Mind and Body Treatments for Arthritis

Mind and body medicine, holistic medicine, and alternative medicine: what does it all mean? It seems to be all the rage, but can mind and body treatments truly relieve some of the agony of arthritis? The short answer: yes. Mind and body treatments have been around for thousands of years. There are no side effects to this kind of treatment, and no costly prescription costs. The only cost is the time and dedication you must invest to make these treatments work for you. The more you dedicate yourself to these ideas and treatments, the more you will get from them.

Most mind and body treatments are buoyed by a simple philosophy: how we think about our health and how we choose to live has a strong impact on our health. Mind and body centered philosophies focus on living mindfully, taking into account how we treat our bodies, how we think about them, and what foods we choose to feed them. It is a holistic approach that takes into consideration the mind, the physicality of the body, and the spiritual essence at the core of our bodies. It can be helpful to discuss many of the aspects of mind and body treatments separately.

First, the mind: The mind is constantly racing, especially during times of anxiety. Arthritis, like many other chronic and painful conditions, can be the source of great anxiety and constant worry. Mind and body treatments seek to calm the mind and induce a profound sense of mindfulness. Rather than constantly worrying and anticipating, the goal is to still, quiet, and live fully in the present. One of the best ways to achieve this is to practice some kind of daily meditation.

Many people who do not meditate have trouble getting started. This is largely because meditation is over intellectualized. Perhaps you wonder if you're doing it "right." This is too much pressure to put on yourself, when your goal after all is to relax. Simply sit in a quiet cool place and focus your mind on blankness. It's perfectly OK if your mind wanders a bit. This is normal, especially if you are new to meditation. Simply acknowledge your thoughts, and return to your still meditation.

Another "mind-body" approach that may seem more familiar is writing regularly in a journal or diary. Research has shown that people with arthitiis or other chronic illnesses have a better outcome even months later if they write about things that upset and stress them. People sometimes find that they don't want to burden friends and family with their concerns and worries - but a journal all your own is yours. You can say anything you want and have no obligation to show it to anyone. A journal also allows you the opportunity to write about good things in your life - people, pets, and things you are grateful for having.

Food and Your Diet: What you put into your body has a great affect on your health and happiness. If you put foods that are over processed, difficult to digest, greasy, or fattening, chances are you will notice the effects of these foods at the core of your body. These types of foods are only temporarily satisfying. After indulging, we feel guilty and sick. Eating slowly, with mindfulness, can help counteract these dangerous effects of eating without thought or intention.

Physical movement (bodywork): How you move your body, and how much you choose to move it has a tremendous effect on your health and overall sense of well-being. Gentle yet effective exercises such as walking, bicycling, and yoga can restore your body's sense of health, vigor, and well being. Exercise can help you release toxic stress and balance even the most out of whack emotions.