Living with Raynaud’s Disease can feel like a constant battle against cold, stress, and circulation issues. While you’re already working with your healthcare team, complementary therapies — when used wisely — can sometimes help you feel better and reduce flare-ups. Always check with your doctor before trying something new.
What the Evidence Says
A meta-analysis on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for Raynaud’s found limited but intriguing results. For example, therapeutic gloves showed some promise, while the evidence for many supplements and mind-body approaches remains weak.
Still, resources like the Raynaud’s Association highlight options such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes as potential supportive tools.
Complementary Therapies You Can Consider
Here are some therapies members report exploring — remember: they’re complementary, not replacements for medical care:
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Acupuncture & Eastern practices — Some people with Raynaud’s use acupuncture or Tai Chi to improve circulation and manage stress.
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Nutritional & herbal support — Herbs like ginkgo biloba, ginger, and supplements such as magnesium or omega-3s may help circulation, though evidence is weak.
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Essential oils & topical treatments — For example, a small study found rosemary oil increased circulation in one case of Raynaud’s phenomenon.
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Lifestyle & self-care practices — Avoiding cold exposure, wearing layered clothing, managing stress, staying active, and warming extremities all matter.
We want to hear from you:
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Have you tried a complementary therapy (like acupuncture, supplements, or essential oils) for Raynaud’s? How did it work for you?
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What self-care routines help you prevent or shorten a Raynaud’s attack?
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If you haven’t started any complementaries yet, what are you curious about?