Hair Alternative Medicine

Arthritis and Aromatherapy


Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity. Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is -- at this stage -- only possible to treat the pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it's underlying cause.

Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.

Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation are hot compresses:

1. Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water.

2. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil.

3. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl.

4. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much.

5. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times.

7. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the patient to rest for a while.

Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis relief and works also well as a preventative measure.

Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis, aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

About the author: Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies. Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website http://www.hillsideherbal.com.au that also offers a very informative newsletter.


MORE RESOURCES:

Reuters

CBO: $940 Billion Health Overhaul Saves More Than Previous Bills
Atlantic Online (blog)
We can go back and forth on whether the cost cutting measures in HCR will be more like the Medicare reforms that stuck through the 1990s or the Alternative ...
If bill fails, Pelosi has strategic alternativeSan Francisco Chronicle
'Deem and Pass' rule would bypass House vote on Senate's healthcare billNews10.net
Kucinich's health-care vote could be Obama's lucky charmWashington Post
Economist -Los Angeles Times -Huffington Post (blog)
all 8,457 news articles »


CNN International

Health Care Reform: A Bailout for Insurers and Cuts to Medicare
Wall Street Pit (blog)
No wonder—it stands as an alternative to the US's massively inefficient private insurance system, hence, needs to be downsized in favor of an upsized ...
Alternative is unacceptableHeraldNet
Editorial: Rx for health care: political courageMinneapolis Star Tribune
A third party?Public Policy Polling (blog)
Washington Times -Hartford Courant -SEIU (blog)
all 635 news articles »


House Democrats release 'fixes' to $940 billion health care bill
USA Today
The individual penalty would be reduced from $750 to $695, but the alternative penalty on households would increase. The household income assessment would ...

and more »


Health Net of Arizona Named #1 HMO Six Years in a Row
MarketWatch (press release)
... wide spectrum of health care plans and specialty services, including coverage for vision, dental, life insurance, chiropractic and alternative medicine. ...

and more »


The Star-Ledger - NJ.com (blog)

Tort reform debate is missing the point in health care fight
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com (blog)
Their use in reforming the medical malpractice system is also a better alternative to the random payment caps that are in place in several states. ...

and more »


David Horowitz's NewsReal Blog (blog)

Democrats Enraged by Pro-Life Threat to ObamaCare
David Horowitz's NewsReal Blog (blog)
... because of his pro-life position because they felt the alternative was worse. But his behavior surrounding the health-care issue has crossed the line [. ...

and more »


Times Online

Smart President, Foolish Choices
Wall Street Journal
Still, if this is the choice left to America, a failed presidency is clearly the less unattractive alternative. If Obama's presidency fails, it will be over ...
Health Care Reform Bill:Fox News Interview, President Barack ObamaSeven Sided Cube

all 793 news articles »


Stop the bleeding in California
Los Angeles Times
Like her fellow congressional Republicans, Bono Mack supports an alternative GOP proposal, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says would ...

and more »


New York Times (blog)

American health-care reform
Economist
That is an alternative we think most Americans would rather not experience. Mr Obama's bill does a morally desirable thing in expanding health coverage, ...
Kucinich on Democracy Now! explaining his switchFiredoglake (blog)
Dennis KucinichThe Perpetual Post
Democrats Are Starting to Gain a Sense of Maturity and WisdomHuffington Post (blog)
DesMoinesRegister.com (blog) -CBS News
all 583 news articles »


Health Care and Alternative Health in France
Futurehealth
The conference was about what we call CAM, or Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in the United States, and particularly about the basis for some CAM ...


Google News

home | Iridology | "Mind Machines" | "Alternative Health" site map | Iridology Site Map | "Alternative Botox"
© 2000 - 2010