Causes of rheumatism / rheumatic diseases

Rheumatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatism is not a medically accurate term for the disease. Rheumatism is a common term for diseases typically associated with chronic pain and inflammation of the musculoskeletal system. Joints, muscles, and tendons are usually affected. However, organs can also be affected in rheumatology.

Rheumatologists summarize such pathologies under the term “rheumatic diseases”, whereby the characteristic of the numerous rheumatic diseases is that the Immune system The body's own tissue is destroyed, resulting in painful inflammatory processes. Long-term inflammation leads to calcification or fibrosis and ultimately to the degeneration and destruction of the affected tissue.

Rheumatism and naturopathy

From a naturopathic perspective, the development of rheumatic diseases is multifactorial. Typical causes include chronic infections, a lack of beneficial microorganisms, adrenal weakness, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or even high levels of toxicity. Hyperacidity of the body or purine intolerance due to kidney disease are also unfavorable factors.

Any activity of the immune system leads to inflammatory processes. Joint capsules, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves are most commonly affected.

The persistent migration of immune complexes into the affected tissue, which must be regulated by the cortisol secretion of the adrenal glands and other anti-inflammatory substances in our organism, leads to exhaustion of the adrenal glands and the immune system.

But toxic substances such as heavy metals, insecticides and solvents also weaken the endocrine control circuits of the organism via the adrenal glands.

A common factor in rheumatism is unnoticed inflammation caused by inadequately filled root canals of the teeth.
Bacteria such as streptococci and staphylococci migrate into the cavity of a dead tooth, where they multiply dramatically, forcing the immune system to mount a persistent response throughout the body. Because the nerve was removed by the dentist during root canal treatment, the patient feels no local pain.

Holistic rheumatism diagnostics

The naturopathic view of rheumatic diseases shows that several body systems and stress factors are usually the cause.
Before starting therapy, an analysis of the entire disease process is therefore necessary.

Therefore, I include all body systems and complaints in my anamnesis. Rheumatic diseases are often accompanied by complexes of other symptoms. Digestive disorders, allergies, and hormonal disorders are the most common, as these diseases share similar pathogenesis.

The osteopathic examination not only provides information about the static conditions of the musculoskeletal system, but also provides information about metabolic processes through the examination of tissue tension. Tension levels in the musculoskeletal system and abdomen also provide information about the activity and vitality of the organs, just as the immune system can be evaluated by examining the lymphatic system.

However, the most effective diagnostic tool is the Kinesiology. In this case, a change in neurological responses is induced by specific provocations or by means of certain substances, and subsequently measured by muscle reactions.

holistic rheumatism therapy

The balance of microorganisms

While pathogens (disease-causing organisms) disrupt metabolism and cause inflammation through an immune response, we should also be colonized by a variety of beneficial microorganisms (biome, intestinal flora). These are responsible, among other things, for fermentation in our digestive tract and are essential for the supply of nutrients.

Chinese herbal therapy effectively reduces pathogens. The antibiotic effect of Chinese herbs has been proven in numerous studies.
A nutritional analysis and advice is provided for the repopulation and proliferation of beneficial microorganisms.

Depending on the diagnosis, environmental medical advice may also be provided, as well as supplementation with vitamins and minerals.

In severe cases, naturopathic therapy is used as an adjunct to medical interventions such as steroid therapy or immunosuppressants. In these cases, naturopathic therapy is a useful complement, aiming to improve the overall situation. In many cases, the medications can be discontinued later under medical consultation.

Following Naturopathy use in holistic rheumatology:

• Kinesiology
• Chinese medicine
• Chinese herbal therapy
• intestinal health
• Environmental medicine