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Arthritis
Arthritis is the common name given to a host of conditions that
affect the joints. More than 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis.
We’re born with lots of different joints in our body that allow us to move about
easily, but when arthritis hits, the characteristic stiffness and pain can simply stop you
in your tracks.
There are a number of different types of arthritis,
including:
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Osteoarthritis. Average age at onset: Over 40.
Characteristics: Gradual stiffness and pain, enlargement of the joint.
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Rheumatoid arthritis. Average age at onset: 25-50.
Characteristics: Autoimmune condition (immune system cells kill body cells), inflammation
of the joint and neighboring tendons, muscles, and nerves.
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Spondyloarthropathies. Average age at onset:
20-40.Characterisitics: Spinal inflammation and pain, often causing postural changes.
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Gout. Average age at onset: 40-43. Characteristics:
Sudden severe pain and swelling of a large joint, usually the big toe.
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Lupus. Average age at onset: 18- 50.Characteristics:
Fever, weakness, facial and joint pain.
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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Average age at onset:
under 18. Characteristics: Autoimmune condition, stiffness often in the knees, wrists, or
hands. May involve kidneys, heart, lungs, and nervous system.
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Infectious arthritis. Average age at onset: Any.
Characteristics: Body aches, chills, fever, low blood pressure, swelling and pain that
spreads to other joints.
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Kawasaki syndrome. Average age at onset: 6 months to
11 years. Characteristics: Fever, joint pain, and rash on palms and soles, heart problems.
Oriental Aids for Arthritis
Arthritis in its many forms is a common condition to be
treated by oriental medicine. Your acu-pro will determine which environmental factor you
have: wind (moving pain), damp (localized heavy ache), cold (worse from cold), or heat
(skin is swollen, inflamed, and hot to the touch). He or she will treat the specific areas
of your complaint and help to improve your general health to keep you feeling good.
Acupuncture is widely used for arthritis and has served my
patients well over the years. There are currently studies being conducted on several sites
of arthritis being treated by acupuncture such as knee osteoarthritis. I use a a diverse
mix of acupuncture techniques including the traditional needle system, electro and
electromagnetic acupuncture. All have their place in a series of treatments when
determining which one or combination will give the most relief. Moxibustion is used to
warm acu-points and channels, relieving the cold aches, while acupuncture in all its forms
moves stuck blood and qi to increase flexibility and decrease pain.
Acupressure and Tui-Na massage will use firm pressure over
tender arthritic nodules and sore ashi points along the muscles and joints. Nodules are
the hard lumps you find in muscles, and ashi acu-points, which can be anywhere, determined
by any tender areas.
Qi Gong exercises are often taught to patients. The slow,
gradual movements and deep breathing help keep joints moving and increase circulation.
Foods and Chinese herbal medicine are effectively used to nourish your body, treat any
underlying problems, and keep you feeling good. Arthritis is one of the conditions that
oriental medicine has been treating for centuries. See us to discover what kind of help is
waiting for you.
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