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Reflexology for Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, you may be familiar with conventional treatments such as non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover, you may be all too discouraged by their numerous side effects and sometimes even their inability to really work. Truth be known, there are over 200 known factors that may contribute to arthritis. The key is getting to the route of the problem and that is not done by drug intervention. And there are many ways to combat arthritis without the use of common prescription drugs.

Reflexology is one complimentary treatment that is beneficial for everyone and especially for people suffering from muscle, joint and circulation problems. Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears. Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. It helps reduce body tension and definitely brings a sense of relaxation.

Independent studies have shown that using reflexology in the areas related to the adrenal glands, one could reduce the need of cortisone, a common treatment for arthritis. The body also produces its own natural painkillers during reflexology treatments, known as endorphins, which inhibits the transmission of pain through the spinal cord. There are many areas that a trained reflexologist may pay special attention to including the kidney's, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands and solar plexus.

Although reflexology appears to have a positive affect on patients with arthritis, it is good to note that the affects on mobility in particular, only last a short time. It is most beneficial to have treatments on a regular basis. On a good note, reflexology definitely was beneficial to problems relating to swelling and oedema, because of an improvement in circulation reflexology brings.

One of the best ways to incorporate reflexology into your life and make it beneficial is to use it in conjunction with a healthy diet. Some basic dietary and alternative therapy recommendations are:

Stay away from foods that cause inflammation such as dairy products, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and tobacco. Eliminate them from your diet and see if your condition improves. If it does, slowly put them back into your diet, leaving time between each introduction so you can see what the culprit really is.

Juice therapy is also very beneficial for arthritis. The best juice choices are black cherry, carrot, celery, cucumber, radish and garlic. Drink citrus juices sparingly until you know if they will affect you negatively.

For pain, some good herbal remedies would be cayenne, devils claw, white willow and yucca.

Anti-inflammatory herbs include boswellia, devils claw, ginger, tumeric, white willow, celery seed and castor oil (applied with hot packs).