While medical practitioners advocate traditional drug-based treatments for arthritis, the many natural ways to relieve arthritis pain is often overlooked. However, there are many people suffering from arthritis pain who are more than willing to try more natural approaches and have had good results in achieving arthritis pain relief. From acupuncture to herbal and holistic approaches, there are alternative and natural treatments available to arthritis sufferers.
One of the advantages of the natural approaches to arthritis pain relief is that they are available without prescriptions and are usually more cost effective than their drug-based counter parts. Furthermore, most approaches do not produce bad side effects for their users and do not have the possibility of addiction.
Some Natural Arthritis Pain Relief Approaches
There are several good natural approaches that you can apply.
Aromatherapy relieves arthritis pain through the use of essential oils which can be inhaled or massaged into the sore points on the body. Oils which can help relieve arthritis pain include: Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.
The herbalist approach is to use herbs to act as anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers. Herbs that may help relieve arthritis pain includes alfafa, black cohosh, boswellia and feverfew. They can be consumed as capsules, paste or in food. Many of these arthritis herbs have been used for centuries by various cultures.
Magnetic therapy involves wearing magnetic close to the body and many people report arthritis pain relief from this approach. Magnets can be found in the form of bracelets and necklaces, or even as bedding sheets and pillows which can help relieve pain during the night.
Emu oil is a little known approach which is gaining excellent reviews after several scientific studies that showed that it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in relieving arthritis pain. It has been used by Australian Aborigines for hundreds of years as anti-inflammatory medicine.
Glucosamine is another approach which has some scientific backing behind it. It is a natural substance which is found in the body which helps build and repair cartilage. Glucosamine is a popular product which is used by many arthritis sufferers.
Gentle exercise includes yoga, tai chi and palates which improve the flexibility and range of motion in arthritis sufferers, ensuring healthy joints.
Other alternative approaches includes chiropractic and holistic. Somatic approaches, which emphasis proper body posture and muscle balance includes Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique.
Caution Required When Using Alternative Therapies
The majority of ingredients in most natural arthritis pain relief treatments are safe with very few side effects. However, there is a possibility they interact with prescription medicines or cause an adverse reaction, leading to potential health risks. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any natural treatment if you think there may some risk to your health. Therefore, as with any health treatment, it is important to thoroughly research an alternative approach before trying it and discussing any possible concerns that you have with your doctor.