Site update- Arthritis- Part Two. Healing Arthritis From the Outside In.

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Arthritis- Part 2

Healing Arthritis From the Outside In.

By Misty L. Trepke

 

Roughly 50 million people in the United States suffer from

arthritis, or inflammation of one or more joints. This inflammation

is often times accompanied by intense pain, swelling, redness and

limited range of motion. When the internal environment of the body

becomes acidic the condition of arthritis is aggravated. The excess

acid increases inflammation and therefore the symptoms and pain of

arthritis while at the same time overwhelming the organs of

elimination, thereby creating a vicious cycle. Last time I spoke of

dietary changes, such as a short fast and the elimination of

processed foods, coffee and alcohol as well as carbohydrates as a

means to promote the healing of arthritis from the inside out. In

part two, I would like to discuss how to help the body heal

arthritis from the outside in.

In cases of severe arthritis, begin with the dietary changes first.

As more movement becomes possible without pain, start experimenting

with gentle, low impact exercise that moves the joints in a fluid

manner, while also stretching and toning the musculature. Yoga or

Tai Chi can be wonderful ways to help reduce the pain and stiffness

associated with arthritis. When first embarking on this new

journey, I suggest seeking out a qualified instructor. Doing yoga

or Tai Chi at home to a video tape can be a wonderful daily routine

that strengthens your practice and will most likely speed the rate

of beneficial results, but nothing can replace the personal

attention and guidance an instructor has to offer- especially if you

need to modify the routine to accommodate your unique strengths and

weaknesses.

Massage should also be considered in all cases of arthritis, but

especially where the pain is so intense the joints simply aren't

being used on a regular basis. We have a fluid in our joints called

synovial fluid; much like a car has oil to keep the friction of

parts rubbing on parts down to a minimum. If there is no movement

in the joint, this synovial fluid is not being given a chance to do

its job. Massage is a passive way to introduce movement to

irritated and inflamed joints. Massage can also reduce the swelling

that is associated with arthritis, while helping stiff muscles to

relax, which in the end can soothe arthritic pains greatly.

 

In cases of arthritis I highly recommend self massage, several times

a day. Massage does not need to be intimidating and rarely can it

be done " wrong " . When working with joints, the number one rule is

don't press hard on the joint itself, work slightly above and below

it. After that do what feels comfortable. Each joint, depending on

how easily you can reach it, and at what angle, will determine if

using your fingertips, knuckles, heel of your palm or thumb is most

appropriate. Neither should one feel the need to press one body

part right through another. Use enough pressure so it feels good to

you, but don't make it hurt. Have you noticed that a natural

response to pain is to tighten or contract? Don't fight yourself.

You will never win. So take it easy, and repeat often and you

should notice improvement.

 

But just like yoga and Tai Chi, sometimes seeking out a qualified

practitioner is a good idea. As professionals we may know advanced

techniques that simply aren't available to the layperson. One

technique that I use quite frequently and have seen amazing results

with is Core Synchronization. This is the culmination of the life

work of Robert Stevens the director of the New Mexico School of

Natural Therapeutics. This amazingly gentle yet profound technique

addresses the discordant imbalance between the bones, synovial fluid

and even the cerebral spinal fluid of the arthritic sufferer,

allowing these components to begin to work together in harmonious

synchronization which can result in the diminution or sometimes even

the elimination of the painful inflammation. For additional

qualified practitioners of Core Synchronization please call the

school at: 505-268-6870. (For more detailed information on

different types of bodywork stay tuned to my article in January, as

part of my expose on how to keep your New Year's Resolutions.)

 

Temporary relief from arthritic pain can also be found through using

hot and cold treatments, but you will need to discover what works

for you. In most inflammatory conditions, ice is recommended over

heat, but I have also heard that stiff, dull, penetrating pain can

respond better to a moist, warm compress applied for 10 – 20

minutes. Likewise, sharper, more intense pain may respond better to

a cold, wet compress or an ice bag folded in a towel. Remember when

using ice, always avoid direct contact with the skin, and never use

for more than 20 minutes. My personal preference is to alternative

between the two, always ending with ice, just to be sure.

 

Hopefully, you will discover for yourself that these ideas when used

in combination with dietary changes and other practices that assist

the internal environment of the body, relief from the pain of

arthritis is possible. For even more information on arthritis

please visit and/or email me at http://www.searching-

alternatives.com.