Holistic Joint Pain Relief

A holistic approach to joint pain is to take the whole person into account. Not only is the joint itself addressed, but the environment in which the client lives, their eating habits, emotional stress, and typical behaviors to give the practitioners a whole picture. The holistic approach is that we are naturally healthy and when there is pain or illness, something is out of line in the whole.

Identifying the Source

• Joint pain can happen due to a myriad of reasons. Not all joint pain is the same, so of course its important to take into consideration the source of your pain before proceeding with even the most natural approach. Typically, joint pain comes from one or more of these sources: arthritis, bursitis, injury (including fractures), exertion or overuse, tendinitis, infectious disease, gout.

  It is important to have yourself examined so you know which approach to pain is the best for your particular case, as you do not want to exacerbate an issue by self-correcting. That said, there are some general holistic approaches concerning diet and exercise that are relatively global and can have a positive effect at reducing pain.

Diet for Joint Pain

• Diet is a safe place to start and one you can immediately control. Studies have shown that a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce joint pain and inflammation of the joints. From the highest density of Omega 3 down, you have flaxseed, walnuts, salmon, cooked soybeans, halibut, shrimp, tofu, scallops, and winter squash. In addition to increasing Omega 3 fatty acids, you will need to reduce unrefined carbohydrates and refined sugars. Last, increase fruits and vegetables and create your meals around them, eating as many colors a day as you can to increase your antioxidants, which naturally reduce inflammation which will in turn relieve your pain.

Exercises for Joint Pain

• It's important to pay key attention when it comes to exercising an area that is already sore. One of the best places to start is in the water. In water there is no stress on the joint, the resistance is low---and yet you can get a great workout that will strengthen the areas around the joint. Strength training will aid in healing, help with prevention of further injury, release stress, and increase a general feeling of well-being---all important in the holistic approach.

  Another approach is isometric exercises which are done without moving the joint. Studies have shown a patient can reduce their pain by up to 44 percent by strength training. Weight-bearing exercises, including squats and leg-extensions, can improve the body's ability to absorb shock, which prevents further joint injury and can help rebuild areas damaged. However, anything having to do with range of motion or strength building should be approved by your physician first.

Relief Options

• In the holistic approach to treatment, your practitioner may also recommend one of the following:
  1.) Acupuncture/acupressure. The science of placing needles or pressure on specific points in the body that correspond to specific health or benefits, including pain relief.
  2.) Magnets. Either in the creation of a magnetic field at specific point by a generator, or by wearing magnets at specific points on the body to stimulate healing and bring relief and balance.
  3.) Hydrotherapy. Water exercises and also the application of hot or cold compresses.
  4.) Meditation/prayer/visualization. Using the power of the mind to bring health, balance, relieve stress, and provide a sense of hope and well-being.
  5.) Psychotherapy. Physical pain can have a psychological impact; it can be depressing, discouraging, and stressful---and a therapist can help provide tools to deal with the added stress of pain in one's life.
  6.) Herbal Supplements. Devil's claw, cat's claw and licorice all have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used in a tea to support joint health.

  The holistic approach to health and pain management can run tandem to most traditional approaches to medicine without interference. If you you are on medications and you add an herbal supplement, run it by your physician or nurse practitioner just to make sure there isn't any contraindicated effects, as some herbs can make birth control pills and antibiotics less effective. Generally speaking, holistic medicine brings a "mindfullness" to how our behavior, thoughts, diet, and spirit all work together, striving for balance and health.