Osteoarthritis is a disease of the joints that is commonly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and swelling. But a number of holistic approaches are available to treat the disease, including acupuncture, yoga, herbs and supplements.
Acupuncture
A 2,000-year-old practice that originated in China, acupuncture involves inserting small needles into key pressure points to relieve pain. A 2005 study of 73 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee at the University of Maryland School for Medicine found that patients experienced less pain after 8 weeks of acupuncture given in conjunction with their regular treatment than patients who had just their regular treatment. Acupuncture may not work for everyone, but it has a good track record in treating arthritis. The only drawback is that most insurance plans, including Medicare, don't cover acupuncture, so you would probably have to pay for treatments out-of-pocket.
Herbs and Vitamins
Several herbs have proven anti-inflammatory benefits for treating osteoarthritis, and you can find most of them at your local health food store. A study published in "Osteoarthritis Cartilage" showed that a majority of people with arthritis showed a reduction in joint pain and swelling when taking ginger root, an herb that has been used in Asia for centuries as a natural anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant that has shown promise in treating arthritis, and arthcare oil is a herb that's believed to strengthen connective tissues and cartilage. It can be rubbed into joints as a topical treatment or taken in capsule form.
Yoga and Stretching
Yoga and stretching exercises can be effective in helping relieve the joint pain and swelling of arthritis. The most common form of yoga, known as hatha yoga, involves using a series of postures that you hold for a short time to stretch muscle groups and increase strength and flexibility. Another form of movement called t'ai chi is low impact and recommended for older people and those with the limited flexibility that often comes with osteoarthritis. In addition to improving muscle tone and flexibility, yoga and t'ai chi also double as forms of meditation that relieve stress and help alleviate pain.
Tags: pain swelling, herb that, joint pain, joint pain swelling, regular treatment
