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What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions the joint. Arthritis is characterized by inflammation to the joints caused by wear and tear, injury, infection or genetics. There are more than 100 types of arthritis with the most common being rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Some describe the pain to be similar to a toothache while others complain of a sharp burning or grinding pain in the joints.
Think About it...
- Four million Canadians have arthritis and about 600,000 are disabled by the chronic disease.
- Arthritis affects two to three times more women than men and can appear suddenly or gradually usually with the onset of symptoms between 25 and 50 years of age.
Treatment
Conventional treatment for arthritis is a long term regime of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and immunosuppressive drugs that can have serious side effects.
The Best Combination
The best treatment for arthritis has been the best of both conventional medicine and complementary medicine. We strongly recommend that you do not abandon conventional medicine in favor of an unproven complementary or alternative health practice.
CAM Therapies That May Be Helpful for Arthritis
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Biofeedback
Bowen
Technique Chiropractics
Counselling/Psychotherapy
Cranial
Sacral Therapy Exercise
Feldenkrais
Guided
Imagery Healing
Touch Herbal
Therapy Homeopathy
Humor
Therapy Hypnotherapy
Journal
Therapy Magnet
Therapy Massage
Therapy Meditation
Music
Therapy NAET
Naturopathy
Nutrition
Osteopathy
Pilates
Qi
Gong Reflexology
Reiki Relaxation
Therapy Shiatsu
Spiritual
Support Support
Groups Tai
Chi Therapeutic
Touch Traditional
Chinese Medicine Vitamins/Supplements
Yoga
Disclaimer: The resources and links provided are for information purposes only and one should discuss treatment options with their physician.
Important: Whatever CAM treatment you opt for, it is important that you share the information with your physician. It is important that we begin to start talking about the many therapies available and begin to determine which practices are the most helpful.
Copyright ©2001 EnerChi Health Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
