Dupuytren's contracture disease is an inherited proliferative connective tissue disorder with fixed flexion contractures of the hand. The fingers bend towards the palm but cannot be fully extended and straightened. It is a disease without cure, but there are alternative and complimentary therapies which work with Western Medicine to help a person better manage this ailment. Here are some suggestions:
1. HEAT & HAND STRETCHING
This includes soaking hands in hot water for 15–20 minutes every morning and then doing stretching exercises on the affected finger(s). In addition, try adding Epsom salts to the water. After the hot water soaking, then do some vigorous regular stretching and massage by hyperextending the fingers. This will help the tissues to reduce the fibrous binding. In addition, you may also want to use massage cream or oil—such as red flower oil —into the affected area.
2. DIET
Some sources recommend refraining from coffee, wheat, dairy when you have this disease.
3. REDUCE STRESS
Sound meditations can help reduce stress. Use the sound of “Chuuuuuu” and then the sound of “Shoooooo” whenever you are feeling stressed. These are the sounds that are most appropriate for the liver and the spleen, which are the organs closely tied with Dupuytren's contracture. You can use sound to help release stress and emotions.
1. HEAT & HAND STRETCHING
This includes soaking hands in hot water for 15–20 minutes every morning and then doing stretching exercises on the affected finger(s). In addition, try adding Epsom salts to the water. After the hot water soaking, then do some vigorous regular stretching and massage by hyperextending the fingers. This will help the tissues to reduce the fibrous binding. In addition, you may also want to use massage cream or oil—such as red flower oil —into the affected area.
2. DIET
Some sources recommend refraining from coffee, wheat, dairy when you have this disease.
3. REDUCE STRESS
Sound meditations can help reduce stress. Use the sound of “Chuuuuuu” and then the sound of “Shoooooo” whenever you are feeling stressed. These are the sounds that are most appropriate for the liver and the spleen, which are the organs closely tied with Dupuytren's contracture. You can use sound to help release stress and emotions.
4. MASSAGE
From a Chinese Medicine point of view, Dupuytren's contractures are related to liver qi stagnation, so doing self massage of the Liver 2 point, which is located on the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, a half thumb width from the margin of the web. To massage this point, move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point.
Also, having weekly Tuina massage on your back, shoulders, arms can also help. This type of massage can help stimulate the blood flow to the hands. If the practitioner does moxa treatments, have her/him add moxa to the treatment regime, too. If the practitioner uses cupping have her/him add cupping.
5. ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a resource to add to your treatment regime. Some of the literature states electrical stimulation with acupuncture needles has been shown to help control the disease.
6. QIGONG EXERCISES & MEDITATION
Qigong exercises are great to help keep Qi and blood flowing. Adding Qigong meditations is something that will also help direct healing energy to the places of need. For this type of Qigong meditation, when you are in a meditative state of mind, focus your thoughts on healing, wellness, strength, flexibility, vibrancy and then direct that energy to your hands and the affected areas. Spend time sending this healing energy to this spot and then add on the feeling of love, your love, to this spot in your body. Continue sending healing thoughts and love to this area for several minutes. Do these focused exercises and meditations at least daily. Within a couple of weeks, if you do these meditations daily, you should feel an inner change within you.
Even though dupuytren's contractures is a chronic disease, there are some actions you can use to help you better manage this disease.
From a Chinese Medicine point of view, Dupuytren's contractures are related to liver qi stagnation, so doing self massage of the Liver 2 point, which is located on the foot, between the big toe and the second toe, a half thumb width from the margin of the web. To massage this point, move your finger in counterclockwise direction over this point.
Also, having weekly Tuina massage on your back, shoulders, arms can also help. This type of massage can help stimulate the blood flow to the hands. If the practitioner does moxa treatments, have her/him add moxa to the treatment regime, too. If the practitioner uses cupping have her/him add cupping.
5. ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a resource to add to your treatment regime. Some of the literature states electrical stimulation with acupuncture needles has been shown to help control the disease.
6. QIGONG EXERCISES & MEDITATION
Qigong exercises are great to help keep Qi and blood flowing. Adding Qigong meditations is something that will also help direct healing energy to the places of need. For this type of Qigong meditation, when you are in a meditative state of mind, focus your thoughts on healing, wellness, strength, flexibility, vibrancy and then direct that energy to your hands and the affected areas. Spend time sending this healing energy to this spot and then add on the feeling of love, your love, to this spot in your body. Continue sending healing thoughts and love to this area for several minutes. Do these focused exercises and meditations at least daily. Within a couple of weeks, if you do these meditations daily, you should feel an inner change within you.
Even though dupuytren's contractures is a chronic disease, there are some actions you can use to help you better manage this disease.
