Rheumatism is often used as an umbrella term to describe a range of painful conditions that affect the joints, muscles and connective tissues. In Natural Hygiene, rheumatism is understood not as a mysterious attack on the body but as a clear message that the internal environment has become burdened with waste, acidity and stagnation. The pain, stiffness and inflammation are the body’s intelligent attempts to protect itself, slow movement, and initiate healing where the tissues have become irritated or overloaded.
Although modern language sometimes treats rheumatism as a diagnosis, Natural Hygiene sees it as a symptom pattern. The joints and muscles ache because the tissues are struggling with an accumulation of metabolic waste and irritants. When the blood and lymph are burdened, the extremities are the first to feel the effects. These areas are further away from the core organs, so circulation is naturally weaker, and waste accumulates more easily. The body then expresses this accumulation through swelling, heat, pain or restricted movement.
One of the key underlying causes of rheumatism is chronic irritation within the body. Irritation arises when people consume foods that the body finds difficult to process, such as heavy animal products, oils, processed foods, salt and stimulants. These substances leave behind residues that the body must neutralise or remove. When the rate of incoming irritants exceeds the body’s capacity to eliminate them, the tissues become inflamed. The joints, being delicate structures designed for smooth, frictionless movement, are particularly sensitive to this internal burden.
Acidity also plays a major role in rheumatism. Acid-forming foods and lifestyle habits create a chemical environment that irritates the tissues. The body attempts to buffer these acids by drawing on its mineral reserves, but if the intake of acidic foods continues, the tissues become inflamed and painful. This inflammation is not a mistake. It is the body signalling that it needs a cleaner internal terrain. Many people notice that simply shifting to a more fruit-based, hydrating and alkaline-forming diet brings substantial relief.
Circulation and lymphatic health are equally important. Poor circulation means that fresh, oxygenated blood does not reach the joints effectively. Sluggish lymph means that waste products are not removed efficiently. When the lymph stagnates, the tissues become congested and stiff. The result is the characteristic heaviness and discomfort associated with rheumatism. Natural Hygiene emphasises daily movement, not as punishment for the body but as a way to gently mobilise the lymph and restore flow to areas that have become stagnant.
Rest is another essential factor. Rheumatic pain often intensifies when someone is run down, overtired or living under constant stress. When the nervous system is in a heightened state, the body releases stress hormones that create tension in the muscles and reduce circulation. This tension makes the joints feel tight and uneasy. Many people overlook how much emotional stress contributes to physical pain. The body holds what the mind does not release. Gentle rest, deep breathing and early nights allow the system to unwind and support the natural healing processes of the tissues.
It is also important to understand why the body creates swelling around a joint. Swelling is the body’s natural cushioning response. It is protective. When a joint is irritated, the body floods the area with fluid to prevent further friction and to dilute the irritants. Pain is the body’s call for stillness and recovery. Suppressing the swelling or numbing the pain without addressing the root causes forces the body to find another way to protect itself. Natural Hygiene teaches that true healing only occurs when we support the body in its efforts rather than interfere with them.
One of the most effective ways to help rheumatism is through hydration. Hydration is not simply about drinking water. It is about eating water-rich foods that carry natural electrolytes and minerals. Fresh fruits, leafy greens and raw vegetables provide the body with the hydration it can use immediately. When the body is well hydrated, the blood becomes thinner, the lymph moves more freely and the tissues receive the nourishment they need. Hydrated joints move smoothly, and the pain naturally reduces.
Movement must be gentle and consistent. Walking, stretching, light rebounding or slow mobility work can dramatically help rheumatic discomfort. These activities encourage the movement of lymph and improve circulation without placing strain on the joints. The body heals through rhythm. It thrives on natural, moderate movement, not intensity or force.
Fasting can also bring profound relief. When digestion rests, the body redirects its energy towards clearing out waste and repairing tissue damage. Even short fasts or fruit days can reduce inflammation and relieve pressure from the joints. Many people experience noticeable improvement in rheumatic symptoms within just a few days of giving the body this opportunity to cleanse.
Ultimately, rheumatism is a message that the internal environment is asking for clarity, purification and ease. The body does not create pain to punish us. It creates pain to guide us. When we listen to the body and provide it with clean fuel, hydration, rest and movement, rheumatic symptoms naturally soften. Over time, the joints become more comfortable, the muscles more supple and the entire system more harmonious. The body always moves towards healing when we create the conditions that allow it.