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Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Meditation . . . Will It Work For Me?
A number of
possible rheumatoid arthritis treatments come under the heading of
alternative therapies. Few of them have been subjected to intense clinical
trials, although some have received a measure of acceptance by the
scientific community. Whether they work depends on whom you talk to: some
people swear that magnetic braces relieve their joint selling, while others
experience no relief at all.
Perhaps the best attitude taken towards most of the alternative therapy
options listed here is that it won't hurt you to try them. With an open mind
(and a healthy amount of skepticism) you may find a technique that brings
you some symptomatic relief. One warning: product claims that profess to
cure arthritis are simply false; a cure does not yet exist.
Pain Relief: Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture appears to offer some relief from rheumatoid arthritis
symptoms. Western medicine has found that acupuncture lives up to many of
its claims. As acupressure works by stimulating the same pressure points as
acupuncture, it may also offer some relief. Therapeutic massage also claims
to ease joint pain.
Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
Pain control techniques can help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers cope
with inflammation pain. Meditation, relaxation techniques, stress reduction
and hypnosis all have the potential to help with pain control. Pain control
techniques can be preformed almost anywhere, making them very convenient.
They do, however, require some time to learn, and must be consistently put
into practice to work effectively.
Aromatherapy
Unless you're allergic to an essential oil, aromatherapy is a pretty
safe alternative therapy to experiment with. Diluted rosemary and chamomile
oils can be massaged directly into the skin, or added to bathwater for
soothing soaks.
Tai Chi and Yoga: Movement Therapy
The gentle, controlled movements of Tai Chi and yoga are said to loosen
joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. In theory, this allows the joints
to regain some of the mobility lost to swelling and inflammation. If nothing
else, Tai Chi offers a gentle form of exercise that won't overly aggravate
sore joints.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy may or may not have an effect on RA. Homeopathy assumes that
exposing the patient to small amounts of the disease-causing agent can treat
a disease. The concept doesn't sit well with many conventional medical
professionals, but some people claim that their RA symptoms responded well
to this type of treatment.
Magnet Therapy
Magnets have been used to treat sore muscles and stiffness since the
time of the ancient Egyptians. Magnetic bracelets, braces and necklaces to
treat RA are all available. Reactions vary widely: some people report no
effect at all, while others claim that their stiffness and swelling is
significantly reduced. Magnetic aids such as braces are expensive, but other
than a blow to your bank account, using them isn't likely to cause you any
harm.
Lifestyle Changes
An old myth
says that you should move to a dry environment if you have arthritis. That
would be a simple solution for many, but the reality is that arthritis
affects people the world over. Moving won't provide you with an escape from
your symptoms.
You can, however, make some lifestyle changes that will help. Extra weight
puts pressure on joints, especially the knees and hips. Maintaining a
healthy weight prevents this from happening. This may require changes to
both eating habits and exercise routines. Talk to your health care provider
if you need help deciding on an exercise that doesn’t put stress on your
joints. |
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