12. Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that not only helps the body relax but can also help change the perception of pain. Through this practice, the patient is more aware of his or her body. It alters the way the brain perceives and responds to pain.
The patient focuses less on the pain but on the whole body instead. Regular practice can help lessen the production of proteins that increase inflammation.
11. Quality Sleep
Lack of quality sleep can lead to weight gain, which in turn can add more stress on the joints. Even worse, disrupted sleep may even hasten inflammation. Not getting enough sleep can only worsen the pain in the joints.
Getting enough hours of sleep and waking up at a regular time can enhance the quality of sleep. Making sure that the environment is conducive to sleep is also an important factor to consider.
10. Proper Skin Care
Taking care of your skin is also one way to help treat psoriatic arthritis. Proper skin care can help prevent the onset of infections that can only worsen the condition. Keeping the skin hydrated can prevent the skin from becoming dry and itchy. Hence, there’s less temptation to scratch the skin.
Using a good moisturizer is a common way to hydrate the skin. However, it’s best to get with a doctor who can prescribe the right moisturizer and cream for proper skin care.
9. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help loosen tight muscles and joints. Aside from improving joint function, it can also help the swelling go down. In addition, massage therapy can also enhance the quality of sleep. Hence, the patient has more energy the next day.
Massage therapy can significantly alleviate the pain associated with arthritis since it can help the patient relax.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture may inhibit certain proteins that cause inflammation. At the same time, the system of pricking the skin with acupuncture needles helps in releasing feel-good hormones such as serotonin and endorphins.
It is also believed that adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter is released into the body as well. This can help the patient get more sleep, which is beneficial in managing the condition.
7. Acupressure
Acupressure involves the application of pressure on specific body points to control pain. Similar to acupuncture, it is an old way of treating pain and has been proven effective in improving immune function. However, it is non-invasive since there are no needles.
Acupressure restores equilibrium to the various systems of the body. It also releases serotonin, endorphins, and adenosine which can help alleviate pain.
(continued next page)