Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Acupuncture Use As Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

With growing concerns about the possible side-effects associated with drugs used to treat arthritis pain, more and more arthritis sufferers are searching for natural arthritis pain relief treatments. These natural arthritis remedies are a way to treat arthritis pain without side-effects.

1. Exercise the Joint

Due to the pain of their arthritis condition, arthritis sufferers tend to avoid exercising the affected joints. While this avoids pain in the short term, long term the muscles of the joint become more stiff, less flexible and weaker. This has the compounding effect of making their arthritis worst.

While exercising the muscles around the afflicted joint may seem simple, research has shown that this type of natural arthritis pain relief is very effective. Lifting weights will keep the muscles strong and flexible, stabilizing the joint and ensuring less pressure on the actual grinding bone.

Stretch the muscles regularly. You may find Yoga or Tai chi beneficial in this regard.

2. Glucosamine - An Excellent Arthritis Treatment

Glucosamine is another natural arthritis pain relief treatment which has found strong support in the research literature. Glucosamine is a natural substance found inside the body that helps reverse cartilage damage, lubricate the joint and relieve pain. Liquid glucosamine is considered to be more effective than glucosamine in tablet or powder form.

If you are looking to buy liquid glucosamine products, make sure you do your research first as products can vary greatly in terms of quality of ingredients and value for money.

3. Acupuncture - traditional pain relief treatment

There is a great number of arthritis sufferers who have used acupuncture as an effective treatment for arthritis pain. The treatment is many thousands of years old and involves stimulating points on the body to encourage blood flow and to unblock energy. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in relieving pain.

Make sure you use someone who is certified in acupuncture if you are thinking of using this natural arthritis pain relief treatment.

As with anything, make sure you research a natural arthritis pain relief treatment before trying. These treatments can help relive arthritis pain, are inexpensive, have no side effects and can be used in conjunction with more traditional medical treatments.

Pain Relief For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic illness that leaves patients suffering from never ending painful conditions and symptoms. According to medical studies and researchers, there is no specific medication that can cure this health condition. Don't lose heart! There are several diet options you can depend upon in order to get relief from pain. Here are some diet suggestion coming straight from medical expert to plan a pain-free diet in order to reduce inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

a) Tea

Tea has been introduced to the list of healing foods by the experts. Green tea consists of polyphenols, widely known as epigallocatechin - 3 gallate or EGCG. This works towards inhibiting the expression of the interleukin - 8 gene. This gene works for arthritis inflammatory response. Researchers have also proved that black tea can reduce the pain. Sip in tea and you will be relieved from pain. There are certain special compounds found in tea such as phytoestrogens, flavonoids and fluoride. These are a group of antioxidants that work together for healing pain in the body.

b) Grapes

Grapes are rich in resveratrol. It is a phyto-estrogen, nonsteronoidal compound. The studies in the past few years have indicated that resveratrol tends to block inflammation of cells. The inflammation of cells is directly associated with arthritis or several other diseases related to joints. Resveratrol is the first major natural compound that has been identified to undertake two major tasks. The first task is to block the Cox-2 gene from being activated. The second function is to inactivate the enzyme created by that gene. Experts believe that trans-resveratrol can work towards improving aspirin properties to fight diseases related to COX-2 like arthritis. So, snacking on grapes let you get a lot of healing nutrients to the body.

c) Vegetables

Diet consisting of a major portion of vegetables is said to reduce inflammation in most people. This diet helps in producing prostaglandins and leukotrienes. These functions help in reducing inflammatory conditions.

d) Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in glutathione. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant and detoxifying agent. Most of the antioxidants such as Vitamin C & E are unable to function without the help of glutathione. Experts also believe that people with less glutathione in their body can have greater risk of arthritis as compared to those with higher amounts of this antioxidant. You can also snack on some other glutathione rich foods such as avocados, grape fruit, peaches, watermelon and oranges.

e) Fish

According to several studies conducted on health, it has been proved that Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish can help in reducing inflammation. You should also include fish oils to your diet in order to stay away from the rheumatoid arthritis. Fish high in Omega-3 include anchovies, bluefish, capeline, dogfish, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, shad, sturgeon, Tuna and white fish.

f) Pineapple

Pineapple has been widely used to heal sports injuries. The fruit contains bromelain helps in reducing inflammation. The ingredient helps in reducing pain occurring due to arthritis.

g) Olive oil

Eating Olive oil in large quantities can cut down the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It is high in unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains Oleic acid that helps in decreasing inflammation.