How to Prevent and Alleviate Arthritis<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\nSince TCM differentiates between the syndromes of obstruction, it does not treat each pattern of arthritis in the same way. Various acupuncture points would be needled and herbal medicines would be used to do any number of the following: eliminate wind and\/or dampness, dissipate cold, warm the channels, free the network vessels, resolve heat toxin and stop pain.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you live in an area where there are acupuncturists or Chinese herbalists, I recommend consulting them for treatment. Additionally, there are five simple things that you can do yourself to help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of arthritis:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Be mindful of wear-and-tear on the joints through repetitive stresses or strained activities, such as running, lifting, machine work, dancing, martial arts, etc. Try to take a break or change position (or activity) often to decrease chances of breakdown. Be sure to warm up the muscles and joints properly before engaging in such activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Inactivity can also lead to joint problems, since lack of exercise or movement in general can weaken the joint-supporting musculature and decrease mobility. A joint, like a muscle, that is not used enough will atrophy, becoming weak, stiff, dysfunctional and prone to injury. So get up and move around, clean the house or exercise as often as possible. Movement is the key here.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- Studies have shown that obese individuals are at risk for developing arthritis because of the constant load placed on the joints, especially the knees and hips. Changing your diet and exercise habits will help prevent this from happening!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- If you have Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction pattern \u201carthritis,\u201d you can wear gloves and dress warmly in winter, avoid cold beverages, eat warm food and beverages and use heat as therapy on painful days.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\n- If you have Wind-Damp-Heat obstruction pattern \u201carthritis,\u201d you can refrain from too many spicy foods and diuretic beverages such as coffee, tea, alcohol and those high in sugar. On painful days you can use ice as therapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
If this all sounds odd and confusing, don\u2019t worry. I break it down into simple terms in my book Arthritis Reversed<\/em><\/a>. In the book I take you step-by-step along a five-part process:<\/span><\/p>\n\nPart 1:\u00a0\u00a0Educate\u00a0yourself\u00a0about the\u00a0real\u00a0causes\u00a0and\u00a0solutions\u00a0of\u00a0arthritis<\/strong><\/span>
Part 2:\u00a0\u00a0Reduce the\u00a0current\u00a0level\u00a0of\u00a0symptoms\u00a0you\u00a0are\u00a0experiencing<\/strong><\/span>
Part 3:\u00a0\u00a0Halt\u00a0or\u00a0significantly\u00a0reduce the\u00a0worsening\u00a0of\u00a0your\u00a0condition
Part 4:\u00a0\u00a0Prevent the\u00a0symptoms\u00a0from flaring\u00a0to improve\u00a0your\u00a0quality\u00a0of life<\/strong><\/span>
Part 5:\u00a0\u00a0Regenerate healthy\u00a0tissue\u00a0to\u00a0reverse the\u00a0damage\u00a0done<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
If you live in an area where there are acupuncturists or Chinese herbalists, I recommend consulting them for treatment. Additionally, there are five simple things that you can do yourself to help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of arthritis:<\/span><\/p>\n If this all sounds odd and confusing, don\u2019t worry. I break it down into simple terms in my book Arthritis Reversed<\/em><\/a>. In the book I take you step-by-step along a five-part process:<\/span><\/p>\n Part 1:\u00a0\u00a0Educate\u00a0yourself\u00a0about the\u00a0real\u00a0causes\u00a0and\u00a0solutions\u00a0of\u00a0arthritis<\/strong><\/span>\n
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Part 2:\u00a0\u00a0Reduce the\u00a0current\u00a0level\u00a0of\u00a0symptoms\u00a0you\u00a0are\u00a0experiencing<\/strong><\/span>
Part 3:\u00a0\u00a0Halt\u00a0or\u00a0significantly\u00a0reduce the\u00a0worsening\u00a0of\u00a0your\u00a0condition
Part 4:\u00a0\u00a0Prevent the\u00a0symptoms\u00a0from flaring\u00a0to improve\u00a0your\u00a0quality\u00a0of life<\/strong><\/span>
Part 5:\u00a0\u00a0Regenerate healthy\u00a0tissue\u00a0to\u00a0reverse the\u00a0damage\u00a0done<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n