At-Home Practices and Treatments for Arthritis
Since we are currently in the cold Winter season here in Utah, USA, many of us could be experiencing even worse arthritic pain than usual. This is caused by our blood vessels constricting more in cold surroundings, reducing blood flow to our joints. We should try to avoid being cold by bundling up when we can! Whether our chronic pain is from an autoimmune disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis, aka RA) or aging/injury (Osteoarthritis, aka OA), we can pursue several practices and home remedies or treatments to soothe our physical hurts.
Various of the following ‘helps’ may overlap from one type of arthritis to another, but any can be useful resources to help us feel better more frequently.
-Changes or Purposeful Lifestyle Habits-
Let us first consider Diet. What is our nutritional focus? Are we growing/purchasing and preparing our foods with a specific intent to eliminate what our body cannot tolerate? Omitting inflammatory foods and avoiding or limiting refined sugars/sugary foods, low-quality salty foods, processed foods, and saturated fats can help us. A gluten-free diet or Mediterranean diet may be an ideal choice. Soothing our arthritis pain can begin at this stage, even before we experience an intensely painful episode during our daily routine.
-Physical Activity and Restful Practices-
Are we pursuing mobility and intentional movement that allows us to remain active while avoiding harsh impacts on our joints? Low-impact activities such as yoga, stretching, walking, tai chi, gentle dance, or water exercise can make a big difference. These activities can reduce the amount of stress (cortisol) buildup in our bodies. We could also consider getting a zero-gravity chair as a place to rest and relax.
If we have a bathtub, soaking in Epsom salt is a lovely way to soothe the joints. Epsom is made from Magnesium, Sulfur (essential minerals for the body), and Oxygen. In upcoming articles, we will be exploring the role minerals play in our body's health. Bentonite clay is another excellent bath soak for relieving pain. But some people believe taking a bath is only for children, the elderly, or those who have been sprayed by a skunk or covered in chicken pox. What if we change any limiting beliefs today by trying a wonderful soak in warm -- or even warmer -- water for a soothing experience?
In contrast to heat for joint pain, a specific-area-focused cold treatment can help reduce pain in hot, swollen joints. We could apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft fabric, switch to a heating pad, or alternate dipping our hands or feet in a bowl of warmer/hotter water followed by a bowl of cooler/colder water.
However, as mentioned earlier, being cold all over or frequently can cause our joints to stiffen. During colder seasons and weather, if we don't have a waterproof option for our footwear, we should consider something to keep our feet warm and dry. Even if only going from house to car to office, it's wise to keep gloves handy to protect our hand and finger joints as well. It may improve our pain level if we also wear socks during colder months. A hat and scarf are an excellent addition so we don't get shivery from the top of our head to other body parts.
-Supplements/Vitamins-
Supplements may add to your improved comfort in dealing with arthritic pain. We could determine if our body type and dietary needs thrive from fish oil, turmeric, evening primrose oil, vitamin D, and probiotics. Chondroitin and Glucosamine may also bring relief. These supplements are helpful for arthritic pain because they reduce inflammation and/or lubricate the joints. [*Please note: before adding any supplements to our daily regimen, it is wise to consult our regular healthcare provider, whom we trust to have an attentive ear and focused, personalized advice.]
Several essential oils have proven to bring relief to aching areas:
Ginger
Lavender
Turmeric
Frankincense
Myrhh
Citrus (Orange, Lemongrass, Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit)
Eucalyptus
Copaiba
Wintergreen
Camphor
Basil
Nutmeg
Chamomile
Fennel
Try single oils (with a carrier or prep oil to prevent irritation/burning) or create a blend. I purchased some beautiful glass bottles with rollerball tops, lids + labels for my own aromatherapy apothecary at home. [When using essential oils on the skin or in a diffuser, please research which are unsafe for pets to inhale so we can protect the delicate respiratory systems of our furry loved ones! If oil is toxic to our pets but we find relief in its use, let us, please consider relaxing behind a closed door and ventilating the space before the pet re-enters.]
Holistic Bodyworks does not endorse, sell, or gain any monetary incentives for mentioning any of the following products, but I wanted to share examples of a few topical resources available for soothing pain. These products are certainly not the only natural products available, but could give an idea of what is possible:
H-Arthritis Formula from Healing Natural Oils (Includes essential oils and homeopathic ingredients)
t.ly/xdtM7
Banyan Botanicals Joint Balm
t.ly/LJY1r
Dr. Christopher's Cayenne Heat Ointment
t.ly/PsZuh
No Boundaries Health and Wellness MSM products (some with glucosamine chondroitin)
t.ly/rVJEe
Other resources to try at home or by scheduling with knowledgeable professionals:
Physical Therapy
Massage
Acupuncture
Hydrotherapy
TENS
Weight Loss
Deep breathing, Visualization, and Mindfulness
Biofeedback
Magnets
Stress Reduction
Stress can invade us from all sides. Many of the tools and resources in this article will steer us toward reducing stress. We may not realize how various lifestyle habits or responsibilities encumber us with extra stress. The ideas and practices included in our topic today can greatly bring more balance and peace to our minds and bodies. I haven't heard of someone who has applied such practices and noticed no relief from stress. I encourage all to incorporate these suggestions into our routine and enjoy the positive, therapeutic effects on our aches and pains.
May we all be well until next time (and always).
By, Kaari Branham
