Polymyalgia Treatment Part 1- Natural Options
One of the key factors in a polymyalgia treatment program is the reduction of stress. Both emotional and mental pressure can contribute to a physical manifestations of symptoms. Work invested in calming the mind can definitely have a beneficial and calming carry over effect on the body, this can be especially important during this time of pain and inflammation. When the mind is anxious, stressed and worked up it can promote an pro-inflammatory or over-reactive state in the body.
The first factor are some easy dietary modifications that can be made to compliment you polymyalgia treatment. You should aim to eliminate or reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption. Taken in large amounts caffeine can cause anxiety, irritability and restlessness. Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, some teas and some energy soft drinks. Trade your coffee for a herbal tea. There is large body of research to promote the benefits of green tea in boosting the body and brain with anti-oxidants, just be sure to check your green tea label because some green teas can contain caffeine. Elimination of alcohol during your polymyalgia treatment period will be beneficial. Although there is some debate about the health implications of a regular and moderate intake of alcohol, in this case I feel you could sacrifice any health benefits for the sake of giving your liver a rest and also your brain from any toxic side effects.
Addressing stress or anxiety that you may experience on a day to day basis is important for you polymyalgia. When you find yourself becoming stressed, what you should do is take a moment to notice what is happening to your body. Where are your muscles tensing up? What has happened to your posture? Have you started holding your breath? Are your shoulders tensed? Just this simple act of awareness to those stressed areas can often be enough for you to let the area relax and the tension disappear. This can be a very powerful body mind approach, which takes into account the duality of this relationship. While the mind definitely has an influence over our bodies, do not forget our bodies posture and tension is also sending signals to the mind. When your body is relaxed and calm, your mind is automatically picking up those signals and it will take a cue from the body and obey orders of calmness.
Read part 2 of this Polymyalgia treatment article
