Help Yourself to Combat Arthritis - Simple Lifestyle Changes

Arthritis afflicts millions of people, it is often perceivedmore closely fits the syndrome of liver/kidney
as an older person's disease but many younger peopledeficiency syndrome causing weakness and stiffness
are affected too. The Chinese have developed manyin the legs with painful joints. Rheumatoid arthritis was
herbal remedies but did you know that simply drinkingtherefore an area of special concern, generating
tea regularly could help you to stay arthritis free?considerable literature on the subject, since the
The term arthritis is a widely used term to describe ancondition could arise suddenly and could rapidly
inflammation of the joints. There are two basic typesbecome severely debilitating. Osteoarthritis was
of arthritis recognised, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.considered as a disorder of aging, in which the
The former tends to start at a younger age than thesymptoms were considered just one part of the
latter, osteoarthritis tends to be found mainly in thegradual deterioration of body functions that occurs
over 50 age group. One of the causal factors of bothwith old age. As such, it is usually not the subject of
forms is an autoimmune reaction, i.e. th body's immunemuch discussion separate from anti aging therapies.
system starts to attack the body itself. This is beleivedVarious remedies for rheumatoid arthritis include a
to be the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Often,variety of herbal treatments and acupuncture.
rheumatoid arthritis will come and go whilst the painChanging your lifestyle can also help some people. Dr
and stiffness from osteoarthritis will gradually worsenWei, the In Nature Teas Chinese Doctor recommends
over time. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body butat least three cups of un-sugared green tea or oolong
as a rule, rheumatoid begins in the upper body (fingerTea, without milk of course, a day. He also says that
joints are often the first site) whilst osteo affects thecut down on all cheese and dairy, never eat meat
lower body first, affecting the knees and hips first.during supper, only salads, soups. Changing your dietary
Arthritis is still not fully understood.habits, increasing your exercise levels, if you smoke -
The Chinese have recognised the two forms ofstop.
arthritis for thousands of years and have developedSo, eliminate coffee and you will sleep better, change
numerous remedies, although none are specificallyyour eating habits , cutting down on all dairy, red meat,
designed for the forms reconised by western medicineand begin to exercise at least three times a week and
today. Chinese traditional medicine is a holisticyour blood pressure, and articular pains could improve
approach and categorises the two forms differently.considerably. Yoga would be a perfect form of
Instead, arthritis was divided into traditional medicineexercise together with a walk daily for at least half an
categories: hot and cold types, upper and lower bodyhour. Give it a try for a few weeks and you should
involvement, deficiency or excess syndrome, painnotice the difference. A simple cup of good tea is a
characteristics (such as variability and severity) andsimple starting point. And your will to improve and
whether the site of the arthritis was fixed or moving.change to a better life and healthier life style.
Both forms fall under the heading of bi syndrome, aPlease note that this article is for information only and
disorder of qi and blood circulation that leads to theshould not be used on its own as medical advice. If
symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis fits most closely thoseyou suffer from any form of arthritis you should
syndromes characterized by the Chinese asalways consult with your local medical professional for
wind-damp invasion affecting the joints. Osteoarthritisadvice and guidance.