An overview of natural arthritis treatment - herb treatment
Feeling a little itchy, inflamed and stiff in the joints? If you feel that your condition adheres to the aforementioned characteristics, then it is possible that you may be suffering from arthritis. You are just one of the millions of people around the world who are infected with this condition.
Arthritis involves pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints which results from infections, metabolic disturbances or other causes. Fluctuating pain and stiffness follow and can get worse during occasional flare-ups. Many people who are affected by this condition regularly complain of flu- like symptoms such as tiredness and depression. Therefore it is essential to treat this condition before it gets onto the next stage and halt it in its tracks.
This article aims to provide an insight into several methods that can be used to treat arthritis naturally, causing minimal side effects.
The technique of acupuncture has been used for centuries by the Chinese. It is based on the theory that inserting hair-fine needles along certain energy lines can help stimulate energy flow. It is believed by scientists that the insertion causes the nervous system to release endogenous, which acts as pain-relieving chemicals. This can therefore help in reducing pain.
Alexander technique involves analyzing whole body patterns, rather then a certain part of the body which contains the symptom. It is a way of teaching improved stance to help people stand and move more efficiently. It is designed to help us maneuver in a better way and eliminate tension which is responsible for many ailments in the body which rambles on to give a greater effect during old age.
Aromatherapy is a technique similar to that of massage. It involves the use of extracted oil from flowers, plants and trees, and using it in combination with massage, baths and steam inhalation. The right mixture of essential oils can provide a number of benefits. It helps in relaxation, pain relief and decreasing tiredness.
Chiropractic has long been used to give relief from symptoms of arthritis. This technique aims to increase the mobility and relieve the body of tension and stress by adjusting the joints of the spins and the limbs, which demonstrates constrained movement.
Homeopathy has its roots in history. Developed in the 18 century, it?s a system of remedies based on the belief that taking tiny amount of natural substances to stimulate body own defenses against arthritis. It basically involves taking the whole body into account rather then a specific region.
Osteopathy is a method to treat arthritis which includes the manipulation of the body to restore normal action and decrease pain. This methods cant reverse profound damage done to the joints but can help in improving mobility. However this treatment is not recommended for those suffering from osteoporosis or inflamed joints.
Reflexology has been an ancient technique used by the early Egyptians and Chinese. It involves massage to the feet and the palm of the hand to help improve the state of the rest of the body. When massage will be applied to the feet or palm of the hand, it will generate a warm and comforting sensation. This is an ideal method for stress management and overall health maintenance; factors that cause arthritis.
The practice of yoga has been used for a variety of conditions. It involves a combination of breathing exercises and relaxation to cope with daily stress and help in circulation and movement of joints.
The aforementioned techniques have been the most common natural arthritis treatments. However before any of theses techniques are implemented, it is essential to see your nearest doctor to analyze your state and then use these techniques. This is because each arthritis patient will have requirements that need to be addressed individually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: If you're serious about eliminating your arthritis, visit this website: Natural Arthritis Cure.
If you would like a copy of the free ebook: "Natural Arthritis Relief" and more arthritis resources, visit this website: Natural Arthritis Treatment
Gotu Kola - The Arthritis Herb
According to the National Center for Health Statistics there were 45.8 million adults with diagnosed arthritis in the United States in 1993. Although the term literally means joint inflammation, arthritis really refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints.
The two most common forms of the disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, especially among older people. Sometimes it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects the cartilage. Cartilage is the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another. It also absorbs energy from the shock of physical movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the bodies own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (cell lining inside the joint). This chronic, potentially disabling disease causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints.
Today more and more people are seeking an alternative treatment to combat the pain of arthritis. One such treatment that may hold promise is the use of the herb Gotu Kola.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) also known as Indian pennywort, marsh penny and water pennywort is a creeping Perennial herb, native to tropical and sub-Tropical Asia, some South Pacific islands, coastal and central Africa. It has been used for centuries in both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine and was first accepted as a drug in France in the 1880's.
Although treating arthritis is not the most common traditional use of Gotu Kola, down under in Australia Gotu Kola is commonly known as Pennywort ?The Arthritis Herb? where the fresh leaves are used to treat arthritic conditions and has become extremely popular. Frequent reports of its efficacy have prompted the Herbal Medicines Research and Education Centre to start a research project to investigate the popular use of Pennywort (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of arthritis.
Numerous reports have emerged from the general public that eating 2 leaves each day is said to relieve the pain of arthritis and even plant nurseries in Australia sell the plant as 'the arthritis herb'.
Note: Gotu kola should not by taken if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking certain medications.
Before taking any alternative treatment talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to plants), or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: Discover more information and articles on Herbs and Herbal Medicine by visiting http://www.herbs4medicine.com
