Crohns disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the small and large intestines. Other similar inflammatory disease is ulcerative colitis. It causes inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the intestines. This inflammation can lead to the cells growing larger and obstructing, or closing off, the intestines. Sometimes this leads to the need for surgical resection and taking out the part thats obstructed.

Its estimated that there are 100 out of 100,000 that have either ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. In most cases physicians prescribe steroids, some antibiotics and other opiods to control the inflammation and the pain. But some patients, without medical coverage can afford the medication or others dont wish to take all that medication and so turn to alternative therapies.

Depending upon the extent of the disease some alternative therapies are very effective. Massage and Crohns disease is one of those alternative therapies.

Crohns disease isnt caused by stress but stress does exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. Stress will exacerbate the symptoms of many diseases such as asthma, heart disease and most auto immune illnesses such as arthritis and Lupus.

Massage and Crohns disease isnt a cure but rather an adjunct to standard medicine or naturopathic medicine. Massage, exercise, yoga or meditation are effective ways to relieve stress.

Massage and Crohns disease should be done by a licensed therapist with several years experience. Massage will help to release the tension in your muscles, release the lactic acid that will improve the relaxation and decrease sore muscles and will work out the kinks so to speak. A good massage therapist incorporates the use of heat, aromatherapy, stones and strong hands to make you feel relaxed and relieved for days.

Check with your insurance company if you physician recommends a massage to help relieve stress it may count toward your deductible for the year. Otherwise it will definitely count toward the amount you can deduct from your taxes above the standard 7%. Check with your accountant and get a written recommendation from your doctor to back up your insurance claim.

Other natural ways of trying to bring the disease under control is to eliminate caffeine, coffee and tea; avoid milk and milk products such as cheese and ice cream; stress relieves such as biofeedback, breathing exercises and psychotherapy; and increase omega-3 fatty acids to help the healing process.

When the disease isnt active a low fat, high fiber diet will also help to keep the disease in remission and provide you with the nutrition you need to continue to stay in remission.