Here is another article that I wrote for the KCWellness Magazine in Feb 2005:

With all the bad news recently with prescription drugs having serious side effects in treating arthritis, I thought that it might be appropriate to look at the alternative approach to this autoimmune dificiency named arthritis.

I personally tested positive for the RA Factor (Rheumatoid Arthritis) some years ago. This means I have the genetics and predisposition toward RA, from my mother's side of the family. Being younger back then, I only had some joint pain that came from weather changes. As I got older, the pain became more frequent and deeper into my joints. Using myself as a test case, I started a baseline of treatments that have served me well over the years.

First, working with a massage therapist weekly has helped keep me more flexible as she keeps the deposits broken up nicely around joint areas and my back. Massage also increases blood flow which aids in pain relief. Chiropractic care has kept me structurally sound for over 25 years. Keeping everything in alignment allows the body to send healing energy whenever it feels the effects of this challenge. I try to keep my diet dairy-free since dairy products tend to worsen arthritic symptoms, especially for a blood type "O", which I am. Staying with green vegetables and avoiding acidic juices, coffee, soda pop, and all diet drinks help reduce inflammation. Keeping the body on the alkaline side reduces inflammation around the joints.

Following the "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" lifestyle that Dr. D'Adamo recommends for my "O" blood gives me guidelines to my predisposed condition. Inflammatory conditions and digestive issues are major health challenges for us "O" type's. Knowing this tells me that aspirin and ibuprofen will give me brief relief from pain but will upset my digestive system immediately; so I look for alternative ways to get the pain out of my joints. I concentrate on power walking, sometimes up to 8 miles a day, which keeps me moving in a forward direction, no pun intended!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), arthritis is caused by poor circulation, accumulation of moisture in the joints and inflammation related to blood stagnation (poor blood circulation). As an herbalist I use and recommend several herbal formulas to my clients that move the Chi (energy), relieve inflammation and help to relieve blood stagnation. Quite often these formulas, as they work on root cause issues, can afford pain relief!

A six-month double-blind study by rheumatologist, Dr. Ron A. Hazelton, M. D., in Australia at the University of Queensland found that sea cucumber (seaweed sargassum pallidum) had a positive effect on relieving his patient's painful arthritic symptoms along with helping their autoimmune systems. I can recommend herbal formulas to increase blood circulation which help dispel wind, cold and dampness in the body (TCM terms for abnormal body conditions) as they work on reducing inflammation. TCM calls inflammation "heat". Those who suffer from arthritic conditions can vouch for the "heat" aspect of joint pain. Quite often cold gel packs applied to joints offer relief, alternating with hot packs. Cold reduces inflammation, heat increases circulation.

You may have read about the Cox-2 inhibitors, Vioxx and Celebrex as being two popular prescription medications used to treat arthritis. It has been shown that inhibiting the Cox-2 enzyme helps reduce inflammation. Since these types of drugs have now been found to have serious side effects, we are looking into alternatives with a lot more gusto. My research has shown that full-spectrum grape extract contains resveratol, a natural Cox-2 inhibitor. This potent botanical extract is known to have antioxidant activity and inhibits the destruction of collagen without any side effects. Combining resveratol with TCM herbal formulas that have known track records for safety, may be the exact puzzle piece you may need to relieve your arthritic issues.

Now, commonsense dictates that you NEVER stop taking any prescribed prescription medications without talking to the prescribing physician. There can be serious consequences to abruptly stopping any prescription medication.

Arthritis is big business, from both a drug and supplement perspective. Every individual is different, and each blood type will handle arthritis differently. Each individual will present different patterns to an herbalist. The herbal approach will depend on the pattern. Remember that TCM dictates that the whole person is being evaluated, mind - body and spirit. As such, the herbal program will be formulated to that protocal.

Everyone can improve the quality of their health by working on their diet, adding exercise, getting enough rest and sleep, eliminating stress, improving their attitude and eliminating toxins from their body. Gravity flow colonics are a wonderful way to eliminate toxins quickly, effectively and safely. If you have a family history of arthritis, you can never start too early from a prevention standpoint. Don't count on that "miracle drug" saving you from a lifetime of indiscretions! Being healthy and staying healthy is really your responsibility, we can help so give us a call!

If you have any questions, please feel free to drop us an email at viableoptions@sbcglobal.net.

Be well!

Dave Laskowski, Herbalist
Viable Options - N. Kansas City, MO

Call the office and book in for a Tag Team Therapy (see Tag Team Therapy link) 816.283.0685/221.4418

"The author of this article does not advocate nor endorse self-treatment by laypersons. One should seek out a qualified practitioner in herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture and check with their primary healthcare provider prior to making any changes in their health care approach"