Introducing Arthritis: Secrets of Natural Healing

By Jason Moskovitz, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

This month we invite you and your loved ones to take home our newest publication on how Chinese medicine can treat and prevent problems with our joints and bodies. This is a book about truly regaining your freedom. Joint pain and the associated stressors that go along with coping with any disorder can prove challenging. Our aim is to show you what is possible within your life to make measurable change in your joints and your entire self-care regimen. Our book answers these common questions and many others:

What exactly is going wrong?
There are over one hundred different types of arthritis including many kinds not directly associated with typical overuse (osteoarthritis). Arthritis is just one disorder of inflammation. Many other inflammatory disorders can coexist with joint pain or even be its cause, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, chronic fatigue, allergies, and infection. So, this book is not only about minimizing pain but also about finding the best ways to deal with multiple issues at the same time. We are made of many types of tissues, we undergo many physical and emotional stressors, and we are exposed to a variety of challenges and toxins. Chinese medicine is one of the only medical systems that looks at the whole person and not just the affected joint.

Can my nutrition be even better?
It is a sad state of affairs when you see hospital food and realize what little importance modern medicine places on the education and implementation of nutrition as part of any healthcare solution. Apart from breathing, eating healthy is what keeps our bodies strong each day.

• Reduce inflammation with Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, sardines and tuna.
• Improve cartilage production with eggs, black beans, avocado and grapes.
• Reduce pain by cutting out sugar, alcohol, and fried or processed foods.

Exercise hurts. Should I stop?
The problem here is many people avoid movement as they find certain motions aggravate their condition. Lack of movement is usually a big mistake. It can make things much worse for the joints and surrounding tissues. Exercise can actually help your mood by releasing endorphins— your body’s natural painkillers.

• Protect your joints by taking breaks (1) from repetitive motions like manual labor or computer use and (2) prolonged sitting or standing.
• Eliminate body stiffness by stretching first thing in the morning as an answer to the body’s inactivity during sleep.

Please consult our new book , "Arthritis, Secrets of Natural Healing," or ask any your practitioner how acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help you with arthritis or inflammatory conditions.