Alternative Treatment for Gout - Natural and Effective Relief

Are you seeking an alternative, holistic and effective treatment for gout?

There are a few prescription medications that your physician may prescribe for you to treat gout. As with any prescription medications, however, there are a number of side effects associated with them.

In truth, gout can be effectively treated holistically and without the risk of life threatening side effects. The main reasons that people choose alternative therapies and natural remedies for gout are their effectiveness and the lack of side effects. Alternative therapies are generally non-invasive and relatively pleasant to the recipient.

Here, some useful forms of alternative treatment for gout are discussed.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a natural type of treatment for arthritic conditions, and among the helpful types of natural and alternative treatment for gout relief. Hydrotherapy is simply the use of water to treat various illnesses.

Treating gout with water is simple and effective. You may try soaking the affected area in a tub of very warm or hot water, about 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a quarter cup of ground ginger. This will help relax and soothe the area, release endorphins (your body's natural painkillers), and cause some sweating. The sweating will help to excrete excessive uric acid. This particular session of hydrotherapy should last no more than twenty minutes.

You may opt to use hot and cold compresses as part of hydrotherapy for gout. Use a hot compress for three minutes, then alternate with a cold compress for thirty seconds. Alternating hot and cold will provide pain relief and increase circulation, making this method among the useful forms of alternative treatment for gout. This treatment should also be limited to twenty minute duration.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture is one the ancient healing arts of the East and among the useful natural remedies for gout treatment. Using very fine, sterile needles, strategically placed, an acupuncturist can provide relief from gout pain almost immediately. Acupuncture restores the flow of energy through the body to help it begin to heal itself.

Acupressure is an alternative form of acupuncture that does not require the use of needles, if needles are a personal drawback to using acupuncture. In acupressure, as the name suggests, pressure is utilized to stimulate the same meridian points, usually through the use of the fingers.

Reflexology

Reflexology can be effectively used to treat gout by way of enhancing kidney function. Reflexology is a therapy that utilizes corresponding zones in the feet (and sometimes hands) with various body parts.

A reflexologist massages the zones on the feet to promote positive, self-healing of the body. This zone massage treats gout in a variety of ways - it improves circulation and kidney function, reduces stress, increases endorphins, as well as provides an overall sense of calm relief to gout sufferers. This is thus a useful treatment for gout on several counts.

Auricular Therapy

Related to acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology is a treatment modality called auricular therapy. Quite simply, this method is ear acupuncture, where cranial nerves points on a person's ears are stimulated using an electronic stimulator.

Basically, a handheld, electronic wand is placed over various cranial nerve points. If the gadget makes a buzzing sound, this indicates that chi or energy is blocked at a particular point. In such a scenario, the wand is pressed on the affected point for about half a minute, using mild pressure. After that, the electronic wand is then used on other points, as one continues to look for energy blockages.

This is certainly an interesting natural treatment for gout relief, one which some alternative practitioners say is extremely effective.

Cherries

Cherries are one of nature's most powerful natural or herbal remedies for gout relief. Cherries contain compounds, called anthocyanocides, which can effectively help lower levels of uric acid in the body; high uric acid levels, of course, is the precursor to gout attacks. Anything from about half a cup to about 1 pound of cherries each day may be helpful for gout sufferers.

Another way to obtain the wonderful health benefits of cherries without having to eat so much of the fruit, is to consume its juice. However, you will need to get hold of fresh, organic juice, as bottled juices are pasteurized, and that process removes the important medicinal compounds.

Yet another way of using this herbal treatment for gout is through supplements in pill form.

Generally, as natural treatment for gout, wild or black cherries are the most effective.

Basic Dietary Habits

In using any natural remedy for gout, it is important to also carry out certain basic steps. Without these dietary and lifestyle habits, any modality of treatment for gout would be limited at best.

Large amounts of water should be consumed every day to dilute the uric acid in your body, as well as to flush out uric acid crystals. Drink a lot, as much as a gallon a day. Pure water, preferably reverse osmosis or distilled water, should be used.

Apple cider vinegar may help to prevent incidences of gout attacks. A tablespoon every morning may help, while another tablespoon can be taken in the evenings for more serious cases.

High purine foods must be avoided, as the body converts this protein-related compound into uric acid. Animal organs like the heart, liver and kidneys are high-purine, as are fish like anchovies, mackerel and sardines, as well as beans.

Alcohol is another on the must-avoid list, as it encourages the production of uric acid.

Conclusion

With the right application and dedication, the use of an alternative treatment for gout will prove to be a worthwhile choice. To learn more about alternative treatments and natural remedies for gout, read the other related gout pages and articles.

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