I have rheumatoid arthritis. I had to stop my two favorite activities: dancing and gardening. I walked with a cane. Traditional medicines to control pain had adverse side effects. I decided to take control of my life. Tried accupuncture; it was ok but the Chinese herbs used to brew tea made me ill. Massage is fabulous. Once a month I have a Reiki massage and once a month foot reflexology. I will not give up massages. Mind the diet - no sugar, red meat, or processed foods. I am working on ending my relationship with chocolate. Add rosemary essential oil to hot bath water. Take supplements: flax seed oil, MSM, glucosomine, ginger (for inflamation). Pray. Listen to music that touches your soul. Meditate. Laugh. The most useful thing I've spent money on was a course in self hypnosis to control pain and stress. Still can't dance but I no longer use a cane. Hope some of this helps. Best of luck to you.

Rowana