The weird, “down-and-dirty” solution for calming arthritis pain

If you suffer from arthritis pain, you crave fast-acting relief. But considering how dangerous and addictive painkilling medications can be, it can leave those in pain with quite a dilemma.

Fortunately, there are much safer options available to you. In fact, a new study reveals how effective one natural — but unorthodox —approach is in thwarting joint pain. And I guarantee it’s something you likely haven’t ever tried….

All you have to do is get a little muddy!

Now I know the idea of spreading mud on your aching joints may seem a little odd. But this therapy is something our ancestors once relied on. And unfortunately, modern medicine’s laser focus on drugs as primary go-to solutions have distanced us from some of the most powerful and timeless solutions, like “mudpacking,” as it’s officially called.

Mudpacking involves spreading mineral-rich mud and clay on the body to draw out toxins. And despite mainstream medicine’s opinion that it’s an outdated practice, this pain-soothing approach is actually backed by an enormous amount of research.

Less pain, greater function

Scientists from Extremadura University in Badajoz, Spain have explored the pain-relieving effects of mudpacking therapy in several research projects.

In one study, they enrolled 121 patients with knee osteoarthritis and randomly divided them into two groups: 61 participated in 11 sessions of mudpacking therapy while the other 60 served as a control group, continuing with their usual pain relief regimens.

The mud used in the study came from a natural spring and contained various minerals including calcite, silica, and orthoclase. The mineral water from the spring contained sodium, bicarbonate, and calcium.

Each mudpacking session lasted approximately 47 minutes, following this standard procedure:

Mud was heated to a temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius (about 85 degrees Fahrenheit).
Mud was applied to the affected knees with brushes.
Mud dried for 30 minutes.
Participants took a mud bath with thermal water for 15 minutes.
Mud was removed with a thermal jet for two minutes.

Using several different measurements, researchers reported significant improvements in three parameters:

Functional capacity
Perceived pain
Severity of symptoms

Most importantly, participants in the mudpacking group enjoyed enough relief to reduce their use of drugs.

One year later, in 2013, this same Extremadura team conducted a meta-analysis of 20 trials where researchers followed robust standards in assessing mudpack therapy for knee osteoarthritis patients.

The collective results of these trials showed substantial improvements in quality of life, as well as better joint function and noticeable reduction of pain.

A long history of success

So how exactly does this incredibly basic trifecta of mud, water, and minerals soothe aching joints just as well — if not better — than pain relieving drugs?

In his Arthritis Relief and Reversal Protocol, Dr. Marc Micozzi admits that scientists haven’t discovered the pain-relief secrets of hot mudpacks. But he points out that folk medicine practitioners have harnessed the therapeutic mystery of heat, water, mud, and salt for thousands of years.

And he poses a good point: “Would people have kept using them if they DIDN’T work?”

In Europe, balneology (the science of hot baths) is a medical specialty that’s widely accepted among mainstream doctors. And Dr. Micozzi notes that this tradition wasn’t left behind in the old country. American Founding Fathers (including Washington and Jefferson), as well as modern presidents (like Roosevelt and Regan) have made use of the healing waters of therapeutic spas at Berkley Springs, WV.

“At one site,” he says, “people soaked in seven different natural springs, each with its own unique mineral contents, each considered ideal for specific ailments.”

Safe, drug-free, and effective

Naturally, Dr. Micozzi features mudpacking therapy prominently in his protocol.

In one study, he describes that Italian researchers divided 48 patients with lower back osteoarthritis into two groups: “They treated one group for 12 days with hot mudpacks, thermal baths, and 500 milligrams of acetaminophen (Tylenol) twice daily. (I’ll take this opportunity to remind you not to take Tylenol for anything. Ever. Period.) The other group just took 500 mg of acetaminophen twice daily.”

Blood samples taken before and after the intervention showed that four neuropeptides (which contribute to joint pain, cartilage damage, and inflammation) were reduced in both groups, but those treated with hot mudpacks and thermal baths showed much greater improvement.

The mystery behind the effectiveness of these therapies may not be solved, but their long history of efficacy continues.

The bottom line: As Dr. Micozzi says, “You should definitely give them a try if you have joint pain. Especially if you’re looking for a safe, drug-free alternative.

“You can buy therapeutic salts and Dead Sea mud packs on the internet. Use them as often as you like, or can afford. Also, consider investing in a large tub or spa that you can sit in, completely immersing your body in the water: this practice is good for soothing sore joints. Plus, there are walk-in tubs available that make it easier getting in and out of a bath.”

You can learn much more about how to use these ancient healing therapies and other little-known treatments in Dr. Micozzi’s Arthritis Relief and Reversal Protocol. For more information about this learning tool, or to enroll today, simply click here.

SOURCES A PIECE

revistas.ucm.es/index.php/ANHM/article/viewFile/40192/38598
Effects of mud pack therapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis. A randomized controlled clinical trial
Annals of Medical Hydrology
July-December, 2012

massagemag.com/research-exclusive-mud-therapy-improves-knee-osteoarthritis-13050/
Research Exclusive: Mud Therapy Improves Knee Osteoarthritis
August 27, 2013

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23236190
Clinical effectiveness of mud pack therapy in knee osteoarthritis.
Rheumatology
December 11, 2012