Raynaud’s Disease

Definition

Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes but it also affects the nose, tongue and feet. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this happens, blood cannot get to the surface of the skin and the affected areas turn white and blue. When the blood flow returns, the skin turns red and throbs or tingles. In severe cases, loss of blood flow can cause sores or tissue death.

Types

When Raynaud’s symptoms develop without any obvious cause, it is labeled Raynaud’s disease. Whenever these same symptoms occur as a result of other health problems, this is known as Raynaud’s Trend and is usually more serious.

Symptoms

The affected areas become white or bluish, and are usually accompanied by a tingling feeling. At times, the affected areas can take on a red hue as well as. In more uncommon cases, the walls of the arteries may thicken, permanently obstructing blood flow, causing ulcers, infections, and in some cases gangrene to form around the fingernails.

Trigger

Typically, the first symptoms of Raynaud’s disease are triggered by exposure to cold weather or due to chronic emotional stress.

Nutritional deficiencies resulting from an inability to tolerate cold, and poor circulation can cause Raynaud’s disease. Smoking is another common cause and can trigger signs and symptoms, as can certain drugs, such as the beta-blockers, which regulate high blood pressure. Raynaud’s disease may also be caused by silicon breast implants.

Natural Cures

Arm Movement Exercise: Rapid arm movement can force blood into tiny capillary vessels. Stand with arms at your side and swing them like a windmill, as fast as you can. This often reduces hand symptoms in just a few minutes.

Diet: Consume plenty of organic foods high in vitamin E, such as raw seeds and nuts. Hot vegetable soups, vegetable purees, and fresh, organic raw vegetables are also recommended. Avoid coffee as well as alcohol, both of which constrict blood vessels.

Herbs: Combine equal parts of ginkgo, prickly lung burning ash, and ginger and consume one tsp. of this mixture three times each day.

Homeopathy: Arsen alb., and Secale are useful homeopathic remedies.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Treatment: Drink plenty of fresh, organic fruit and vegetable juices.

Lifestyle: The key to treating and preventing Raynauds disease, is improved circulation. Breathe deeply throughout the day and keep your hands and feet warm. Ensure you are getting plenty of exercise and avoid cigarettes.

Dietary Supplementation: The following nutrients are recommended: Vitamin B, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin E, folic acid, the mineral magnesium, essential fatty acids, primrose oil, and digestive enzymes with meals. If you are anemic, consider taking iron.

Optional Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional therapies have all proven to be useful for treating Raynaud’s disease: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Biofeedback Therapy, Chelation Therapy, Chiropractic care, Environmental Medicine, Enzyme Treatment, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Therapy, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy, Qigong, and deep breathing yoga. (See References for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)