Discover Alternative Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, (RA) is a chronic disease that affects the joints, mainly small joints like those in the wrists, fingers, and feet. The common complains of those with RA are pain, stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and fever. However, we will take a close look at the methods proposed and currently being used by Alternative medicine A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.

Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, is a more systemic illness unlike osteoarthritis. It begins with an inflammation of the synovial membrane--the source of the fluid that lubricates the bone joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects particularly the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and knees, but it can also affect other organs.

There's evidence that it's related to a failure of the autoimmune system, this is a situation where the immune system turns around to fight the body in which it is meant to protect, in this case, the joints and the joint component break down accumulates; couple with inflammatory infiltrates, the area become swollen and deformed.

While a nutritional approach used to for treatment is still controversial--because the Arthritis Foundation still insists that there is no connection between diet and arthritis-- there is now overwhelming evidence pointing to diet as a major factor contributing to the development of symptoms which is what alternative therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis now emphasizes.

There are many alternatives medicine solutions in place of the usual well known prescription drugs; some of them do provide significant relief to arthritis sufferers. The most attractive feature of these alternative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis is that most of them are safe, and have not been shown to cause the same adverse reactions as conventional medications likes Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex and the other popular medications.

Well known prescription drugs processes side effects ranging from cardiovascular to digestive system problems.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin - two of the most popular arthritis nutrients, these are naturally occurring compounds that can aid in joint health and repair

MSM - a naturally occurring sulfur compound that acts as an anti-inflammatory, MSM can reduce swelling much like other arthritis medications. Because it is naturally occurring, MSM does not cause the usual problem associated wit NSAIDs sometimes used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis like peptic ulcer disease following prolong use, depression of coagulation properties of the blood.

Manganese - an important antioxidant nutrient that facilitates enzymes and slows the aging process, useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It acts as anti-oxidants to eliminate free radical from damaging the cells, and also serve as catalyst to chemical reactions involving enzymes which are beneficial to repair processes of the joint.

Niacin amide - also known as Vitamin B3, it helps maintain the integrity of cells and tissues, slowing the progression of arthritis. This keeps tendons and cartilages healthy. Cartilages and tendons are part of the normal architecture of joints aside from the capsules and bursas.

Turmeric and Ginger Extract - two powerful anti-inflammatory herbal extracts that have been shown to be more effective than NSAIDs in the treatment of the rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. This is not an NSAID, yet works and is even more powerful than NSAIDs. The advantage here is that, you achieve an efficacy more powerful that NSAIDs without the side effects of NSAIDs. Evidence has shown that these natural remedies may offer the most benefits when working together in one comprehensive supplement.

Thunder god vine (TGV for short; botanical name Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F) is a perennial vine found in China, Japan, and Korea. Preparations made from the skinned root of TGV have been found to be effective in treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, TGV also has a history of use to kill insects in farm fields. Currently there is no product made from TGV available in the market. The Chinese have been using it in its natural form.

Selenium is used as a dietary supplement that can give relief to people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Many Rheumatoid Arthritis patients have lowered levels of selenium, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, women with rheumatoid arthritis of less than five years' duration received either selenium or a placebo daily for three months. The patients treated with selenium found that pain and joint tenderness were improved. The patients receiving the placebo did not notice any difference before treatment and after. The improvements in the group treated with selenium disappeared three months later after selenium was withdrawn.

Copper is known to reduction of arthritic pain. Copper is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that may be more potent than conventional pain relief medication. It is known to reduce morning stiffness and help joint mobility, sometimes reducing the need for other drugs. Studies have suggested that rheumatoid arthritis patients are marginally deficient in copper, and supplementation with copper may help to relieve symptoms. This is best given to the patient in form of copper salicylate.

Acupuncture can be extremely helpful. Find a qualified practitioner and begin with two or three sessions per week. Several studies suggest that acupuncture is helpful in the treatment of arthritis. For instance, a recent study in Russia (1) found that 73% of patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis benefitted from acupuncture treatment. When acupuncture was combined with UV light treatment the response rate increased to 93%.

Magnets produce energy in form of fields and are called magnetic fields. These are of a type called static magnets, because their magnetic fields are unchanging. Static magnets should not be used by pregnant women; people who have a condition--such as an acute sprain, inflammation, infection, or wound--that could be affected by dilation of the blood vessels; and people who use a device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or insulin pump, or who use a medication patch. The interaction with these devices may be undesirable.

Homeopathy is an alternative holistic medical system that was developed in Germany and brought to the United States in the 19th century. Homeopathy involves giving very small doses of substances called remedies that would produce the same or similar symptoms of illness in healthy people when given in larger doses. The remedies are highly diluted.

Mind-body techniques manipulates the interactions that exist in health and disease between the mind, the emotions, the body as a whole, and various body systems (such as the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems).It employs the believe that diseases conditions do have spiritual affectation as well on the person. Some mind-body techniques are part of ancient healing traditions. Examples include meditation, tai chi, relaxation techniques, and spirituality for health purposes.