Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body but especially the synovial membranes of the joints.  In RA, the joints usually involved are the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and knees.  Kneeling down can become very painful and for some people it may not be possible to do with ease.

The onset of RA is usually gradual, although on some occasions it can happen suddenly.  Symptoms that occur in the beginning are fatigue, low-grade fever, weakness, joint stiffness, and vague joint pain which may precede the appearance of painful, swollen joints within several more weeks.

Herbalists do not begin by treating “named diseases” etc such as RA.  What we look at is the whole person.  The body here is experiencing what is known medically as an auto-immune disorder and so therefore the whole system must be treated not just the painful joint areas.

Allergic reactions can trigger of RA attacks and likewise so can viruses.  Again a thorough case history needs to be taken at the consultation and often people do not recall everything at their first appointment - or they may not think that a particular detail is relevant to this present situation, hence on the second visit you often discover further important information that can help with the ongoing treatment here.

Anti-inflammatory drugs which are often prescribed for this situation are only a temporary measure in that they again alleviate the symptoms but do not get to the root of the problem - why has it happened?

Of course a fairly quick response is often achieved with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs with prompt pain relief, whereas herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation will probably take a little longer to bring about such effects, but will not subject the person to the many side effects often experienced with these powerful anti-inflammatory drugs regimes.

Once again, Reiki can be an excellent treatment to receive by those suffering RA.  Our emotions play an important factor here.  Any feelings of bitterness, resentment, being vindictive and showing signs of aggression to others can all play a part in the occurrence of RA.  Not loving yourself or others and constantly criticising can cause RA causing destruction to your tissues and cartilage through acidic build up as a result of such strong negative emotions.

Flower remedies can assist greatly here to by helping to balance negative emotions and allowing a release.  Therefore assisting with discomfort and pain which is often experienced by those with arthritis.  When your emotions are balanced and you are in a happier state of mind with positive thoughts you begin to relax more, this in turn eases tension and stiffness.  It is not easy to feel relaxed when negative emotions are rushing through your mind or you have a rigid/negative  attitude towards others or life in general.