BURSITIS

                                             

Are you experiencing radiating pain in your shoulders, knee, elbow, and hip? Do you notice tenderness when you press around that joint? If you do, maybe you are suffering from bursitis.

Bursitis is a common medical problem. It causes pain in the bone, joint, and muscle aches, most often in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. It is a disorder that can make everyday activities seem like a chore.

 Bursitis Facts

●     Overuse or too much physical activity of the muscles can lead to bursitis. It will flare up for no known reason. It may occur at the knee or elbow, from kneeling or leaning on the elbows longer than usual on a hard surface.

●     The danger signs of bursitis are worsening of pain, redness, swelling, or sudden inability to move a joint.

●     Bursitis could last from a few days to several weeks.

●     Rest, ice, compression, and elevation is an immediate treatment for bursitis.

●     Another option the doctor does is to remove the test fluid from the inflamed area. They also prescribe antibiotics in the case of infection caused by bursitis.

What is Bursitis?

The condition is known as bursitis when there are inflammation and swelling of the bursa. It becomes infected, traumatized, or injured. The human body has over 150 bursae. Bursa is a fluid-filled sac or saclike cavity, especially one countering friction at a joint. It helps joints move more by allowing muscles and tendons to glide over bone and others. This is your body’s shock absorber so the speak.

 Types of bursitis

Bursitis occurs anywhere in the body where bursae are located. When a person has bursitis or inflammation of the bursa, any movement or pressure is usually painful.

●     Anterior Achilles tendon bursitis - This type of bursitis has symptoms such as swelling, pain, warmth, and a soft spot at the back of the heel.

●     Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis - It is also called Haglund's deformity in between the skin of the heel and the Achilles tendon.

●     Hip Bursitis - It is usually the result of injury, arthritis, overuse, spinal abnormalities, and surgery. This type of bursitis is particular among women, middle-aged, and older people.

●     Elbow bursitis - Constant pressure the inflammation between the skin and bones elbow cause of pain.

●      Knee bursitis - It is also known as goosefoot bursitis; Pes Anserine bursitis occurs in the knee. The inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) situated near your knee joint.

●     Kneecap bursitis - People to suffer from this type of bursitis are those who sit on their knees a lot, plumbers, and carpet layers.

Causes of Bursitis

● Injury - The tissue inside the bursa is the common cause of inflammation.

● Overuse of joints, tendons, or muscles near the bursa.

● Infection - Bursitis caused by an infected cut on the skin. Such as those near the elbow, where the bacteria have the opportunity to get in, tend to be in bursae.

● Health conditions Illnesses that exacerbate bursitis include gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

 Symptoms and Signs

Bursitis can have the following symptoms:

1.  Pain that increases that leaves you unable to move

2.  There's a sign of tenderness, swelling, redness, fever, and redness.

3.  The feeling of hotness in the affected area and the affected when touched.

4.  If an infection causes bursitis, we called it septic bursitis.

Diagnosis

A doctor will begin by first reviewing a person's medical history and symptoms.

A physical exam must do to cut the possibility of a more severe condition.

There will be a need for more tests and studies to check for abnormalities associated with the bursa.

 Tests include:

·         X-ray, for broken or fractured bones

·         Blood tests, to assess for rheumatoid arthritis

·         A CT scan or MRI to see if there is a torn tendon.

 Bursitis Treatment

Some of the methods used to treat bursitis include the following:

● Nutritional therapy

As emphasized by naturopaths and nutritionists, diet is the underlying cause of bursitis. The leading cause is the incorrect use of calcium by the body, food allergies, and magnesium.

 Herbal therapy

Herbs or plant products are also useful for the treatment of bursitis. The following include:

·   Curcumin (turmeric)

·   Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple)

·   Ginger

·   Grape-seed extract

·   Pine-bark extract

·   Citrus bioflavonoids

● Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for bursitis include Belladonna, Bryonies, and Rhus Toxicodendron.

● Cold Therapy

The application of ice after an injury helps decrease the inflammation of acute bursitis.

● Acupuncture

Proven effective in treating bursitis, especially on the painful shoulder and hip.

● Chiropractic

Spinal manipulation, a chiropractor of the pressure in the affected joints. May help relieve and improve the movement.

● Massage

  Massage can also relieve localized pain and inflammation in the affected area.

● Allopathic treatment

Conservative treatment of bursitis is usually adequate.

● Corticosteroid injection may also be done for severe pain.

● Heat Therapy Apply a heating pad, or cooling pads to reduce inflammation and to help manage pain in the affected area,

● Physical therapy exercises are helpful to improve motion and strengthen the muscles.

● Surgery Invasive techniques can be done through the removal of their bursa if the symptoms have not yet improved within 12 months.  

Prevention

The following tips are recommended for preventing bursitis:

❏  Protect vulnerable parts of the body.

❏  Warm up or stretch before physical activity. It is good to warm up for at least 5 to 10 minutes before vigorous exercise.

❏   Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese or overweight puts extra stress on the joints which causes pain.

❏     Practice good posture and position the body when going about your daily activities.

 It is an excellent idea to visit a doctor to check out other causes of your pain. Differentiating between non-infected and infected bursitis is important to avoid it from becoming a debilitating and severe condition.

 

 

ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

We hear the word arthritis all the time.  Millions of people suffer pain and disability from arthritis and its complications. Most people accept joint pain as a part of aging. As age increases, joint pain and limitation of movement intensify.

A person may get joint pain due to various reasons such as getting sprains, prolonged sitting, standing in one position for long hours, joint inflammation due to diet, and aging. More and more people require joint pain relief due to this condition.

 Arthritis Symptoms

 ·         Fatigue. Osteoarthritis is related to some fatigue. For some people with arthritis, chronic fatigue can be more debilitating than the painful, swollen joints associated with the disease. Fatigue is an intense feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, and lack of energy. It is the most challenging symptom to live with and treat. Inflammatory disease, lifestyle habits, and medication side effects are the primary cause of cause drowsiness or fatigue. It is a very unpleasant companion to patients with osteoarthritis. It affects your sleep habits, which adds to your exhaustion. Being fatigued, in turn, can worsen pain and make it more difficult to manage.

 ·         Pain in the joints. Joints are the parts of your body that allows the bones of your skeleton to move. Joint pain can be widespread with arthritis. Shoulder pain, ankle pain, and knee pain can be apparent. Joint pain is usually worse after waking in the morning or after a period of rest.  Pain tends to develop and worsen over several weeks or months.

 ·         The growth of bony knobs on finger joints. This bone deformity is referred to as Heberden's node, named after a very famous British doctor. The skeletal deformity is a result of the bone spurs from the osteoarthritis in that joint. Another familiar bony knob (node) occurs at the middle joint of the fingers in many patients with osteoarthritis and is called a Bouchard's node. Dr. Bouchard was a famous French doctor who also studied arthritis patients at the turn of the last century. The Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes may not be painful, but they are often associated with the limitation of motion of the joint. The characteristic appearances of these finger nodes can be helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.

 ·         Finger numbness. This condition can cause tingling, slight burning in the hands, and a prickling feeling.  It can also affect your ability to pick things up. Moreover, you may feel like you’ve lost strength in your hands. Treatment of numbness in the fingers includes:

                        ü Using wrist braces

ü Having periodic injections of steroids to reduce the swelling of the fingers and other joints

ü Stop or avoid doing activities that worsen the symptoms

ü Surgery. Opening the flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) and releasing the median nerve from entrapment can often relieve the symptoms.

  ·  Swollen, red, or warm joints. Swelling is a common presenting problem in patients with arthritis. The affected joint is extremely painful, red is relatively uncommon, swollen, and feels warm when you touch it. You’d never want to move and put weight on that joint. Swelling usually lasts for three days or longer or more than three times a month should prompt a visit to the doctor.

    This scenario can occur with other pathologies and diagnosis may be particularly challenging in patients with pre-existing inflammatory arthritis. Consider septic arthritis in any patient with inflammatory arthritis who presents with a joint flare, particularly if one joint has flared more often than others.

 ·  Stiffness. It is a loss of mobility and motion of the fingers, especially in the morning. A trigger finger usually presents pain, locking or catching of the finger when moving it, and occasionally a permanently bent finger. Often, patients complain of the inability to do activities they enjoy because of a loss of gripping ability or readiness and grace in physical activity.                                           

    The typical reason for this loss in mobility include. Stenosing tenosynovitis or locked trigger finger, DuPuy Ren’s contracture, arthritis, and injury, and fortunately, there are treatments available for these conditions.

·   Sausage Fingers. Have you seen a person with unusually large fat fingers? In more severe cases the whole fingers or toes become swollen. He/she may suffer from Dactylitis. The medical term for this is ‘dactylitis, also referred to as ‘sausage fingers’ or ‘sausage toes. Dactylitis is a puffy nature of inflammation that causes the fingers to feel warm, hand to become bloated, swollen, and look like sausages. It can be due to an infection or a change in the immune system. It can make your fingers so rigid, making it difficult to move that you can no longer make a fist.

Managing Arthritic Pain and Inflammation

Arthritis may come and go, but it's still important to seek treatment. However, you can manage the pain brought about by arthritis by doing the following tips.

1.Lose Weight – Obesity can affect your joints big time. The heavier you are, the more your weight will stifle your joints. If you are on the heavy side, better start today by doing diet and exercise to gradually reduce your weight.

 

2.  Get some exercise – An idle bolt will rust faster. You’ve got to move to keep your joints from “rusting” so to speak. Exercise can also improve your heart health and will also augment your energy levels. You can try exercises such as Tai Chi or yoga to strengthen your joints and muscles.

 3. Hot and cold therapy for joint pain – Experiment with hot and cold compresses and hot and cold baths to relieve your joint pain.

4. Meditation and relaxation exercises – Calm your mind to help your body recover faster. Meditation can also help you to acquire a mindset most conducive to health. You will respond better to treatment if your mind is calm and relaxed.

5.  Massage for arthritis – A good massage can also help to reduce the pain brought about by arthritis.

6.  Acupuncture and acupressure – You can also try alternative treatment modalities such as acupuncture or acupressure to minimize joint pain.

     

    When arthritis symptoms persist, it is best to seek your doctor’s advice. Although there isn't a cure, medications and lifestyle changes can help prevent flares, reduce symptoms, and you can make the quality of your life better.

ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

 

    Do you suffer from knee pain or weakness daily on your knee? If so, then you may have arthritis in the knee. Millions of people have arthritis. Living with this daily discomfort is hard. This illness causes most of the lost time in a person's work and family life, as well as a disability in some cases.

 What is arthritis of the knee?

     Arthritis in the knee occurs when degenerative changes develop in the cartilage that lines the knee joint. It affects the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues. The protective pieces of cartilage keep the bones in the knee from rubbing together, which can be very painful.  Making it hard to do our many daily activities such as climbing stairs, getting up from sitting, and walking.

 Facts about the arthritis of the knee

●     A problem in the immune system causes RA of the knee. It can develop quickly, leading to problems in the whole body.

●     It mainly affects people of all age groups, but it tends to affect more women than men.

●     The two types of arthritis of the knee: rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

●     RA of the knee is incurable. However, there are available treatments to reduce the pain.

●     In some cases, knee surgery/replacement is the last resort to manage arthritis of the knee.

·         The importance of practicing self-awareness to identify what triggers arthritis in the knee is the key to managing the pain...

 

Types of arthritis of the knee

 The two most common arthritis types that affect the knee are:

1)      Osteoarthritis: the most common form of arthritis in the knee. It is a degenerative type of arthritis. The cushion layer between one's bones or cartilage tends to wear away, causing the bones to rub together painfully.

2)      Rheumatoid Arthritis: RA is an autoimmune disease. The immune system damages normal tissue (such as cartilage and ligaments) and softens the bone. The inflammation begins in the small joints in your hands and feet. The synovial membrane that covers the knee joint begins to swell. The affected joints tend to worsen over time.

 

What Causes arthritis of the knee?

 Arthritis in the knee develops when the cartilage thins and wears away and bony bumps known as spurs develop and results in bone-on-bone contact which causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

 Factors that cause arthritis in the knee:

1.      Aging
2.      family history or genetic
3.       overweight or obesity
4.       the result of certain medications
5.      Work-related activities
6.      lifestyle
7.      previous injury of the knee joint

 Symptoms and Signs

    A knee joint affected by arthritis may be painful and inflamed. Generally, the symptoms of knee arthritis may get worse over time.  Visible joint deformities and stiffness that make movement nearly impossible are common. Pain may come and go on occasion and may worsen after intense physical activity.

 Common symptoms of knee arthritis are the following:

·         pain and swelling of the knee tend to worsen over time

·         Tenderness above the knee

·         Increase knee pain as the weather changes

·         Cracking sound when you move

·         Warmth and redness over the joint

 Diagnosis

 Diagnosis of knee arthritis depends on focused symptoms and medical history and a physical examination of the affected knee. It's necessary to pinpoint where exactly the pain originates to find possible relief.

 

    A doctor may look for possible signs of arthritis, damage to the soft tissues surrounding the knee bones, and injury by imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. They may also order a uric acid test for diagnosing gouty arthritis and examine or look for changes in the knee joint and some forms of arthritis that affect other areas of the body.

 When to see a doctor

    If you have severe pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints, seek your doctor’s advice immediately. Take note not to self-medicate with any pain pills unless prescribed by your doctor. Seek your doctor’s advice as soon as you feel persistent pain. If this remains untreated, it can lead to joint damage.

 Treatments

    The first step in treating arthritis in the knee is to get the pain under control. Proper medication is the most important way to prevent severe illness and also to help relieve symptoms and improve function. However, treatment depends upon the stage of pain and damage suffered by a patient.

    The doctor will determine which treatments are appropriate for your situation. The following modalities may also be considered:

●     Weight Loss – This one is the most important especially for obese patients. This will lessen the weight the joint has to carry, reducing pressure on the knees.

●     Mobility Aids - Using canes, walkers, or walking poles will decrease the demand placed on the knee joint.

●     Physical Therapy - Strengthening the muscles of the knee, to maintain its functional use.

●     Prescribed Medications - Proper medications may help treat pain.

●      Cortisone Injections – This may also help decrease the pain and reduce inflammation.

●     Acupuncture – This Asian treatment modality may help to reduce pain and swelling, thereby improving knee movement and increasing the joint’s range of motion.

●     Knee Replacement Surgery - Most commonly performed treatment is by removing the damaged part of the knee and replacing it with metal plastic.  The metal component is attached to the end of the femur using bone cement.

 Ways to Slow the Progression of Arthritis in the Knee

 Arthritis is a commonly misunderstood disease. You may do these measures to prevent it from progressing.

 ·         Exercise - It keeps your muscles strong and helps you stay flexible. Lack of exercise leads to the progression of arthritis.

·         Diet - Food that is rich in multivitamins and minerals is necessary for the repair of day-to-day wear and tear of the cartilage and the maintenance of healthy cartilage.

·         Posture - Practice a good position to have good spinal flexibility and to avoid injury to your backbone.

Learning how to manage arthritis may feel like a challenge. Understanding the disease and diagnosis can help control pain. The more you know about osteoarthritis, the better prepared you will be on managing the illness and its side effects and keep on track with your prescribed therapy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AROMATHERAPY FOR ARTHRITIS RELIEF

 

    Did you know that in our five senses, the sense of smell is the fastest way to reach our brain?

According to the experts, the sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 times more acute than other senses. They also believe that the activity of the nerve signals passing through this region causes mood change by altering brain chemistry.

When we smell something pleasurable like a soothing massage or the scent of a fragrant flower, our mood lifts, we call it “aromatherapy”.  Some arthritis sufferers benefit from this kind of therapy. Their well-being is positively affected by the smell of essential oils, and as a result, their pain gradually fades. Once scent registers, it travels faster to the brain than either sight or sound. Quite amazing, isn’t it?

The aromatherapy massage is a favorite item on every spa's menu because it improves our mood. However, aromatherapy is much more than that.

 

So, what is aromatherapy, exactly?

It is essential to know where aromatherapy came from to understand it better. The name aroma means “pleasant smell” and therapy “treatment which aims to cure physical or mental disease.” 

Aromatherapy was used for therapeutic, cosmetic, and spiritual purposes 6,000 years ago. The Chinese burned incense to promote harmony and balance.

Egyptians distilled oils from cedarwood to embalm the dead.

By the 15^th century, Greeks were using plants and herbs in various healing processes. Aromatherapy uses the properties of essential oils 100% pure to restore balance and personal harmony.

As of today, aromatherapy is still being used to relieve pain and other diseases. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for doing so – including using essential oils to help maintain arthritis symptoms naturally.

Why use essential oils for arthritis relief?

Apart from conventional medicine, instead of getting addicted to painkillers, essential oils are used to treat all types of arthritis effectively.

Oils naturally came from plants, specifically the purest essence of a plant. The stems, flowers, bark, roots, leaves, or other parts of a plant are extracted using either steam or pressure. Therefore, the essential oil is a natural plant product.

Most essential oils are antiseptic and are among the most powerful protectors of nature against bacteria and other infectious organisms. In general, many pounds of plants are needed to extract a small amount of essential oil. This oil brings positive health effects to arthritis patients and promotes better psychological health and physical well-being.

How do essential oils work for arthritis relief?

If battling arthritis, there are ways to brighten your outlook and mood, and one of the best ways is through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is an alternative or complementary therapy to help manage arthritic pain, and is most commonly applied topically or through inhalation and topically for massage.

During the application of the oils, cell membranes are ruptured, allowing their aromatic oils to be released and then collected to enhance joint pain from arthritis. Essential oils and their components are fast absorbed through the skin and are detectable in plasma after application.

 What are the essential oils for arthritis?

 Here are some of the most beneficial essential oils for arthritis-related pain: 

  ●     Ginger essential oil. It is to replace NSAIDs; Experts found out that rubbing ginger extract on the knee joint reduced pain and inflammation. Rubbed directly onto the affected area, the sensation of warmth will fade, but the effects can last.

  ●     Myrrh oil. Use Myrrh oil together with frankincense more often to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints more effectively.

 ●  Frankincense Essential Oil. It is one of the most effective in reducing arthritis pain. The essential oil prevents and stops the growth of molecules that encourage inflammation in the cartilage.

 ●     Chamomile Essential Oil. It is s a good stressbuster that penetrates deep into the skin’s layers and relieves any stiffness in the joints that result from arthritis.

 ●     Lemongrass Essential Oil. This oil is an antioxidant.  It is also suitable for those allergic to aspirin.

 ●     Wintergreen Essential Oil.  It has strong analgesic, and pain-relieving properties especially if mixed with peppermint oil.

 ●     Peppermint Essential Oil. It is an anti-inflammatory that reduces arthritic pain and has fewer side effects. The best result is when used and combined with wintergreen oil. It can be rubbed on the swollen joints as needed to help reduce the discomfort and add some relief.

 ●     Turmeric Essential Oil. Turmeric or curcumin specifically is a powerful pain-relieving antioxidant.

 ●     Eucalyptus oil. It is an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic.  It helps to soothe both the inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and even muscle injury

 ●     Helichrysum oil.  Helichrysum oil is a natural antibiotic. It is a powerful pain reliever, increases circulation, and reduces inflammation in the joints.

 ●     Rosemary oil. Rosemary is also an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic.

 ●     Lavander Oil. It can help fight against the inflammation of arthritis. It can also help inhibit the overall progression of osteoarthritis. It helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and thus prevents the severity of the disease. 

 ●     Bergamot Oil.  A sweet citrus fruit used in earl grey tea, bergamot essential oil can help relieve some symptoms of depression, can aid digestion as well as generally help to reduce tense muscles.

 ● Helichrysum Essential Oil. It contains unique properties that make it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial.

    There are no adverse effects reported in Aromatherapy. Therefore, it is a safe addition to current pain management procedures. However, experts advise that before applying essential oils, they should always be blended with carrier oil. The essential oils are strong essences. Because of that, if not diluted first, they can harm the skin. Common carrier oils include almond, avocado, and virgin olive oil.

    Understanding the approaches for different types of arthritis is the essential way to control and manage pain or inflammation. Aromatherapy showed a positive effect in reducing pain. It boosts energy, multivitamins, and nutrition solutions empowering to meet wellness goals naturally.

    Always remember to check with the right resources to determine if particular essential oils are suited to a person’s health status. Still necessary to consult an aromatherapist to help assess the needs in this area before using it.

 

 

ACUPUNCTURE AND ARTHRITIS

 

“One needle and the bundle of herbs, keep you healthy to old age.”

– Ancient Chinese saying

What is Acupuncture?

    Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine that believes the reason for illness was because of an imbalance of energy in the body.

 Acupuncture comes from a holistic concept of the unity of man and nature. Theories of acupuncture point to correcting imbalances within the body's "energy" flow through meridians, called "qi" or "chi.” These meridians and energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body to relieve pain.

    In acupuncture, long disposable stainless-steel needles are used to stimulate the body’s principal energy-carrying channels called meridians. The act of “puncturing” the skin, muscles, and sometimes up to the bones is intended to overcome blocks that characterize the symptoms of an illness. Blockages are corrected to shift imbalances and relieve pain. Acupuncture can also treat a host of other conditions.

     Acupuncture has been increasing in popularity nowadays. Acupuncture has become more prevalent in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, and America this past decade. After so many years of research, acupuncture has finally gained at least some mainstream acceptance as a medical modality. However, despite the popularity of acupuncture, many people still need to learn about how to perform its correct procedure or why it works.

     Will an ancient remedy hold the key to healing arthritis pain?

    Experts offer limited but promising evidence that acupuncture can help with arthritis symptoms. Arthritis is usually an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints of the hips, knees, elbows, hands, and feet.

 How can Acupuncture Relieve Pain Brought About by Arthritis?

    Acupuncture is a helpful way to control arthritis pain. Inserting needles into the acupuncture points with appropriate combinations is said to bring the energy flow back into proper balance. Points refer to the places where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. This will result in increased blood flow, while at the same time triggering the activity of the body's natural painkillers.

    Acupuncture provides a safe treatment option when appropriately performed by an experienced practitioner. It is believed that the needles stimulate the body’s meridian ends, creating a healing effect of promoting pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Acupuncture has few side effects and serious problems are rare compared to many drugs. Some side effects include:

●     Soreness, bruising, and minor bleeding at the needle sites.

●     Using needles that are not sterile can cause infection.

●     In some acupuncture points, needles inserted too deep can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with the blood vessels.

●     That is why it is essential to seek treatment from a practitioner who is well-trained in acupuncture.

 How does the acupuncturist select points for pain?

There are three processes to select the acupuncture points used for pain relief:

Step 1. Identify the sick meridian point

First, you need to identify the precise location of the pain. Determining the position of the pain will show us what meridian is being affected and needs to be focused on for painful condition treatment.

Step 2: Identify the meridian that balances the sick meridian.

After identifying the meridian that associates with the painful area, an acupuncturist move on to the next step,  which is selecting an apex that will balance the “sick” meridian.

Step 3: Choosing the acupoints

After identifying one or more balancing meridians, next is to select the acupuncture points along them and finally insert fine, sterile needles into the skin.

What are the different styles of acupuncture?

    Over the centuries, different styles of acupuncture have developed based on different opinions, theories, and techniques. The various forms of acupuncture differ in the procedure, but the basic theoretical principles of acupuncture remain the same. The styles include:

·  Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM)

·  Japanese Style Acupuncture

· Korean Acupuncture

·  Korean Hand Acupuncture

·  Auricular Acupuncture

·   Medical Acupuncture

·  Veterinary Acupuncture

     Acupuncture is an excellent way to boost the immune system and help relieve the overall stresses of everyday life. This will also stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It has been proven effective in relieving the pain brought about by arthritis. It can also increase joint range of movement so you can now move freely without pain.

     Reminder: When considering any pain management such as acupuncture, do your research first. Ask about its scope and its pros and cons. Ask your doctor’s recommendation as he/she might be able to refer a certified acupressure therapist.