There are different forms of arthritis; each has a different cause. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal anatomy might contribute to the early development of osteoarthritis. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudogout.

There is much we can do to minimize pain and for many, reverse arthritis altogether. As we have read, arthritis is simply foreign deposits in the joints. Clean these unwelcome deposits out of the joints and pain and mobility return to normal.

Let's look at what is happening in the body through the teachings of Iridologist, Paul Leatham. Remember, when talking about Osteoporosis, the part that mucus plays in our bodies. Our bodies produce healthy mucus to combat and cleanse out foreign invaders. The problem is, we ingest so many things on a daily basis (foods, medicine, environmental toxins, etc.) that this healthy mucus is overwhelmed. As toxicity slowly overtakes a cell's capacity to eliminate even with the help of healthy mucus, the cell loses strength and elimination slows. When mucus slows down it changes state and becomes an acid. The body then sends more mucus to clean out this acid but instead of cleansing (because of our chronic poor diet) it stagnates and forms a type of swamp where infection can take hold and flourish.

Here is where modern medicine and natural healing diverge into different paths. A medical doctor will send an antibiotic into the swamp and kill the infection but the swamp is still there. And, what grows in a swamp? Yes, the infection (or another) will grow right back. In natural healing, going to the source - the swamp - getting rid of the environment, the infection can no longer survive.

How do you get rid of the swamp in your joints? Calcium. Surprised? Calcium gives vitality, endurance, heals wounds, counteracts acids, moves toxic metals from the tissues, builds and maintains bone structure and teeth. Remember, calcium is the base of nerve tissues and is destroyed by acids. You'll trade a day's worth of calcium for an acid causing food - sugar, high protein foods, cow's milk, etc. See my write up on Osteoporosis for more information on calcium.

Sodium is next. Sodium is a gland, ligament and blood builder. Synovial fluid is the second highest sodium area, after the stomach, which keeps the joints clean and limber when it has adequate sodium. Arthritis and indigestion are two main symptoms of sodium deficiency. Now, before you start jumping for joy that your favorite salty potato chip is your knight in shining armor, this is absolutely not the sodium I am talking about. Salt is an acid builder in the body. It contributes to hardening of the arteries and thickening of the synovial fluid creating more mucus, thus swamps, in our joints. The best sources of healthy sodium are goat whey, celery, carrots, beets, figs, apples, and really all vegetables and fruits.

Hydrogen is present in body secretions, soft tissue, including the discs of the spine, lymph, brain, lungs, glands, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas. Hydrogen foods are the moisture carrying foods such as apricots, cherries, berries, fruit juices, cabbage, leaf lettuce, swiss chard, and watercress. The nerves must be bathed in fresh moisture. Without hydrogen the blood would no flow and waste and toxic materials could not be washed out of the body. Over ninety percent of all constipation is caused by low moisture levels.

Again, it is so very important to drink lots of pure, clean water. Water is wonderful at flushing toxins out of the body like acids and mucus. Make sure it is a clean, purified source. Carbon water filters are wonderful. If you haven't tried Kangen water before, it's worth the effort. Kangen water systems not only purify the water, they alkalize it too. Alkaline water will seek and attack acids in your body. Kangen water molecules are also smaller than normal water molecules making it even more bioavailable to your body meaning it brings with it more oxygen to your cells at an accelerated rate. There are other products available on the market that will turn your purified water alkaline as well. As much as I love taste, feel and attributes of Kangen water, you must choose what is right for you. If what you have is just clean, purified water it will do you all the good in the world too.

Essential Oils: Always make sure you have a completely pure source for essential oils. If not of good quality, you run the risk of wasting your money because it will not give you the results you are looking for and/or the additives can come with nasty side effects.

Like all autoimmune challenges, they all start in the liver. Do a mild, daily liver cleanse for one year.

Mix in 4-8 oz. of water, 1 drop of Lemon Essential Oil, 1 drop of Peppermint Essential Oil and 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Take before food in the morning and repeat each morning for 28 days, then rest for one week and resume.

This is very beneficial for those who have had their gallbladder removed. The liver cleanse can help do some of the work the gallbladder used to do for the liver.

For intense pain, use the Physical Therapy, or Birch essential oils externally. For a small area, you can apply a drop undiluted and gently spread around. For a larger area, mix ten drops in 5 to 10 ml of Message oil and gently massage.

For pain that feels more like a burning fire, use 4 to 5 drops of Physical Therapy essential oil undiluted on location. Soak a piece of gauze or flannel in ice water to create a cold compress. Apply for 5 minutes then do a warm compress for 5 minutes.

We've talked about pain management but let's look at an oil that can help with so much more.

Cairo Care: Releases tension brought on by stress and appears to open the joints and organs to better assimilate other oils. This blend appears to relax the tiny myofascia that hold the muscles to the spine and other joints. Then as you walk and move about, this subtle relaxation appears to allow the whole body to straighten and realign. Even this tiny structural change can produce a major difference in health when used consistently over time. Other applications start with this oil whether massaged on the feet, back or inhaled.

One such application is the Aromatic Body Technique. This application tunes into the body's innate healing intelligence in a holistic manner. An assessment is done to identify systems of your body in need of support. Essential oils are applied in a specific manner on the feet, back, forhead and crown, targeting your needs and benefiting the entire body. Targeted areas are: Structural Alignment, Muscles, Nerves, Bone, Circulation, Tendons/Cartilage and Emotions.

- Here's a yummy smoothie for a great burst of nutrients. Add some Chia seeds (about 1 Tbsp) for a great protein punch. Maybe the same amount of Sesame seeds for added calcium.

Berry Smoothie:
4 cups purified water
2 cups strawberries
1 cup blue berries
3 leaves of kale or any other green you like
1/3 to 1/2 cup agave nectar or raw honey
- if you like bananas for a banana berry smoothie, add 2 bananas in
place of the sweetner (agave or honey)

MonaVie - Active

MonaVie is an exquisite health drink. A consummate blend of 19 health-promoting fruits with the Acai berry from the Amazon Rain Forest, as it's crown jewel. It packs the nutrition of 14 servings of fruits and vegetables in a daily serving.

One of the highlights of the Active blend is that it has naturally occurring, plant-derived Glucosamine which has been scientifically shown to promote healthy joint function by targeting mobility and flexibility.

Energy Work: Your body is energy and can heal itself with positive energy. There are times when negative energy such as negative emotions, thoughts, feelings can halt well-being and even take on physical form such as illness within the body.

On an emotional level, the feelings of feeling unloved, criticism and resentment help arthritis to thrive. Arthritic fingers are a desire to punish. Blame. Feeling victimized. Consider affirmations such as, "I now choose to love and approve of myself. I see others with love. I see with love and understanding. I hold all my experiences up to the light of love." This and many more emotional release affirmations can be found in Louise L. Hay's book "Heal Your Body". Louise is the bestselling author of "You Can Heal Your Life".

Another of my favorites is Karol K. Truman and her book "Feelings Buried Alive, Never Die". For arthritis she notes: "Severely criticizing self or others. Holding onto feelings of hostility. Holding onto own opinions and beliefs. Long term tension or anger in life. Feelings of anxiety and/or depression endured over long periods of time. Belief that it's wrong to get angry which creates: repressed anger that eats you up. Need to be right. Rigid in thinking and feelings. Uncompromising attitude and Inflexibility."

Can you see the correlation between the rise of arthritis and other chronic inflammatory dis-eases and the rise of tension in our culture. We have been hearing more and more counsel on de-stressing, living in the present moment, and the like. In can be fearful and maybe even intimidating, to dive into our darker feelings, emotions and belief processes. It is so worth it though. BodyTalk and EFT are a couple of energy/emotional release processes used to facilitate just that.

But, if you're not quite ready, make sure you incorporate one or more de-stressing activities into your daily routine. Some to choose from are exercise (all forms), yoga, relaxation, deep breathing, a walk in nature, a good book or movie, and so much more. Adding calming essential oils will enhance your experience too. Lavender, Quiescent, Mood Magic (men and women), Ease and Cairo Care just to name a few are wonderful to add to your daily routine, wearing them as a perfume or diffused in the air.

You could also treat yourself to a wonderful Aromatic Energy Balance application found on "My Services" tab. A beautiful series of essential oils targeted for emotional release and uplifting.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the sources I noted, here is how to get in touch with them.

Paul Leatham, Iridologist. 435-743-7810 or Paul Leatham

Essential Oils & MonaVie, Look to "My Products" page on this website.

Aromatic Body Technique & Aromatic Energy Balance Applications, BodyTalk & EFT, Look to "My Services" page on this website.

Kangen Water Systems, Tracy Waterlyn 801-473-7443 or try it out by the gallon at The Herb Shop located at 160 S. State Street in Orem.