| Arthritis as we know it today is a large group of | | | | anti-inflammatory supplements as alpha-lineolic acid, |
| conditions where damage is inflicted on the joints of | | | | primrose oil, devil's claw, and capsaicin. These |
| the body, resulting in swollen, throbbing pain. It is a | | | | supplements are available in natural food stores and |
| disease that afflicts all ages, but is predominately | | | | occasionally mainstream markets; some, like the |
| present in people over the age of sixty-five. The | | | | alpha-lineolic acid and primrose oil, are also available |
| most common form of arthritis is the degenerative | | | | more naturally in food, such as soy, avocadoes, |
| joint disease known as osteoarthritis. | | | | beans, fruits, and wheat-germ. Devil's claw is available |
| There are many forms of arthritis, and consequently, | | | | as a tincture, powder, capsule, or dried herb tea; |
| various types of medical treatment. Each form of | | | | capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory cream made from |
| arthritis is different, so treatment options vary, and | | | | hot-peppers. |
| can include traditional medicine, alternative medicine, | | | | Ayurveda is another form of alternative medicine |
| physical and occupational therapy, and arthroplasty. | | | | that is often cited as an arthritis reliever. Considered |
| While various options for medical treatment abound, | | | | the world's oldest form of medicine, it has formed |
| arthritis patients may be interested in pursuing relief | | | | the basis of Indian medical treatments for over 5,000 |
| from aches and pains through alternative medicine in | | | | years. |
| addition to traditional medicine. In this case, the | | | | Ayurveda proposes a well-rounded routine for |
| sufferer often turns to alternative sources of | | | | relieving arthritis pain that includes herbs and essential |
| medicine for more pain relief than their current | | | | oils, yoga and a special diet that often includes one or |
| treatment is providing. Alternative arthritis medicine | | | | two week detoxification diets. The kind of treatment |
| runs the gamut of hot pepper-based | | | | you receive depends on the type of arthritis you |
| anti-inflammatory creams to vitamin supplementation | | | | have, which, according to Ayurveda, is divided into |
| and Ayurvedic medicine. | | | | three forms: vata, pitta, and kapha. Each treatment |
| Some of the most frequently used, natural remedies | | | | varies depending on the corresponding type of |
| for arthritis are the combined supplements of | | | | arthritis above. |
| glucosamine and chondroitin. According to several | | | | Thus there are many forms of alternative medicine |
| national and international studies, both supplements | | | | that can supplement your traditional arthritis |
| taken together effectively relieve major arthritis pain. | | | | treatment and help relieve pain, swelling, and |
| Calcium is also an essential nutrient, as is vitamin D | | | | discomfort. Always remember to listen to your body |
| (available in capsule form or by sunlight). | | | | and see what works best for you. |
| Other alternative medicines include such | | | | |