas,
a few years back, your doctor may have dismissed these treatments,
he may now be more open to them. It still is the wisest course
to coordinate your efforts with his.
Does
diet and food affect arthritis? This is a hotly disputed
question. Science has been slow to agree but everyone is unique
and the possibility does exist which seems provable by personal
testimonials that there is a definite connection. Science seems
to find that the idea that some people do have allergic reactions
to some foods - that these reactions could be felt in their
joints.
Some evidence seems to find that fasting for short periods
can help in that it works to suppress the immune system thus
reducing the inflammatory activity for certain types of arthritis.
But eating again can cause them to flare up. Some have suggested
that following a fast with a vegetarian diet seems to help
those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However this should be supervised
by a doctor or nutritionist that can see that you get a balanced
diet. And keep in mind that this does not replace taking medications.
Beside good old fashioned exercise and weight control other
non-standard therapies include: hypnosis and visualization,
biofeedback, laughter, various gels and creams, the application
of heat and cold, and a variety of vitamins and minerals that
can also work to improve conditions in the body overall.
There is no end to the number of treatments and promises made.
It may be difficult to navigate it all. Try to keep a sound,
common sense approach and always try to work in conjunction
with your health care professionals.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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