Arthritis

Symptoms: pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints with red, shiny skin over these joints and a feeling of being unwell generally.

Naturopathy: eat mainly vegetarian, low in fat, dairy, red meat and white flour foods. Foods that should also be eaten less are acidic groups like citrus, strawberries, tomatoes, salt, sugars, caffeine, alcohol, dried fruits and smoking. Take vitamin B Complex, Vitamin A, C and E plus calcium and zinc. It is vital to keep moving - yoga and Tai-chi is fantastic forms of exercise.

A drink made from Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons) and a little honey added to a cup of warm water to be drunk first thing in the morning and with every meal is said to help. Treatments include homoeopathy, Bach remedies, hydrotherapy, moxibustion and acupuncture.

Herbal Solutions: ginger and turmeric, Devil’s claw, aloe vera, feverfew, willow and primula will all help with inflammation.

Reflexology: massaging the areas of the affected joins and also the areas for adrenals, parathyroid glands, the kidneys and solar plexus plus the pituitary gland.

Aromatherapy: rub with a massage oil made from lavender, rosemary and marigold. Bath with lavender, pine or juniper oil. Rub camomile on/into joints.

Acupressure: Points should be pressed firmly for 2 minutes and then massaged clockwise for a minute. This self-help treatment should be done 3 times daily.

For the Hips: press firmly inwards at the concave which is at the pelvis- and leg joint on the hip. For the Knees: press firmly in and upwards from the outer concave under the kneecap. For the Hands: press the crease between the thumb and forefinger, towards the finger bone.

Important! Consultations with registered therapists, healers, experts and orthodox doctors are of utmost importance and strongly advised.