Bursitis and its Natural Treatment

Chronic Bursitis is an ailment caused by inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a sac of lubricating fluid used to reduce friction between the tendons and the bones (the joint). It is caused by recurring activity that places too much strain on the joint. Over use of the joint along with bad posture makes it easy to get this type of inflammation over time.

When you have an ache or a pain, you may think to yourself, "This will go away," or "Oh, it's nothing." Everyone should pay close attention to what their body is telling them, because these can be signs of more serious problems. When it comes to your knees, an ache here and there can be considered normal. You walked too long, climbed too many stairs, or did too many reps during that workout, but that pain in joints could be bursitis.

Treatment:

1. Acupuncture Acupuncture can help reduce the inflammation and relieve the stiffness that accompanies bursitis, and it may promote the drainage of excess fluid. Acupoints targeted vary, depending on whether the pain is located in the hip, knee, or shoulder. Acupressure Acupressure can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.

2. Medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Tapyadi-Loh and Ekang-Veer-Ras are used for prolonged periods. If the bursitis is due to an infection, medicines like Sukshma-Triphala, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu and Gandhak-Rasayan are used in order to treat bursitis.

3. As with all musculo-skeletal injuries, manipulative therapies will speed the healing process. Massage can promote blood flow to the area and removal of wastes, and soothe muscles which have worked hard to compensate for problems in movement. Osteopathic treatment will help re-align the joints around the damaged area that are trying vainly to compensate.

4. Medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Tapyadi-Loh and Ekang-Veer-Ras are used for prolonged periods. If the bursitis is due to an infection, medicines like Sukshma-Triphala, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu and Gandhak-Rasayan are used in order to treat the infection. In some refractory patients, the local application of leeches brings about a dramatic relief from pain and swelling.

5. In most cases, bursitis can be effectively treated by completely resting the affected joint. However, there are also a few easy-to-use home remedies which can assist in relieving bursal inflammation.

6. Licorice - This root helps stop inflammation when taken internally by inhibiting an enzyme in the body. Take a 500-milligram capsule up to three times per day. Licorice is also available as a tincture and tea. Do not take licorice for more than 6 weeks at a time. Do not take if your are pregnant, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.

7. Ginger is known to inhibit inflammation and reduce pain. It also has antioxidant properties. Take as a capsule or tincture. It can also be used fresh; eat 1/3 ounce of fresh ginger each day.

8. Used topically or in capsule form, cayenne helps reduce pain naturally. Taken internally, cayenne acts as an antioxidant. Used topically, it will ease the pain and gently improves circulation to the area, making the area warm.