What is Reynaud’s disease?
Reynaud’s disease, also known as Reynaud’s phenomenon or Reynaud’s syndrome, is a condition that causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, leading to reduced blood flow and resulting in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain.
Symptoms of Reynaud’s disease may be triggered by cold temperatures or stress, and may also be accompanied by changes in skin colour in the affected areas.
Reynaud’s disease is more common in women and people who live in colder climates, and is also associated with certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
With me, it most often manifests like this:
Traditional medical treatment for Reynaud’s disease
Traditional treatment for Reynaud’s disease often involves medications such as vasodilators and calcium channel blockers, which help to relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow.
While these medications can be effective in managing Reynaud’s disease, they may not be suitable for everyone and can have potential side effects such as low blood pressure and dizziness. (I for example, already have low blood pressure – and so medication such as this is not an option for me)
Other traditional treatment options for Reynaud’s disease include wearing warm clothing and avoiding cold temperatures, as well as quitting smoking and reducing stress.
Naturopathic solutions for Reynaud’s disease
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the whole person and promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Naturopathic practitioners may recommend a variety of treatments for Reynaud’s disease, including herbal remedies, dietary and lifestyle changes, and supplements such as fish oil and vitamin B12.
While research on the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments for Reynaud’s disease is limited, some people may find relief through these approaches and may prefer them due to their natural nature and fewer potential side effects.
Case studies I worked with and how we solved the problem
Mary, a 45-year-old woman with Reynaud’s disease, found that incorporating herbs such as ginger and turmeric into her diet helped to improve her symptoms.
Jake, a 28-year-old man with Reynaud’s disease, experienced a reduction in frequency and severity of attacks after participating in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation on a regular basis.
With me, I have found that I need a combination of always wearing gloves when it’s really cold outside, drinking plenty of ginger tea to increase my blood circulation in the winter and exercising regularly even when I don’t want to because it’s cold have been a game changer, and from something that used to happen to me almost daily – I hardly ever encounter it any more!
If you’re curious about how else you might stay well during the winter, catch up on that here!
Reynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, causing symptoms such as numbness and pain. While traditional medical treatment options are available, some people may prefer to try naturopathic approaches such as herbal remedies and lifestyle changes – and find relief through these approaches!
They may prefer them due to their natural nature and fewer potential side effects.
If you are interested in exploring naturopathic solutions for Reynaud’s disease, it is important to consult with a qualified naturopathic practitioner. If you want to schedule a call with Maya click here!
