Tag: Aromatherapy

Arthritis and Aromatherapy

Arthritis and Aromatherapy
Mireille Gautschi

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity.Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and — more recently — phytols. For application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is — at this stage — only possible to treat the pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it’s underlying cause.Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation are hot compresses:1. Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water.2. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil.3. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl.4. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much.5. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature.6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times.7. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the patient to rest for a while.Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis relief and works also well as a preventative measure.Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis, aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. About the Author
Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies.Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website www.hillsideherbal.com.au that also offers a very informative newsletter.

An overview of natural arthritis treatment

An overview of natural arthritis treatment
Robert Kokoska

Feeling a little itchy, inflamed and stiff in the joints? If you
feel that your condition adheres to the aforementioned
characteristics, then it is possible that you may be suffering
from arthritis. You are just one of the millions of people
around the world who are infected with this condition.

Arthritis involves pain, swelling, and inflammation of joints
which results from infections, metabolic disturbances or other
causes. Fluctuating pain and stiffness follow and can get worse
during occasional flare-ups. Many people who are affected by
this condition regularly complain of flu- like symptoms such as
tiredness and depression. Therefore it is essential to treat
this condition before it gets onto the next stage and halt it in
its tracks.

This article aims to provide an insight into several methods
that can be used to treat arthritis naturally, causing minimal
side effects.

The technique of acupuncture has been used for centuries by the
Chinese. It is based on the theory that inserting hair-fine
needles along certain energy lines can help stimulate energy
flow. It is believed by scientists that the insertion causes the
nervous system to release endogenous, which acts as
pain-relieving chemicals. This can therefore help in reducing
pain.

Alexander technique involves analyzing whole body patterns,
rather then a certain part of the body which contains the
symptom. It is a way of teaching improved stance to help people
stand and move more efficiently. It is designed to help us
maneuver in a better way and eliminate tension which is
responsible for many ailments in the body which rambles on to
give a greater effect during old age.

Aromatherapy is a technique similar to that of massage. It
involves the use of extracted oil from flowers, plants and
trees, and using it in combination with massage, baths and steam
inhalation. The right mixture of essential oils can provide a
number of benefits. It helps in relaxation, pain relief and
decreasing tiredness.

Chiropractic has long been used to give relief from symptoms of
arthritis. This technique aims to increase the mobility and
relieve the body of tension and stress by adjusting the joints
of the spins and the limbs, which demonstrates constrained
movement.

Homeopathy has its roots in history. Developed in the 18
century, it’s a system of remedies based on the belief that
taking tiny amount of natural substances to stimulate body own
defenses against arthritis. It basically involves taking the
whole body into account rather then a specific region.

Osteopathy is a method to treat arthritis which includes the
manipulation of the body to restore normal action and decrease
pain. This methods cant reverse profound damage done to the
joints but can help in improving mobility. However this
treatment is not recommended for those suffering from
osteoporosis or inflamed joints.

Reflexology has been an ancient technique used by the early
Egyptians and Chinese. It involves massage to the feet and the
palm of the hand to help improve the state of the rest of the
body. When massage will be applied to the feet or palm of the
hand, it will generate a warm and comforting sensation. This is
an ideal method for stress management and overall health
maintenance; factors that cause arthritis.

The practice of yoga has been used for a variety of conditions.
It involves a combination of breathing exercises and relaxation
to cope with daily stress and help in circulation and movement
of joints.

The aforementioned techniques have been the most common natural
arthritis treatments. However before any of theses techniques
are implemented, it is essential to see your nearest doctor to
analyze your state and then use these techniques. This is
because each arthritis patient will have requirements that need
to be addressed individually.

About the author:
If you’re serious about eliminating your arthritis, visit this
website: Natural
Arthritis Cure.

If you would like a copy of the free ebook: “Natural Arthritis
Relief” and more arthritis resources, visit this website: Natural Arthritis
Treatment

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief

Alternative Treatments For Arthritis Pain Relief
Priya Shah

Copyright 2005 Priya ShahNatural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried traditional pain medications without success. Many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient’s lost cartilage. Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in long-term users.Before adding any supplements to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician. However, with a doctor’s approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis. Acupuncture – This is a popular alternative to medication for pain relief. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy focuses on using pleasurable aromatic botanical oils by either massaging them into the skin, adding them to the bath water, inhaling them directly or diffusing their scents into the surrounding environment. The oils have been known to affect moods, help with relaxation, lessen or end fatigue and anxiety, and help the brain and nervous system via olfactory nerves stimulation when inhaled. It is another holistic treatment used by some arthritic sufferers for pain relief and stress management.Cayenne Cream – Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body’s production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. You may need to apply the cayenne cream to painful areas two to three times per day for at least one week before you find relief.Chondroitin – The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure. Fish Oil – Fish oils help with controlling inflammation in the body and may provide relief when arthritis is caused by an immune system dysfunction as in lupus. A vegetarian alternative to fish oil is flax seed or borage oil. More information can be found at http://www.omega3fats.comGlucosamine – Recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually reverse the disease is still unclear. GlutathioneGlutathione – Glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can be safely boosted by consuming its precursors available in the supplements, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) or undenatured whey protein. You can find out more about it here http://www.1whey2health.comMagnets – Although magnets that are worn as jewelry or placed on bed linens have been reported by some to be effective pain relievers, results are still preliminary; doctors claim that these magnets are not strong enough. MSM – Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane is an organic sulfur supplement that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not yet proven and approved. It is used in the reduction of inflammation and can be used in conjunction with glucosamine, in some instances.Nettle leaf – Nettles can reduce a patient’s need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.Vitamin B – It is an effective pain reliever. It works best on the knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in the joints but in other areas of the body as well. Vitamin E – This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.Ginger – Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side effects.These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain relief from natural remedies. Due to the lack of scientific study and testing on many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness. Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease.For a comprehensive report on arthritis, visit Arthritis Remedieshttp://www.arthritisremedies.org About the Author
Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report andHealth Naturale. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

Natural Therapy For Relief From Insomnia

Insomnia! Talk about an awful condition to be suffering from. Having a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep happens to all of us on occasion, but when the problem doesn’t go away or impacts life in a negative way, then getting it treated is a good idea. Natural therapy to relieve insomnia is often an ideal choice because you don’t have to worry about relying on drugs, or getting addicted to them.

Just to be clear, if your doctor has already prescribed something, you should continue taking it unless they advise you otherwise. Stopping medication without proper oversight can lead to even bigger problems.

Meditation is one of the most natural ways to relax and get a good night of restful sleep. Try anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes of meditation just prior to bedtime. You will not only rid yourself of some of the stresses of the day, but you will also be putting your body into sleep mode. You can learn how to meditate on your own, or you can choose from any number of guided meditations for sleep.

Many people have found that aromatherapy is useful tool for drifting off to sleep. Essential oils such as sandalwood and eucalyptus produce a calming effect that can relieve your insomnia. You can add it to warm bathwater shortly before bed, or put a few drops on a handkerchief that you place under your pillow. The key is to enjoy the aroma, but to not have it so strong that it becomes distracting. You can also combine aromatherapy and meditation for a one-two punch that will have you sleeping like a baby.

If you aren’t lactose intolerant, then you may try a glass of warm milk. Your grandparents probably used this remedy, and for good reason. Food and beverage plays a major role in your ability to sleep. Avoiding eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime, and don’t eat anything that may give you heartburn. Many people like to have a bit of alcohol prior to retiring, but having a nightcap will actually contribute to sleeplessness. It’s also a good idea to not drink too much water in the evening; otherwise you may have to get up in the middle of the night to relieve yourself.

There are a few natural supplements that have been shown to help people beat insomnia. Valerian root seems to work by relaxing the central nervous system. Melatonin is naturally produced by your body, but it can also be purchased as a supplement. Melatonin is one of the most important chemicals for falling asleep, and a natural supplement of it may be just what you need.

Having a regular schedule for sleeping will get your body used to falling asleep at a certain time. Be sure that you only use the bedroom for sleeping (no television, no eating, etc.), and that it is at a comfortable temperature. Combine these things with natural therapy to relieve insomnia and you will ultimately get a good night’s sleep.