Re: Treatment for Arthritis

[Guest guest]

This is one of the best articles I've seen....and I know alot of us

have suffered from terrible stiffness and joint pain. Please, try

to follow these recommendations. I would love to hear you ladies

writing about your successes and victories in overcoming your

suffering!

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> Biological Treatments that Cure Arthritis and Related Disorders

> Biological therapies are aimed at

> (1) correcting the abnormal and health-destroying

conditions which cause arthritis, and,

> (2) assisting the body heal itself.

> This latter step is accomplished by normalizing all the

metabolic processes, cleansing the body of the accumulated toxins

and wastes, strengthening the functions of all vital organs,

revitalizing glandular activity, establishing chemical balance and

in sum, simply rebuilding the health of the patient.

> Drug Withdrawal

> Conventional arthritic drugs are used only to mask and suppress

the symptoms. These forms of treatments (i.e. drugs) have

absolutely no place in biological treatment programs.

> It is important to understand that virtually all arthritic drugs

are aimed at pain elimination. To suppress pain without attempting

to eliminate the original cause is contrary to the philosophy of

biological medicine.

> Rule # 1 becomes:

> Complete withdrawal of all drugs.

> It has already been amply demonstrated that to obtain lasting

results, the withdrawal of all drugs is imperative.

> Diet

> This is the dominant form of treatment. Many observations show

that the diets of most (probably all) arthritics is deficient in

vital nutrients for prolonged periods and is usually loaded with

overcooked, canned, frozen, devitalized and over-refined foods.

Usually great amounts of empty calories are consumed from white

sugar and white flour. Add to this the problem of overeating,

alcohol, smoking, coffee, failure to exercise and this results in a

general breakdown of health.

> The diet during the first two to four weeks consists primarily

of raw, uncooked fruits and vegetables with some cooked foods. Most

of the procedures use boiled potatoes and vegetable soups in

addition to the raw foods. All the clinics use raw milk in the form

of homemade soured milk.

> Some of the clinics exclude all cooked foods during the first

phase of treatment as well as all foods of animal origin including

meats, fish, eggs, milk, butter and cheese. Breads and cooked

cereals are also eliminated as well during the first two to four

weeks. Raw nuts, seeds and sprouted grains are included in the raw

food.

> Therapeutic Fasting

> The quintessential biological treatment modality employed in all

the biological clinics treating arthritis is fasting. Fasting is

something that most allopathic physicians do not understand nor are

they ever taught.

> Therapeutic fasting is the total abstinence from food. This is

done to promote healing and for the restoration of health. Large

numbers of studies all confirm the therapeutic value of fasting.

All doctors who employ fasting testify that fasting indeed works.

In fact, fasting is perhaps the most efficient way known to correct

virtually any disease.

> Dr. Airola says

> " The therapeutic value of fasting is based on the following

physiological facts:

> 1. Autolysis is a known metabolic phenomenon of self-digestion

or disintegration of the body's own tissues.

> 2. Therapeutic fasting induces the development of autolysis and

directs its physiological effect for constructive healing purposes.

> To clarify: when disease takes hold of the body it is usually

because of the weakened defensive mechanism and impaired normal

functions of the vital organs. Due to continuous neglect in feeding

the body properly and failure to observe the other rules of health,

the glandular activity and metabolic rate slows down and the

eliminative organs lose their efficiency. Many of the toxins and

metabolic wastes remain in the body and are deposited in the

tissues, causing autointoxication. In rheumatic diseases these

wastes, such as uric acid crystals and mineral compounds including

heavy metal toxins and other un-natural chemicals (i.e.

xenobiotics), are deposited in the joints and soft tissues.

> Now, we must recognize the fact that the body's own healing

powers are constantly trying to correct any and all defects,

disturbances and damages if given the slightest chance. Such a

chance and opportunity for self-regeneration and healing is made

possible during the fast.

> First, during prolonged fast (after the first three days) the

body will burn and digest its own tissues by the process of

autolysis, or self-digestion. In its wisdom -- and here lies the

secret of the extraordinary effectiveness of fasting as curative

therapy! -- the body will only decompose and burn those substances

and tissues which are diseased, damaged, or of lesser importance to

the body economy, such as all morbid accumulations, tumors,

abscesses, damaged tissues, fat deposits, etc. These are consumed

and utilized first. The essential tissues of vital organs are

spared.

> Second, the eliminating and cleansing capacity of the

eliminative organs -- lungs, liver, kidneys, and skin -- is

increased during fasting, and masses of accumulated metabolic wastes

and toxins are quickly expelled. This is evident in the following

typical symptoms of fasting: offensive breath, dark urine

(concentration of toxins in urine ten times higher than normal --

" ... " continuous and generous discharge of feces, skin eruptions,

perspiration, catarrhal elimination, etc.

> Third, a fast affords a physiological rest to the digestive and

protective organs of the body. After fasting, the digestion and

utilization of food is greatly improved, which makes the

assimilation of all the important nutrients more effective.

> Fourth, a fast exerts a normalizing and stabilizing effect on

all the physiological, nervous, and mental functions. The nervous

system is regenerated; mental powers improved; glandular chemistry

and secretions are normalized.

> It is easy to see, then, why fasting is such an effective

therapeutic measure in treatment of a great variety of diseases,

including arthritis.

> Fresh Juices

> Although the classic form of fasting is the so-called pure water

fast (abstinence from all foods and drinks with the exception of

pure water), all the practitioners I interviewed in European

clinics, including the champion of therapeutic fasting in modern

times, Dr. Otto Buchinger, Jr., use fresh juices, vegetable broths,

and herb teas during fasting.

> Biologically oriented doctors feel that freshly pressed

vegetable and fruit juices, given to the patient during the fast,

will speed his recovery. This is attributed to the fact that raw

vegetables and fruit juices, as well as freshly made vegetable

broth, are rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace elements,

which help to normalize the bodily processes and speed up recovery.

At the same time, they are very easily assimilated directly into the

bloodstream without putting a strain on the digestive organs.

> Juices most frequently used in Sweden are: carrot juice, apple

juice, black currant juice, and tomato juice.

> Vegetable Broth

> Vegetable broth is made by boiling all kinds of available

vegetables, but predominantly potatoes, carrots, and celery, chopped

to about half-inch pieces, for 30 minutes in a pot of water ... Then

it is strained and the vegetables are thrown away. The remaining

liquid is a highly alkaline, mineral-packed broth, which is

considered to be of extraordinary importance in biological arthritis

therapy. It combats acidosis or a tendency toward a high acidity in

the bloodstream and tissues. It helps to normalize the mineral

balance in the tissues, which, according to Dr. Lars- Essen, is

of utmost importance for the effectiveness of the fast.

> Both vegetable broth and fresh vegetables and fruit juices are

concentrated nutrition. Perhaps, it would be more appropriate to

call such therapy a liquid diet, rather than a fast.

> Herb Teas

> All biological clinics use various herb teas, both during

fasting and while on a diet.

> The medicinal value of herbs is well known. Herb medicines are

the oldest remedy known to man.

> The herb teas used in Swedish clinics are usually made from

native herbs: rose hips (very rich in vitamin C), peppermint,

milfoil, etc...

> Enema

> Fasting is always accompanied by enemas, or colonic baths, taken

two or three times a day. Most clinics administer an enema twice a

day; some, like Kjorkagarden and Vita Nova, three times a day, two

or three small enemas as a time. An enema is generally considered

to be an extremely important measure for keeping the large intestine

clean from wastes and speeding evacuation of toxic matter from the

system through the bowels.

> Intermediate Diet

> After the fast is broken, the patient is put on a special diet.

This consists of an abundance of raw vegetables and fruits,

vegetable and fruit juices, some cooked dishes, such as boiled

potatoes, vegetable soups, beans, homemade soured milk (from raw

unpasturized milk), whey cheese, and salt-free cottage cheese.

> Colonic Irrigation

> In addition to an enema the patients who have a record of

chronic constipation prior to coming to the clinic (a common

affliction of many arthritics) are given a colonic irrigation once

or twice during the first week. This is a treatment which employs a

specially constructed appliance to thoroughly wash the large

intestine and colonic tract.

> Hot and Cold Shower

> One of the treatments which many practitioners, particularly at

the Brandals Clinic, attach a great importance to, is an alternating

hot and cold shower. It is administered in the morning.

> The procedure is as follows: First, a warm shower for about ten

to 15 minutes to get the body really warmed up. This is followed by

a cold shower for approximately one to three minutes. Water should

be as cold as the patient can stand. After that the patient

receives a vigorous dry brushing with a stiff brush and is rubbed

with a coarse towel until he is completely warmed up.

> The importance of the alternating hot and cold shower lies in

the fact that it stimulates the adrenal and other endocrine glands

and reactivates their functions. Alma Nissen calls such a shower " a

cortisone injection -- but without cortisone's undesirable side

effects! "

> Sufficient Rest

> All biological clinics stress the importance of sufficient rest

for patients with arthritis. After lunch, 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.,

there is an obligatory quiet hour, when all patients take a long

afternoon nap.

> Exercise

> Various therapeutic exercises are a standard routine in the

biological clinic. Exercises are adapted to the condition of the

patient. Walks in the woods are encouraged -- all the Swedish

clinics which I visited are surrounded by beautiful woods that

afford invigorating walks in the fresh air. In addition, special

relaxation gymnastics are given in some clinics.

> Baths

> Therapeutic baths are an important part of the biological

program. In addition to alternating hot and cold showers, mentioned

before, the following baths are employed: whirlpool massage, sitz

bath, Kuhne-bath, steam bath, sauna, Gusse-shower, warm sand bath

(Bircher-Benner), etc.

> Massage

> Dry brush massage is an important therapeutic measure. It

stimulates the circulation; brings the blood to the skin; keeps skin

clean from dead cells and impurities; and opens pores. The skin is

your biggest eliminative organ and it is of vital importance that it

functions as such efficiently.

> In addition, conventional massage -- so-called Swedish massage --

is frequently used to help the affected joints to regain their lost

elasticity and movements.

> Many Other Forms

> Many other forms of biological treatments are used in addition

to the " standards " outlined above. Every clinic has its own

specialties. Bjorkagarden stresses vacuum massage and modern

cupping as being of extraordinary importance. Vita Nova uses

nontoxic biological medicines in the form of subcutaneous

injections. Various forms of heat treatments are used in almost all

clinics: high-frequency, pulsed, short-wave therapy; infrared heat

lamps; cold and hot packs; mud packs (Heilerde); etc.

> Positive Attitude

> The importance of positive attitude on the part of patients is

emphasized in all clinics. After years of pain and suffering,

persons afflicted with arthritis are often irritable, tense, bitter,

and resentful. These negative emotions can do much to make efforts

to regain health difficult, even impossible.

> Therefore, fostering a positive, trustful attitude in the

patient and insuring his thorough understanding of the various

biological treatments and expected reactions is a very important

part of the total program in every biological clinic. Several

evenings every week special lectures are presented to acquaint new

patients with the intricate metabolic processes of the body and the

functions of various organs. The causative factors leading to the

development of the disease are explained. The mechanics and effects

of biological treatments, as well as the whole philosophy of

biological medicine, is made clear and comprehensive. The fact that

there are no shortcuts to the cure of arthritis is emphasized. A

biological program of treatments is not easy. There are no specific

miracle treatments, no specific diets which can cure arthritis.

Arthritis can be cured only by the efforts of the body's own healing

powers. With the assistance of the wide arsenal of biological

treatments and

> with the full and cheerful cooperation of the patient it can be

done. It is done every day. But in order to achieve lasting and

effective results, full co-operation and a positive effort on the

part of the patient is imperative.

> The patient must understand that the cure is possible only if he

is willing to discard completely his former mode of living and

accept a new way of life. He must have the willingness and

determination to follow the new biological programs and have a

trustful and cooperative attitude. The negative attitude will lock

up the healing forces of the body, whereas a positive attitude will

unlock them and spur them into full action.

> It requires a certain amount of intelligence, understanding, and

patience, in addition to a sense of determination and self-

discipline, to undertake a biological program of treatments and not

give up before noticeable results are observed. It often takes time

to induce a betterment. . . "

> Biological Methods Scientifically Proven

> By now it must be evident to the average reader that the

biological approach to arthritis is quite different from

conventional practices. As with every new concept and new approach,

it takes an unprejudiced and objective attitude on the part of

practitioners to be able to grasp and accept the new discoveries.

It is natural to be doubtful and even skeptical of something which

is contrary to common practice and the accepted line of thought.

Moreover, the new biological approach seems to be so down-to-earth

simple that for a technologically minded and pseudoscientifically

trained, twentieth century space-oriented man it may seem too simple

to be true. However, hundreds of medical doctors in Europe have

given this down-to-earth, commonsense, nature-cure approach a fair

trial. They were soon convinced of its extraordinary merits. Its

effectiveness is proven by actual result-producing application on

thousands upon thousands of successfully treated patients...

> It is unfortunate, indeed, that it takes such a long time before

new discoveries and original ideas become universally accepted and

officially endorsed. Millions of sick people suffer because of

unwillingness on the part of conservative practitioners to accept

and use new, unconventional methods of treatment. . . " (Paavo O.

Airola, There Is A Cure For Arthritis, 1968, Publishing Co.

New York).

> NUTRITION: A VITAL ROLE IN CURING ARTHRITIS

> Problems steming from faulty nutrition is perhaps the most

important causative factor in the etiology (causative history) of

arthritis. Not only must digestion be improved, the foods that are

being digested must be correct, whole and organic. The digestive

wastes must be eliminated quickly and efficiently as well.

> A problem that always arises is the average American's

conception of what he eats. He often believes that he is eating

properly. For example, he might say to you that he has always tried

to eat healthy foods. He may say that he eats plenty of meat and

eggs, and drinks lots of milk. He may also say that he eats cereal

for breakfast, and one or two vegetables with his meat each day. He

will often tell you that he eats his " One-A-Day " vitamin each day,

faithfully. He believes that this is a health diet.

> But in actuality he is eating lots of polluted animal protein;

devitalized, foodless cereals; canned vegetables and instant mashed

potatoes; white bread; sugared desserts where even ordinary sugar is

missing, having been replaced by corn syrup and where hydrogenated

vegetable oils and tons of preservatives are used to prevent the

junk from going stale. Imagine having to eat stale junk food.

After all, fresh junk food is bad enough.

> There are essentially seven rules that must be followed

regarding foods.

> 1. Natural Foods

> The first rule of optimum nutrition is that you must eat natural

foods. This is because the condition of your health is in direct

relation to the naturalness of the foods you eat.

> Here in the United States we have almost lost our ability to

tell what is natural and what is not. For example, we think that

eggs are eggs and that any egg therefore is natural. Wrong. " Eggs

laid by hens which have access to the outdoors, green grass, seeds,

insects, and worms are natural, fertile eggs full of nutritive

value. But eggs produced in an egg factory, by hens who never see a

rooster, nor sunlight, and eat only synthetic laying mash, are not

natural. Not only is the chemical composition of such an egg

altered and unbalanced, but also its nutritional value is far below

that of a natural egg. "

> The fruits and vegetables that you eat should also grow in

healthy, fertile soils, without chemical fertilizers or sprays.

The importance of eating organic foods cannot be over stated. Even

the milk we drink must be organic. Cheese, meats, and other

products derived from animals must be organic as well. This means

that they must come from healthy animals fed organically grown

fodder and not artificially raised with the help of hormones,

antibiotics, fat promoters, milk-fat enhancers, etc.

> 2. Whole Foods

> The second rule of vital nutrition is that your foods must be

whole, complete, unrefined and unadulterated. Examples of whole

foods include: whole wheat, brown rice, oranges, sugar cane (not

corn syrup) and potatoes are all whole foods.

> Whole foods are simply foods which still contain all the

nutrients which nature intended us to eat. They have all the

vitamins (with certain exceptions), minerals (with certain

exceptions), proteins, carbohydrates and a natural compliment of

enzymes which are essential to good health. Whole foods are

unrefined. Whole foods are not concentrates, nor parts of whole

foods.

> It is hard to believe that upwards of 95 percent of the foods

consumed by the average American today has been tampered with in

some manner, adulterated in some manner, overcooked, and processed

in such a manner that it is virtually devitalized of all nutritional

value. White bread, white sugar, breakfast cereals are examples of

devitalized, nutrition less foods. And our children only know Honey-

Nut Cheerios.

> Remember, only whole foods can supply optimum nutrition for

optimum health.

> 3. Living Foods

> The third rule of vital nutrition is that every food you eat

should be eaten as fresh as possible. They should be eaten raw in

the case of fruits and vegetables. They should not be cooked,

canned or frozen. If cooking is necessary, they should be cooked as

little as possible, preferably steamed or cooked with little or no

water. All of the broths that result from cooking should be

consumed as well.

> Raw foods are necessary for proper nutrition because of the

enzymes they contain. Cooking always destroys the enzymes in food.

Completely destroyed. The heat of cooking also damages some of the

vitamins, particularly vitamins B and C.

> Even freezing destroys the nutritive value of foods. Canning,

drying (dehydrating), preserving and keeping such foods stored for

long periods of time also destroy the nutritive value of foods.

> Raw foods act as intestinal cleansers. They are the best

preventive measure against constipation.

> Cooked food is dead food. Only living foods can build and/or

restore health.

> 4. Poison-Free Foods

> The next rule is simply that your food must be poison free. If

you can't get foods that are organic and free of colorants, waxes,

etc, at least wash them thoroughly before preparing them. Special

peroxide-containing products are especially useful in de-

contaminating all foods. Remember, there are more than 3,500

different chemicals used in the processing of foods. Our

deteriorating health rests squarely on the shoulders of the chemical

industry's powerful lobby!

> 5. Balanced Diet

> You can forget that stupid little pyramid that is supposed to

represent the latest Washington-based thinking on what we should

eat. All you need to know is that the optimum diet for optimum

health and vitality is a diet low in animal protein and rich in

natural carbohydrates and protein foods from vegetable sources.

Such a diet would include raw fruits and vegetables.

> 6. Under eating

> It is a fact that under eating leads to longevity. Foods eaten

in excess of your bodily needs act as poisons, interfering with

digestion, causing internal sluggishness, gas and incomplete

assimilation. Excess foods are the greatest causes of fermentation

and putrefaction.

> 7. Correct Eating Habits

> It is not only what you eat but how you eat that is important.

We are not what we eat, but rather what we assimilate.

> Many of us gulp our food, without chewing it properly. Many of

us eat out of habit, eating when we are not hungry. All foods must

be properly chewed and chewed thoroughly. Never eat in a hurry. It

is also necessary to eat in a relaxed atmosphere.

> Eating should be a pleasure. But eat to live, don't live to eat.