| Approximately 44 million Americans have been | | | | Evening Primrose Oil: This wonderful herb has been |
| diagnosed with arthritis. Many of these people are | | | | found to reverse cases of mild to moderate arthritis. |
| being treated with Western medications such as | | | | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang: This is a formula used for |
| steroids and anti-inflammatories, while many others' | | | | systemic blood stagnation characterized by sharp and |
| symptoms are left untreated, as they do not want to | | | | severe pain throughout the body. It is useful for muscle |
| pursue conventional Western treatment options. | | | | spasm, inflammation, and pain that is fixed in nature. |
| In my clinical practice, I have worked with people with | | | | Juan Bi Tang: This is a classic formula for arthritis. In |
| all forms of arthritis and I have helped many of them | | | | Chinese medicine, Bi is a syndrome that is |
| get off of pain killers and steroids. This is possible by | | | | characterized by certain elements such as wind, damp, |
| using a combination of acupuncture, herbs, nutritional | | | | or cold lodging in the body causing pain. This formula is |
| supplements, and possibly techniques such as yoga or | | | | helpful for achiness and stiffness primarily in the upper |
| meditation. I am always pleased (as is the patient) | | | | body. |
| when we can use natural therapies for pain | | | | Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang: This formula is useful for Bi |
| management because they do not have any side | | | | syndromes that affect the lower back, legs, and |
| effects, unlike most of the Western medications for | | | | knees. It helps to relieve achiness and tension. |
| pain relief, which can cause a host of complications. | | | | SPZM: This is a Health Concerns formula that is useful |
| Many of these medications weaken the body over | | | | for muscle spasm, particularly in the upper body. |
| time, which, in my opinion, causes premature aging and | | | | Channel Flow: This is a Health Concerns Formula that |
| general debility. | | | | is useful for pain anywhere in the body. It can help with |
| Below are several natural herbal and nutritional | | | | moderate or severe pain. |
| supplements that have proven effective in overcoming | | | | Nutrition |
| the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It is always best | | | | The following basic dietary tips will be very helpful for |
| to seek out the services of a healthcare professional if | | | | managing the symptoms of arthritis: |
| you are interested in using these products. | | | | Start eating an organic whole foods diet that is rich in |
| Nutritional Supplements | | | | fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. This |
| Fish Oil: Taking a high quality essential fatty acid | | | | diet is rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. |
| complex can be very helpful for reducing pain and | | | | Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates: These foods |
| inflammation and increasing synovial fluid in the joints. | | | | promote inflammation and pain and weaken digestion |
| Fish oil can also help any depression that accompanies | | | | and vitality. |
| the chronic pain. Start with 3,000mg daily. | | | | Avoid synthetic additives and sweeteners and |
| SAMe: This is a naturally occurring metabolite found in | | | | genetically modified foods. |
| the human body and plants. The active ingredient is | | | | Avoid coffee and alcohol: Both of these are irritants to |
| methionine. SAMe has been shown to alleviate | | | | the liver, colon, and stomach. They can exacerbate |
| depression, reduce appetite, and improve | | | | pain and emotional ups and downs. |
| neurotransmitter synthesis and receptor binding. I will | | | | Acupuncture |
| often use SAMe when there is a combination of | | | | Acupuncture is one of the greatest therapies available |
| depression and chronic pain, as it reduces inflammation | | | | for healing arthritis. It has been clinically proven to |
| and regenerates joint tissue. It is excellent for both | | | | reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and |
| rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Start with 200 mg early | | | | trigger the rest and restore mode of the nervous |
| in the day on an empty stomach, increase to up to | | | | system. Acupuncture should be painless and deeply |
| 1,000 mg over a period of a few weeks as needed. | | | | relaxing. I recommend getting weekly treatment for 6-8 |
| MSM: 2 grams daily prevent cartilage breakdown | | | | weeks for chronic arthritis, then assessing for |
| Vitamins and Minerals: Key nutrients that manufacture | | | | progress. |
| synovial fluid are vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E. | | | | Meditation and Yoga |
| Calcium, selenium, magnesium, and zinc are also crucial. | | | | Meditation and yoga have been practiced for |
| Vitamins C and D are most important for nourishing | | | | thousands of years in many different cultures. They |
| bones and connective tissue. | | | | have stood the test of time because they have |
| Cetyl myristoleate: This is a form of fatty acid that has | | | | enormous healing benefits for the mind and body. If |
| extraordinary qualities for joint lubrication. It needs to be | | | | practiced appropriately, meditation and yoga can offer |
| taken constantly at a dosage of 500-1000mg/day. It is | | | | profound support for managing chronic pain, |
| useful for both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. | | | | overcoming fatigue, and improving flexibility. |
| Herbs | | | | |