Saturday, October 18, 2008

The Natural Remedies for Arthritis Pain

By Virginia L Porringer

Many of us are taking the self driven approach to our health and wellness. With the internet and the many books and videos offered these days we can't help but learn. The treatment of arthritis pain is no exception, and many of us seek out alternative therapies and natural methods for pain relief.

The first step is to ask your doctor. Some rheumatologists stick with the traditional treatment through medication, but many more are including the more holistic approaches in their treatment plans. You may need to ask the question, to inspire your physician to guide you in the natural, alternative direction.

There are many herbs and spices that have amazing healing properties. Herbs include feverfiew, rosemary, and turmeric. There's also licorice, ginger, and even cayenne. There are many other herbs and natural substances that have been used for centuries, and have been investigated and even adopted as medications. One famous example is aspirin, which is derived from white willow bark.

There are many supplements on the market today for the treatment of arthritis. The type of supplement you use will vary, depending on the form of arthritis you are treating. You may recognize these names: SAMe, glucosamine, chondritin, fish oil, and borage oil.

Ask your health care provider about taking vitamins, minerals, herbs, or supplements that you are interested in taking. Remember that any supplement may interact with other medications you are taking, so remember to disclose the entire list to your health care specialist.

Another natural form of treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. This ancient Chinese treatment modality has been around for thousands of years and is practiced worldwide. Many have reported pain relief and improvement following their acupuncture sessions.

Our diet should be considered when it comes to treating arthritis. Many of us eat too much meat and other acid-producing foods, forgetting that we are what we eat. Incorporating more alkaline-producing foods such as lemons and vegetables, and adding omega 3 fatty acids to our diet will certainly help to improve our mobility and flexibility.

Arthritis does not have to control your life. There is continued research into both natural treatment as well as medications for the treatment of arthritis. Finding the answer may be as simple as finding a workable holistic combination of diet, supplements and acupuncture. - 14130

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