Did you know that inflammation is an underlying factor in all disease? It is. From allergies to heart disease, and the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation has a role. But inflammation is also an important part of the natural immune system response that keeps us healthy. Without inflammation we couldn’t heal […]
Pain and pain management
Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world. It causes destruction of the cartilage and other parts of the joints, mainly in the hands, knees, hips or the spine. The damage leads to the osteoarthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, which impair joint function and inevitably impact on quality of life. Non-steroidal […]
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by bacteria
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic arthritic condition of the joints. Like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Yet, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are very different conditions. While osteoarthritis is thought of as a disease of wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that instead of protecting the body, […]
Is your pain medication working for your chronic pain?
According to a recent review, an estimated 43% of the UK general population live with chronic pain. That’s around 28 million people. What’s more, chronic pain may affect up to 62% of people aged 75 or over. Yet, the research shows that more than 20% of people with moderate to severe pain may not get adequate […]
Is acupuncture without needles effective?
Acupuncture without needles? How is that possible, you might ask. Well there are many different types of acupuncture. So, in my practice, whilst I offer traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture I am also aware that many people are put off from trying acupuncture due to a needle phobia. For this reason, for some time I have […]
Complementary therapies for chronic neck pain
This is the fourth and last article in this series of articles about complementary therapies for chronic pain. The series is mostly based on the British Medical Journal article that discusses the available scientific evidence for various therapies including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and mind-body techniques. This particular article will focus on therapies for neck […]
Which therapies work for low back pain?
This is the third article in a series of posts about complementary therapies for chronic pain conditions. See the research in this review in the British Medical Journal. Read the first two posts of the series here:Which therapies for chronic pain?Which therapy – chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis This third article is about the efficacy of complementary […]
Which therapy – chronic pain and rheumatoid arthritis
This is the second post in a series of posts about the potential benefits of complementary therapies for people living with chronic pain. In case you missed it, you can find the first post here. This post focuses on research related to several complementary therapies and rheumatoid arthritis. As reported in a review article in […]
Which therapies for chronic pain?
Chronic pain is a leading reason that people will use complementary therapies. As an acupuncturist and medical herbalist people living with pain often seek my help. Commonly expressing a desire to reduce pain-relieving medications. Especially in relation to any side effects that they might experience. Yet, how can you choose a complementary therapy to help […]
Nigella sativa and osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disorder of the joints. It often affects the knees since these joints are weight-bearing and prone to wear and tear. As an acupuncturist and herbalist, people ask me about arthritic pain, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. I know that the pain of arthritic knees or other joint pain can be […]
Best herbal remedies to heal skin ulcers
A venous leg ulcer is a chronic wound. These can take months to heal. They are painful and may itch. If you have a skin ulcer, the surrounding skin can swell and you can feel unwell. Having a chronic leg ulcer can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life. Yet conventional medicine offers […]
8 natural alternatives to NSAIDs
NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are back in the news. A British Medical Journal article says all NSAIDs increase heart attack risk. The report also states that the risk is highest in the first month of use and higher doses. Of course, the danger for an individual may be small. Yet, it is still bad news […]
How acupuncture works – from a Western perspective
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese system of medicine. With a documented history of effective use for over two thousand years. And a well-defined theory to describe and explain its use in Chinese medicine. But Chinese medicine theory, while fascinating, is very different to western ideas of anatomy and physiology. This article explains how acupuncture works […]
Could coenzyme Q10 reduce your fibromyalgia pain?
Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant found in the cells of your body. In the membrane that surrounds the tiny organelles called mitochondria. These mitochondria are responsible for producing energy from the food you eat. Researchers discovered blood levels of coenzyme Q10 levels were low in people with fibromyalgia. They wondered if supplementing with coenzyme […]
Why NSAIDs are not the best solution for osteoarthritis
Over 60% of people aged over 65 suffer from osteoarthritis. In England, this means about 8 million people. It is the most common joint disorder and mainly affects the hands, feet, knees or hips. Risk increases with age, weight and a previous joint injury. And because it is a progressive and chronic condition that can mean […]
The link between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome
A diagnosis of fibromyalgia means you are most likely a woman between the ages of 20 and 50. You are also likely to also suffer with irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome often occur together. Not everyone with irritable bowel syndrome has fibromyalgia. But most people with fibromyalgia do have irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable […]
