Arthritis afflicts millions of people, it is often perceived as an older person's disease but many younger people are affected too. The Chinese have developed many herbal remedies but did you know that simply drinking tea regularly could help you to stay arthritis free?

The term arthritis is a widely used term to describe an inflammation of the joints. There are two basic types of arthritis recognised, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The former tends to start at a younger age than the latter, osteoarthritis tends to be found mainly in the over 50 age group. One of the causal factors of both forms is an autoimmune reaction, i.e. th body's immune system starts to attack the body itself. This is beleived to be the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Often, rheumatoid arthritis will come and go whilst the pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis will gradually worsen over time. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body but as a rule, rheumatoid begins in the upper body (finger joints are often the first site) whilst osteo affects the lower body first, affecting the knees and hips first. Arthritis is still not fully understood.

The Chinese have recognised the two forms of arthritis for thousands of years and have developed numerous remedies, although none are specifically designed for the forms reconised by western medicine today. Chinese traditional medicine is a holistic approach and categorises the two forms differently.

Instead, arthritis was divided into traditional medicine categories: hot and cold types, upper and lower body involvement, deficiency or excess syndrome, pain characteristics (such as variability and severity) and whether the site of the arthritis was fixed or moving. Both forms fall under the heading of bi syndrome, a disorder of qi and blood circulation that leads to the symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis fits most closely those syndromes characterized by the Chinese as wind-damp invasion affecting the joints. Osteoarthritis more closely fits the syndrome of liver/kidney deficiency syndrome causing weakness and stiffness in the legs with painful joints. Rheumatoid arthritis was therefore an area of special concern, generating considerable literature on the subject, since the condition could arise suddenly and could rapidly become severely debilitating. Osteoarthritis was considered as a disorder of aging, in which the symptoms were considered just one part of the gradual deterioration of body functions that occurs with old age. As such, it is usually not the subject of much discussion separate from anti aging therapies.

Various remedies for rheumatoid arthritis include a variety of herbal treatments and acupuncture. Changing your lifestyle can also help some people. Dr Wei, the In Nature Teas Chinese Doctor recommends at least three cups of un-sugared green tea or oolong Tea, without milk of course, a day. He also says that cut down on all cheese and dairy, never eat meat during supper, only salads, soups. Changing your dietary habits, increasing your exercise levels, if you smoke - stop.

So, eliminate coffee and you will sleep better, change your eating habits , cutting down on all dairy, red meat, and begin to exercise at least three times a week and your blood pressure, and articular pains could improve considerably. Yoga would be a perfect form of exercise together with a walk daily for at least half an hour. Give it a try for a few weeks and you should notice the difference. A simple cup of good tea is a simple starting point. And your will to improve and change to a better life and healthier life style.

Please note that this article is for information only and should not be used on its own as medical advice. If you suffer from any form of arthritis you should always consult with your local medical professional for advice and guidance.