3 techniques to relieve pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis

When we are suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, we sometimes feel helpless facing the pain.

Acupuncture, sophrology and relaxation are used today as complements to medical treatment. These techniques have proven to be quite efficient and are generally applied in pain management centers, or pain clinics.

So what do these techniques consist of and how are they practised?

1. Rheumatoid arthritis and acupuncture: how to reduce pain

Based on the Taoist “energetic” vision of man and the universe, acupuncture suggests inserting and manipulating very thin needles in different parts of the body. Considered as preventive and curative medicine, acupuncture aims at regulating the functions of organs, blood and organic liquids in order to prevent or treat the diseases. According to studies, its analgesic action is due to endorphin production by the brain. Even if the technique cannot change the course of the illness, it could contribute to the decrease of pain.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis and sophrology: reduce the stress related to the disease

Sophrology is a technique created in 1960 by Alfonso Caycedo, a Columbian neuropsychiatrist. A mix of meditation, yoga, hypnosis and eastern methods of relaxation, it consists of a series of easy-to-do physical and mental exercises that allow you to overcome stress and fear related to the disease.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis and relaxation: coping with « flare-ups »

Relaxation is a non-medical type of treatment that is used to relieve pain during the “flare-ups”. It loosens the muscles, which leads to mental relaxation, and it can be done with the help of a psychiatrist or a physiotherapist initiated in the discipline. Chronic pain related to rheumatoid arthritis can generate a state of permanent stress which results in muscular tensions which in their turn, increase the pain. The relaxation technique is able to break this vicious circle by softening the muscular tension.

There are still few doctors who inform their patients about the various non-allopathic therapies, these non-conventional medicines that are able to relieve your pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. But now that you are informed about the possibilities other then traditional methods, you can talk about this with your doctor and maybe try a new way of treatment.

If you have already tried acupuncture, sophrology classes or relaxation techniques, tell us about your impressions. What is the result? Where and how do you practise these techniques?