Arthritis is common term to label joint pain in the body. There are over 100 different types of arthritis that a person can have in their body. Some common symptoms are swelling, pain, decreased range of motion and stiffness. Whatever you're type of arthritis, there are ways to minimize your discomfort with acupuncture and massage being among them. Schedule your appointment today.
Exercise
For those with arthritis, exercise, no matter how little you do, is
one of the best natural treatments. For those with severe arthritis, even the
smallest amount of walking can make a difference. Swimming is one of the best
forms of exercise for those with arthritis because it puts the least amount of
impact on the joints. Strengthening exercises are also recommended to keep
muscles and joints strong.
Acupuncture
One of the most common reasons people seek out acupuncture is for
arthritis relief. Acupuncture can help relieve pain from arthritis and increase
blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation. Through the specific
placement of needles on acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture realigns
the body back to balance.
Capsaicin Cream
Made from the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, Capsaicin
cream has been known to relieve arthritis pain. The cream works by decreasing
the body’s pain receptors and as a result, lessening the overall pain caused by
arthritis. The cream can be bought without a prescription at your local drug
store.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is beneficial for numerous reasons, one of them being its
anti-inflammatory properties. Because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, trials
have found that the oil can reduce morning stiffness and the need for pain
medication for those with arthritis. Fish oil is a supplement that is safe and
recommended to take every day for the most beneficial effects.
Mind-Body
Mind-body techniques like meditation, relaxation and tai chi have been
seen to improve overall quality of life for those with arthritis. Tai Chi is a
martial art that involves slow, easy movements along with deep breathing. This
exercise can improve the body’s motion and physical fitness without being too
demanding on the joints and muscles. Although meditation and relaxation do not
necessarily reduce pain, they have been found to improve mood and health in
arthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.
Diet
Studies have shown that some patients benefit from changes in their
diet by eliminating food that may contribute to their arthritis pain. By
removing allergens from the diet, overall inflammation can be reduced. Common
diets that have been seen to be beneficial include a mediterranean diet rich in
nuts, fish, vegetables, fruit and olive oil. Foods that are not recommended
include red meat and dairy as those can cause inflammatory reactions.
Sources:
http://bit.ly/1YtHTib
