Healthy Living

Holistic Treatments for Arthritis

Holistic Treatments for Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful, progressive disease that affects the joints of an individual. There are many treatments available for arthritis. Each and every one of them works differently, depending on the stage of arthritis at which they are implemented. As we already know, if not treated, arthritis can be very dangerous. This is why once you notice that you have even the slightest signs implying arthritis, it’s best to visit your doctor immediately, so he can perform some tests on you. If you are already suffering from arthritis, the best way to treat it is with certain medications and injections. Most of the medications are antibiotics and pills that kill pain. You have to know that they are made from chemical substances that can control or kill the pain for some time. However, their prolonged use can seriously damage your stomach. For this reason, it is good to be able to turn to alternative medicine.

Here are some of the best-known holistic treatments for arthritis:

-          Saltwater

-          Olive oil

-          Massages

-          Magnesium

-          Exercise

Saltwater

Saltwater can be very useful as a holistic treatment for arthritis. You just need a deep bowl or a tub. Into the bowl or tub, pour water that is neither warm, neither cold. Then pour some salt, preferably sea salt, but even the ordinary salt will do the job. Mix the water and salt for a bit, then submerge the affected part of your body in the solution. Keep the injured part in the saline water for about 30 minutes, or more if can take it. Repeat this process every day, and in no time at all, you will feel the difference. The pain will be significantly decreased. Even better than this would be to go on a vacation to the seaside or beach, where the water is salty and warm. This can have an even better effect.

Olive oil

Besides saltwater, you can use olive oil. All you need to do is to pour some olive oil on the spot that’s the center of the pain. After that, massage the spot very, very gently. Repeat this process, at least three times a day. If you can, do it more and you will ease the pain very quickly.

Massages

Massages are very common if you want to treat arthritis. You can go to an osteopath, a professional masseur, or ask someone who lives with you to do it for you. It’s better to visit a professional because they will know what to do. Massage will help to relax the nerves. That means that you will be able to decrease the pain and you will be able to move your arms or legs with minimal pain.

Magnesium

Magnesium is very beneficial to the bones. Magnesium helps to strengthen them, and it can also be very helpful in minimizing the erosion that appears after the bones start colliding with or rubbing against each other. Magnesium supplements can be taken orally, in the form of a pill or as a concoction. The magnesium pill is naturally-derived. However, as it may interfere with some medications, consult your doctor before taking it. 

Exercise

Exercise is very important when a person is suffering from arthritis. Just like massages, with exercise you can move the nerves and bones. This will calm the nerves and reduce pain. It’s important to exercise at least three times a day. Exercise also helps to keep your weight under control, thus reducing the pressure on your joints and also reducing inflammation and swelling.

Other treatments include:

Indian frankincense - Indian frankincense is an extract from the bark of the Boswellia tree. This gum resin is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is also known to help the growth of new cartilage. Studies have shown that a capsule made with this extract is effective in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Capsaicin - Capsaicin is extracted from chillies and is the substance that makes chillies hot. A gel or cream made from this extract has been found very effective for arthritic pain.

Turmeric - The anti-inflammatory properties and healing powers of turmeric are already well-known. Increasing the turmeric in your diet could help reduce the joint inflammation caused by arthritis.

Fish oil supplements - Fish oil can be taken in the form of a capsule. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids in the right balance. These fatty acids help reduce stiffness in the joints.

Ginger - Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger extract taken two to three times a day can greatly reduce pain in the joints.

Vitamins and minerals - There is nothing like having a well-balanced diet with all the essential vitamins and minerals that we require for healthy growth and functioning. Calcium and vitamin D are both very important especially for healthy bones. Getting the right quantities of these is key to bone and cartilage health. If for some reason your diet is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, you should take a supplement in convenient capsule form to help you meet your daily requirements.

A Few Words of Guidance 

All these holistic treatments can help you improve your body functions and decrease the pain caused by arthritis. You can try all of them at the same time. But remember that they can substitute medications only for some time. For your regular treatment, it’s best to use the medications prescribed by your doctor, along with these holistic treatments as an adjunct to achieve better results. 
A combination of traditional medicine and holistic treatment is the best method to treat an illness like arthritis. On the one hand, conventional medical treatment reduces or stops the pain, reduces inflammation, and helps slow down the progression of the disease. On the other hand, the holistic approach complements these effects in a manner that is gentle on the body, promotes the overall well-being of the patient, and also helps boost the body’s own healing mechanisms to keep the disease in check.