LAKE TRAVIS VIEW ARTICLE: SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Arthritis affects one out of every three Americans, an estimated 70 million people. The most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and both share a very common symptom…persistent joint pain!

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage in the joints begins to break down and eventually causes the degeneration of joints resulting in swelling, inflammation, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis results in inflammation of the joint lining, called the synovium, and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. The acupuncture points and herbs that are used depend on if the blockage of Qi (arthritis) is caused by the pathogen wind, cold, damp or damp-heat.

Helpful Tips: 

  • Eat a balanced diet to maintain or lose weight if you are overweight (extra pounds can put additional stress on your joints).
  • Limit your intake of dairy, greasy, or spicy foods.
  • Add natural anti-inflammatory herbs to your diet such as turmeric and ginger...check recipes below!
  • Take a whole food multivitamin, vitamin D, and fish oil capsules which contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Ginger Tea Recipe: Combine one-half teaspoon of grated ginger root with eight ounces of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.

Ginger Bath Recipe: Take 1 lb. (1/8 inch thick) of ginger and cook in boiling water until water turns a golden brown. Dredge the slices of ginger and pour decoction in bathtub.  Soak the arthritic joint for 10-20 minutes.