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Arthritis Overview

Arthritis is a collective term used to describe the serious condition where a person’s joints become painful, swollen and stiff.  Arthritis is usually associated as part of the aging process, however there are some forms of arthritis which are more common to a particular age group or sector of the community.  It is surprising to realise that there are 12,000 children in the UK under the age of 16 who have some form of arthritis. There are many forms of arthritis but the most common are rheumatoid, osteo-arthritis and gout. 

Gout – Considered one of the most painful arthritic conditions, it affects an estimated 840 out of 100,000 people.  Gout is caused by the build up of deposits of uric acid crystals in the body and usually affects the joints in the big toe, but can spread to the instep, ankles, heels, wrists, fingers or elbows.  Has been associated with a diet rich in purines, which are a natural substance in foods such as alcohol, oily fish (sardines, anchovies), yeast, liver, kidney, mushroom, spinach, asparagus and cauliflower.

Osteo-Arthritis – The most common form of arthritis, a degenerative disease, which dries out the protective lubricant properties of cartilage as a result there is abnormal hardening of the bone and as the cartilage wears away , the bones rub together causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis – It is a progressive auto-immune disorder where the body starts to attack it’s own tissue mainly affecting the joints of the knees, fingers, wrists, feet, ankles, shoulders, neck and hips. 

 

The causes of arthritis are complex and varied depending on their particular condition, but most people with arthritis experience discomfort, pain, lack of mobility, frustration and fatigue.  Although the condition has no known cure there are medications and treatments which can help control the swelling and reduce the inflammation and pain. 

Apart from medications which your GP or hospital would prescribe, there are other areas where you can take a positive, pro-active approach to alleviate the symptoms.  By incorporating various different changes you can be in control of arthritis instead of it controlling you.

 In your home – it is frustrating and exhausting when simple, everyday tasks are difficult to complete.  There a wide range of appliances and equipment available which if you can be patient and persevere with learning new ways to cope, they can help make your life a little easier.  Visit www.arthritiscare.org.uk for more information on how to improve your home.

Your general health – this covers the usual suspects unfortunately – DIET AND EXERCISE.  People who are 20% over their recommended body weight have more problems with arthritis.  As arthritis affects the joints it is sensible to ensure that you eat a healthy well balanced diet and exercise to ensure that you are a sensible weight for your build and to tone up your muscles to support the joints.  It is important to ensure that with any exercise that it is something you enjoy as well as benefits your health.  Seek the advice of a nutritionalist who can discuss the food groups that may be beneficial to include in your diet.

Relaxation - it is difficult to relax when your body is aching and tired as any tension in the body exacerbates the pain.  It is important to learn to relax your mind and body, which will in turn help relax your muscles and reduce tension caused by aches and pains.  There are a wide range of relaxation or meditation CD’s available or look for a local relaxation/meditation class to join.

Complementary therapies not only relax your mind and body, but the movements stimulate the circulation system thereby increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the organs and the removal of waste products such as uric acid from your body. 

Massage warms and soothes your body, releasing and relaxing tension which elongates the muscles and increases joint mobility and flexibility

Aromatherapy massage has additional benefits included with the essential oils which are known for their healing properties.  The following oils are said to be beneficial for:-

Arthritis - Bay, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram, Pine, Rose and Sage

Muscular Aches – Cinnamon, Comfrey, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Marjoram, Pine, Rosemary and Sage

Rheumatism - Bay, Chamomile, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Neroli, Pine, Rosemary and Thyme

Reflexology works on the entire body system increasing circulation, releasing tension and relaxing your body without touching any painful joints, just by working on your hands or feet.

 

 

For more information please visit www.phtherapies.org

Suffer from Hayfever

What is Hayfever?

Hayfever is a seasonal illness which affects around 20% of the population in Great Britain, it is also referred to as allergic rhinitis.  The sufferer has an allergic reaction to the pollen which causes inflammation and irritation to the lining of the eyes, nose and throat. 

 

How long does it last?

The hayfever season can start as early as February and ends in September, depending which pollens an individual is sensitive to, their discomfort could last a few weeks or the whole season.  Theere are three types of pollens, grasses, trees or nettle/weeds.

 

Grass Pollen     May – July

Tree Pollen       Feb – June (depending on the type of trees)

Nettle/Weed     Aug – September

 

What are the symptoms?

These vary and an individual can be affected by one or all of them:-

• Runny or itchy nose
• Runny or itchy eyes
• Itchy throat, palate or ears
• Repeated sneezing
• Loss of concentration
• Generally feeling unwell
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Tiredness and lethargy

 

What can I do to reduce the symptoms?

Apart from taking medication, you can reduce the symptoms by taking the following precautions:-

• Monitor the pollen count in your area and remain in doors if possible when the count is high
• Wear sunglasses as they prevent the pollen having direct access to your eyes
• When driving, keep windows closed to prevent pollen entering the car and use the air conditioning
• Keep windows and doors closed, during mid morning and evening when pollen count is higher
• Dry clothes indoors to prevent pollen from resting on your clothes.
• Stay indoors when people are mowing their lawn and ask someone else to mow yours.
• Don’t lie on freshly cut grass or go out into the fields and parks when pollen count high

 

What medication can I take?

There are both herbal and conventional medication that can be taken.  Conventional medication provides more or less immediate relief once taken but herbal medication may need to be taken for a period before the hay fever season commences.

 

Conventional Treatments

• Antihistamine tablets
• Nasal sprays
• Nose drops
• Decongestant tables

 

Non conventional treatments

• Bach Flower Remedies
• Homeopathy – to find the right remedies it is best to consult a homeopathist
• Herbal Teas such as Chamomile, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm and Dandelion

 

 

What else can I do?

There are many other holistic treatments that can provide some relief to the symptoms of hay fever such as:-

 

Nutrition – food allergies can increase symptoms in people affected by hay fever.  Some people find that by eliminating milk and diary products from their diet which can increase the production of mucus in the body, the hay fever symptoms are reduced

Hopi Ear Candles – the heated candle creates a gentle flow of warm circulating air which softens and massages the inner ear and the facial massage helps to reduce other symptoms such as ear, nose, throat and headaches

Facial massage to stimulate the removal of mucus around the ears, nose and throat

Aromatherapy Massage – massage has many benefits, firstly it relaxes your body which is tense and stressed from protecting itself.  Secondly improves blood circulation which increases the delivery of nutrients to the body and the removal of waste products.  Add this to an aromatherapy massage which uses oils with beneficial properties for specific ailments such as:-

Lavender – clears congestion, soothes respiratory and throat problems and boosts the immune system

Cedarwood – clears congestion and as an expectorant clears mucus

Peppermint – clears sinuses therefore improving breathing

Reflexology – the reflexologist would focus on specific pressure points to improve the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body and particular attention to the sinuses, nasal, throat and ear pressure points

Indian Head Massage – a massage that concentrates on the shoulders, head and face, incorporating specific movements to alleviate sinus and aching eyes, neck and shoulders

Yoga – specific exercises within yoga are excellent for increasing breathing and the immune system. 

Visit www.phtherapies.org for more information

Aromatherapy and Arthritis

Arthritis is a collective term to describe the serious condition where the joints become painful, swollen and stiff, usually associated as part of the aging process, it is surprising to realise that there are nine million people in the UK living with arthritis and 12,000 are children.   The causes and symptoms of arthritis are complex and varied and although there is no cure, medication can help control some of the symptoms such as swelling, inflammation and pain.  Other symptoms such as lack of mobility, discomfort and fatigue are frustrating.  This frustration can cause a build up of tension in your body leaving you feeling both physically and emotionally tired and irritable.  Feel empowered and take control by learning how to relax your mind and body. 

 

Yoga and Pilates help you focus and relax your mind, but if you want something a little less energetic then consider complementary therapies such as reflexology and massage.  Research by Arthritis Research Campaign suggests that 60% of people affected by arthritis have used complementary therapies.  Massage is known to not only help you relax and reduce the build up of tension in your mind and body but that the rhythmical massage movements also help increase the circulation of essential nutrients and oxygen and the removal of waste products such as uric acid from your body.  

 

Edna, a pensioner has rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and finds a regular massage which not only helps reduce the inflammation but also increased flexibility in her hands.  ‘After the second treatment, I noticed that I could move my hand more freely’

 

Louise, an office administrator with Fibromyalgia,(a condition which affects muscles)  for the last 20 years decided to try aromatherapy massage.  ‘Brilliant, absolutely fantastic, I have had a massage before, but the aromatherapy massage was brilliant’  

 

Aromatherapy massage combines both traditional massage and the sensory, healing aspect of the essential oils.  The aroma of the oils surround your senses helping your mind relax as you inhale deeply.  The smooth, fluid massage movements nurture your body allowing the tension in your muscles to surrender and relax as the warmth filters through the deeper layers and finally the healing properties of the essential oils are absorbed by the skin to nourish the body.  Some of the oils recommended for arthritis are Bay – to soothe aches and pains

• Chamomile- for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Lavender – to soothe and relax
• Majoram and Sage are believed to have beneficial properties associated with relieving arthritis. 

 

A qualified aromatherapist can help you select the specific combination of oils that have associated beneficial properties for your particular symptoms taking into account your existing health and lifestyle.  A professionally qualified therapist will follow the strict guidelines of their governing body to ensure that they work alongside you and your medical team.  View www.phtherapies.org for more information on arthritis and complementary therapies and a list of qualified therapists in your area.