Natural Medicines - Homeopathy & Light Therapy
Osteoarthritis:
Q & A
By
Dr. Brindusa Vanta, BSc, MD (Eur), HD (Hon), DHMS
1.What is Osteoarthritis?
There are more than 100 different conditions that
produce inflammation of the joints causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease, affecting
1 in 10 Canadians.
It is often associated with the aging process, but other factors
such as heredity and mechanical factors may play a role in development.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease caused by the deterioration
of the joint cartilage and other joint tissues with the formation
of new bone at the margins of the joints.
The key symptoms of OA are: pain, relieved by rest, brief morning
stiffness and minimal inflammation of the joint. Symptoms last longer
than 2 weeks and are limited to the affected joints (no other organs
being involved). X-rays show typical changes for OA. Allopathic
treatment is based on medications such as analgesics, NSAIDs and
corticosteroids. Other treatments include viscosupplementation and
surgery.
2. I want to try a natural treatment for
OA. What options do I have?
Homeopathy offers a safe, natural and efficient alternative treatment
to OA.
Homeopathic remedies prescribed act deeply and curatively to stimulate
the body's
own defense mechanisms rather than suppressing symptoms.
There are numerous homeopathic remedies proven to relief pain, reduce
inflammation and help repair the joint.
An individualistic or constitutional approach is adapted and a remedy
is prescribed on the basis of the patient's
characteristic signs and symptoms. Specific anti-inflammation, homeopathic
remedies known to relieve pain and swelling are also prescribed.
The chosen homeopathic remedy effectively relieves pain, improves
joint mobility, reduces swelling, and prevents further damage.
There are no side effects - medicines are safe, non-toxic and free
from any known side effects.
There are no contraindication -
therefore are safe with other modes of treatment you are
currently taking.
3. Is there any research that proves the efficiency and
safety of homeopathy in OA?
There are numerous studies on homeopathic remedies and their efficiency.
One of the products that I often recommend is a homeopathic combination
of botanical, mineral and zoological substances. It has
been successfully used over
the last 30 years world wide. Clinical studies show that is as efficient
as COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of Osteoarthritis.
One clinical study involving 121 patients performed by Western Ontario
and Mac Master
Universities concluded that this homeopathic treatment is equivalent
to treatment with Diclofenac for efficacy. The advantage over the
allopathic medication is that there are no renal, hepatic cardiovascular,
gastrointestinal or CNS side effects.
4. What is Light therapy?
Light activates a chain of biochemical reactions within cells, stimulating
metabolism and reinforcing the immune response of the entire human
body. Light Therapy acts in a natural way by supporting the regenerative
capacity of the whole body. Light therapy is successfully used in
all forms of arthritis because it decreases pain and inflammation,
increases walking distance and speeds the regenerative processes
in the body. The therapeutic device that I use was developed over
20 years ago and there are several millions of satisfied users worldwide.
It has a specific optical unit emitting light. It does not contain
UV spectrum, therefore is a very safe, non-invasive treatment.
5. Do I have to make any changes in my diet/lifestyle?
Diet and lifestyle modification should be the first line of treatment
for any medical condition.
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