Tiger Balm was created in China by an herbalist that blended together herbal analgesics. The main ingredients are menthol, clove oil, and cajuput oil. The Chinese have been using Tiger Balm since the era of emperors to relieve pain and discomfort related to muscular and joint aches, arthritis, and backaches. The ointment is stainless and non-greasy.
In the 1870s, Aw Chu Kin, an herbalist who lived in Rangoon studied the different types of effective remedy to best treat his patients. While working at his herbal shop he discovered that mixing various active ingredients was effective in relieving pain. Later in the 1920s, Aw Boon Par and Aw Boon Har, sons of Aw Chu Kin, advertised and marketed the cream.
They saw potential in the natural remedy. Tiger Balm penetrates your skin for long lasting relief to stressed ligaments and joints. It can even be used to ease headaches and as a decongestant. So you feel rejuvenated and energized.
Tiger Balm is great to use before and after your workout to prevent stiffness. You can live a healthy active life to its greatest potential. It does not matter how intense your workout is, whether it be walking or doing a triathlon, Tiger Balm is your answer! You can even wear Tiger Balm while you are working out. As you work the ointment works with you to help you through your exercises and drills, so you can last longer. For other revitalizing products, click here [http://www.remedybliss.com/aloeverajuice.php]
Strain and muscles pains are caused by excessive stretch or stretch while the muscle is active. The muscle can tear on sudden movements or can cause injury on soft tissue such as tendons and ligaments. After an injury muscles and tissues are weaker. Tiger Balm assists with its analgesic property which provides quick and soothing relief.
Tiger Balm is popular for its natural essence. All natural products are used to make this wonderful combination. Tiger balm is composed of menthol, camphor, mint oil, cajuput oil, clove bud oil, and cassia oil. All natural ingredients! Tiger Balm does not have any side effects. We believe it is the best product for muscular aches, for stiff joints, and relieving discomfort caused by arthritis. Enjoy an active and healthy life.
Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category
How To Ease The Pain Of Swelling Joints And Muscles
Conquering Arthritis With Exercise
Arthritis can cause a lot of pain and severely alter the day-to-day activities of an individual. However, it does not have to be that way, and through exercise, you can actually get the better of arthritis and go back to the things you love, including knitting, golfing, gardening and more.
These exercises are easy to do and extremely effective.
1. Ankle circles are an excellent way to keep your ankle joints healthy. You simply need to sit upright in a chair with your feet out in front of you. Then, just circle your feet in one direction 20 times, and then the opposite direction 20 times.
2. The heal/toe lift is another effective way to deal with arthritis in your feet, and it involves sitting forward on a chair with your feet flat. Then, lift your heels, keep your toes on the floe and then lift your toes. Hold this for three seconds and repeat 20 times.
3. Knee raises will work the kneecap and joints there to ensure you do not suffer arthritis there, which can keep you from walking as much as you would like. Sit on the edge of a chair with your back straight and lift your knees as high as you can without bending your back. Keep your abdomen tight, and then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.
4. If you want to combine the legs with the ankles in exercise, you can do the leg lift with ankle movements. In this case, you sit with your back supported, and you slowly straighten your knee. With the knee slightly bent, you then bend the ankle with your toes pointing out ahead. Reverse this and have your toes point towards the ceiling. Repeat once more with the other leg.
5. Shoulder stretches can be done by sitting or standing with your forearms pressed against your body. Then, bring your elbows to the ‘hands up’ position, with your palms facing forward. After that, stretch your arms overhead as far as you can, and keep your elbows in line with the side of your body.
6. Forward arm reaches involve sitting or standing with your arms at your sides and your elbow bent with the thumbs pointing towards your shoulders. Stretch your arms overhead and then lower to the start position.
7. The fingers are very prone to arthritis, but you can deal with this when you do the finger walk and thumb circles exercise. You simply sit with hands on the table, fingers pointing ahead, and then slide thumbs towards each other. Slide each finger, one at a time, toward the thumb, and then walk your hands by lifting them one at a time toward the thumb. Once completed, lift your hands and put them down straight, then move your fingers to the thumb again.
8. Walking everyday is a great way to stretch your back and leg muscles, along with your joints. Plus you get to see the outdoors and enjoy the nice weather.
Arthritis is a tough thing to deal with, but when you use the exercises outlined here, you can enjoy less arthritis problems and more mobility, which will get you out doing the things you have always enjoyed, quicker than you thought possible.
Is Aromatherapy Effective for Arthritis?
Ever since Marcel Proust wrote about the ability to transport one’s emotions via smells in Remembrances of Things Past, the use of olfaction (smelling) stimulators has fascinated many people, including physicians.
One type of alternative medical treatment is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant oils either massaged into the skin, added to bath water, inhaled directly or diffused into the surrounding environment.
More conventional physicians are also beginning to look into the medical properties of aromatherapy in the treatment of diseases. There are more than 200 oils, which are often used in combination to treat different problems, including headaches and insomnia.
The essential plant oils are obtained from the flowers, leaves, stems, buds, branches, or roots. The oils are extracted through a variety of methods such as steam distillation or cold-pressing.
When an essential oil is inhaled, the molecules enter the nose and stimulate the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system influences emotions and memories and is complexly linked to other areas such as the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Through these connections, it is possible to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, stress, memory, hormone balance, and breathing. The essential oils used in aroma therapy are then theoretically able to have physiologic effects that may alter emotions or pain perception.
Essential oils can be toxic when taken internally so they should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified professional.
Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and — more recently — phytols. For application to the skin during massage they need to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.
Examples of some oils which have been used to treat arthritis include:
Benzoin, Chamomile, Camphor, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Hyssop, and Rosemary.
Few well-controlled studies have been done to formally test aromatherapy in arthritis. One recent uncontrolled observation was made by an orthopedic surgeon in Japan.
Dr. Nobumasa Shiba, director of orthopedic surgery at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, became interested in aromatherapy as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis in knee joints, which occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away. About 1 million people in Japan have the degenerative condition.
To test the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy for patients, Shiba carried out an experiment on a group of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Thirty-six patients, aged 40 or older who had had physical symptoms for more than three months, were entered into the uncontrolled trial.
The thirty-six patients massaged lavender oil, effective for pain, and rosemary camphor oil, to improve circulation, into their knees in the morning and evening for two weeks.
More than 75 per cent of the patients said their symptoms, including pain, had lessened.
The uncontrolled nature of this study obviously makes interpretation suspect.
A form of aromatherapy used by thousands of people in the United States on a daily basis are menthol-based topical arthritis rubs.
Aromatherapy needs to be studied more intensely before it can be formally recommended as a standard treatment for arthritis. It does seem to help with symptoms in some people. There is no evidence it has any effect on slowing the progression of arthritis.
Arthritis Pain Relief – Can Topical Creams Really Help?
Topical remedies tackle mild arthritis pain.
If your arthritis pain is mild and you don’t take oral pain medication every day, rubbing a topical pain reliever on the bothersome area can be a good alternative. Following are the most widely used topicals.
Counterirritants mask arthritis pain by stimulating the nerves to produce a slightly uncomfortable warm or cool sensation. That distractts you from the more intense joint pain. These products may contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, or oil of winter green. Brand names include Icy Hot Chill Stick, Ben Gay, and ArthriCare. These products cause a temporary redness of the skin and work best on joints near the surface, such as fingers, elbows, and knees.
Topical NSAID’s contain salicylates, chemical cousins of aspirin, and relieve pain the same way oral NSAID’s do. Their effects, however are restricted to the surface and avoid some of the problems associated with oral NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDs include Aspercreme, Sportscreme, and Myoflex. People who are allergic to aspirin or who take medications that interact adversely with aspirin shouldn’t use a topical NSAID because a bit of it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Capsaicin. The topical pain relievers Zostrix and Capzacin-P contain capsaicin, the chemical that gives hot peppers their bite. Capsaicin lowers levels of substance P, which relays pain impulses to the brain and is involved in inflammation. Capsaicin-based products must be applied three or four times a day for up to several weeks before their benefits are noticeable. Burning, stinging, and redness often occur in the first days of treatment, but then subside.
Do’s and don’ts of topicals: Be sure to wash your hands after applying any topical pain reliever. Avoid contact with broken or irritated skin and the eyes, nose, and mouth. If severe irritation develops, stop using the product immediately. Some products warn users not to apply a bandage or heat to the treated area. Don’t use a topical medication just before a workout, as perspiration can cause the skin to absorb too much of it.
Aquatic Therapy Provides Low-Impact Exercise For Arthritis Suffers
Some who suffer from arthritis are hesitant to engage in physical activity because they are afraid it may cause harm to their bodies. Ironically, some of the pain these people are experiencing is due to the complications of inactivity, rather than the arthritis itself. Research shows that many people with arthritis are quite capable of engaging in physical activity. It is important that these people maintain physical health and fitness, as it leads to greater flexibility, strength, and an overall sense of well-being.
However, if you have arthritis, certain exercises can be difficult and even harmful due to the stress they place on the joints throughout your body. These exercises are usually high-impact and should be avoided. Exercises such as jogging and weight-lifting tend to exert pressure, or impact, on the body in ways that could be harmful. Luckily, there are other “low-impact” exercises that provide excellent health benefits without inflicting any physical damage.
One option is aquatic therapy, which is gaining popularity amongst sufferers due to its ability to provide a great workout with less stress to fragile joints. The buoyancy effect of water drastically reduces the amount of body weight that is acting upon your joints. In fact, if you are standing in shoulder-high water, only 10% of your total body weight is acting upon your joints. You will also experience an enhanced range of motion, and in turn, you can strengthen a wider range of muscles due to the resistant nature of water. The pressure of the water helps to decrease swelling and increase circulation, not unlike wearing a support hose. Also, the soothing sensation of warm water helps to relieve stress, and may allow you to do things you could not normally do on land.
If you are one of the many sufferers of arthritis who is hesitant to engage in physical activity for fear of doing physical harm to your body, aquatic therapy may be the solution to your problem. Ask around, or visit your local community facilities and see if they have any classes, hydrotherapy pools, or swim spas designed to help people engage in low-impact aerobic exercise. Many facilities will offer a range of water-exercise programs. Be sure to look for a qualified instructor who is knowledge about arthritis. If you find a suitable location, you will find that aquatic therapy is a relaxing and enjoyable way to relieve the pain and stress associated with arthritis. Not to mention it is a great way to socialize and exercise at the same time!
Osteoarthritis – The Risk Factors and Management Options
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, occurring in up to about 10% of adults, with as many as 50% of the elderly suffering from it. It is basically a degenerative form of arthritis, in which the cartilage, whose function is to cushion the joints, gets worn out with age.
This “wear-and-tear” of the cartilage over time, results in the bone surfaces becoming less protected and increases friction between the bones during movement. This friction eventually results in pain, swelling and loss of mobility. In more advance stages, the joint loses it normal shape and bony spurs may grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage may break off and float inside the joint space, further causing pain and loss of mobility.
WHAT CAUSES OSTEOARTHRITIS?
The cause is multi-factorial, but the following would increase your risk:
Being overweight Getting older Previous injury to the joint Mechanical stresses on the joint from high impact sports, certain jobs, pathological or congenital mal-alignment of bones
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms in the initial stages may include pain, tenderness, stiffness, creaking and locking of the affected joint. As the arthritis progresses, there may be swelling of the joint due to collection of synovial fluid within the joint. In the more advanced stages, there is bony deformity (caused by bony spurs) and mal-alignment of the limb (eg. “varus” deformity of the knee). Patients experience increasing pain upon weight bearing, thus limiting walking, and ultimately, even standing.
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine and weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. In the smaller joints, such as in the fingers, hard bony swellings called Heberden’s nodes and Bouchard’s nodes may form. These are typically not painful, but they do limit joint movement.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis can often be made by your doctor with reasonable certainty by a thorough physical examination. X-rays are used to confirm the diagnosis as well as to document progressive X-ray changes (thinning of cartilage, bony spurs, loose bodies, mal-alignment of joint etc) as the condition progresses.
TREATMENT
1. Non-Pharmacological:
Weight loss – Excess body weight puts more strain on the knee joints. A typical vicious cycle exists: (1) Overweight person develops knee osteoarthritis (2) painful knees reduce mobility (3) with reduced mobility, more weight is gained (4) more weight worsens the arthritis. Regular exercise – regular aerobic, strengthening and range of motion exercises help strengthen muscles that stabilize the joints. Adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength. Warm soaks and heat packs to help relief pain. Avoid excessive walking during periods of acute pain. Orthoses and walking aids – splints and braces help with joint alignment and weight redistribution. Walking frames and crutches help take load away from the arthritic knee. Physiotherapy Acupuncture
2. Pharmacological Measures:
Pain-killers – paracetamol-based medication, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) etc. Glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate. Topical rubs with NSAIDS or capsaicin. Intra-articular joint injections
3. Surgical Treatment:
Joint lavage (wash out) and arthroscopic debridement (clearing) Osteotomy – a wedge of bone located near the damaged joint is removed to realign the knee. This causes a shift of weight from the area of damaged cartilage to the area where there is more healthy cartilage. Total Joint Replacement – considered to be the last resort option in which the severely arthritic joint, having failed more conservative methods of therapy, is replaced with a prosthetic joint.
The decision to treat as well the type of treatment appropriate must be individualized according to the needs of the patient.
For example, young athlete with arthritis to the knee from a previous injury, will require treatment because his arthritis impacts his activities. For him, conservative treatment with possible arthroscopic lavage and debridement would be more appropriate than total joint replacement, in view of his young age.
In contrast, severe osteoarthritis of the knee in an elderly gentleman, which when examined in isolation, would lead one to consider total knee replacement. However, if this knee belonged to a bed-bound gentleman, then perhaps simple pain-killers would be all that is needed.
Dr Ang C.D.
SingaporeDoc.com
Relief For Hip And Back Pain When You Have Arthritis
Maybe you think that, if you ever get arthritis it will be in the future when you are old, you couldn’t be more wrong. It is true that arthritis, most of the times, is associated with old age but the truth of the fact is that arthritis can affect all age groups and anyone on this planet. People who are suffering from arthritis will mostly complain about pain that occurs in the hip and back area of their body. Naturally they would like some pain relief for it.
There are a few options open for these people. They should learn about all of them so they know what to choose when it comes to relieving pain in the hips or back caused by arthritis.
Know what you do
You will see, or all ready know, that if you make little changes in your daily and nightly routine you can take some of the hip and back pain away. Just make sure you know your body and pick up the little signs your body give you.
The moment you feel the pain in your hip or back surfacing take a moment and think about what you have just done before the pain came along. What did you do physically? Did you run or work hard? Did you eat something in particular or maybe you woke up after a night with little sleep? When you suffer from arthritis these are the little things you have to remember.
In general terms you could say that when you have a good night sleep and do mild exercises during the day, like small walks or a bit of swimming, you should have less back pain. Sometimes this means changing your lifestyle, that’s a choice you will have to make yourself.
There are many types of medication
Of course the small changes in your daily routine will not always relief all the pain. Maybe you should consider getting some prescription or non-prescription drugs. Always consult with your doctor before taking this step. Most of the drugs are mere pain relievers and will help you with getting rid of the pain but will not get to the root of it. For some forms of arthritis there are immune system suppressing drugs which could be helpful. There are also some biologic response modifying drugs that can be used. But always consult a doctor and never start experimenting on your own.
There is help
Lets be honest, for some people there will be no pain relief. Some forms of arthritis affect the body in a way that pain relief is not possible. This might by a very scary thought but you should be aware of this fact. If you are not able to find some form of pain relief there are some other options open for you.
These days there are some tools and aids on the market that have been invented specifically to help people that suffer from arthritis. These inventions range from specially made canes, special can openers and even gardening tools. While these special tools will not take the pain away in your hip or back they will make sure that you can keep on living by making sure that those body parts are not stressed while doing your daily activities.
Pain from arthritis affects more people than we can think of and in all age groups and with all kinds of backgrounds. But suffering from pain in your hips, back or other body parts does not mean you shouldn’t continue living your life.
Natural Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may want to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs that can do damage to your organs and have other negative side effects. This is a crippling auto-immune disease, but you can use natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Those who have this condition have done well by eating healthy, exercising and taking supplements to help their immune system.
Causes
RA is similar to other forms of arthritis in that it causes inflammation of the joints that gets progressively worse over time. Unlike other types of arthritis, however, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder in which the body actually attacks itself. No one knows why people get this condition and others do not. It may be caused by a virus or bacteria, although there has been no known cause reported by medical science for rheumatoid arthritis.
Healthy Diet
Natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes a healthy diet that consists of vegetables, fruits and whole grains as well as proteins such as fatty fish. These are foods that not only help the immune system stay in check, but also help with inflammation. Fatty fish oils such as those found in salmon are very good for the body and even the mind. They can help when it comes to an anti-inflammation diet.
Foods that are high in anti-oxidants can also help with the immune system and help treat rheumatoid arthritis. When you have a disease that attacks the immune system, you need to do what you can to make it stronger. Eating fruits and vegetables is not only smart when it comes to reducing inflammation, but they can also boost the immunity.
Not eating certain foods, such as fats and sugars, can also help with natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to eating the right foods, you should be sure to stay clear of the wrong foods. You should also avoid alcohol as well as bad habits that can weaken the immune system, such as smoking tobacco. This can interfere with your natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Exercise as Natural Treatment
Exercise is another way that you can treat RA naturally. One of the best exercises that you can do is swimming as it exercises the entire body and joints. Swimming in warm water can even be relaxing for those who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. While it may hurt to walk and move, it is important to keep your body strong when you are trying to treat yourself for this condition.
Natural Supplements
Taking a natural supplement that can minimize inflammation is also a good way to treat rheumatoid arthritis naturally. There are many supplements on the market today that have anti-inflammatory properties. You can also consider getting a massage as well as aromatherapy for treating this condition without drugs.
RA is a crippling condition, but can be put in check and into remission by following a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of people who have this disease who do not take daily doses of medication but prefer to treat the condition naturally be living a healthy lifestyle. You can join them if you follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid bad habits that can harm your health and take a natural, anti-inflammatory supplement.









