2. Game Plan
§ What is a Repetitive Stress Injury?
§ Biomedical & Traditional Characterization of RSIs
§ Demand & Need for RSI Treatments
§ Product Overview
§ Product Formulation
§ Product Functions & Benefits
§ Product Herbal Actions
§ Review of Individual Herbs Used
§ Dosage & Safety
3. What is a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)?
§ Broad category of conditions relating to injuries of the
musculoskeletal and nervous systems
– Caused by sustained execution of repetitive tasks in
unnatural positions for extended & contiguous time
periods
§ Electronics-based RSIs, are a particular set of RSIs caused
by improper usage of electronic consumer devices, such
as computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.
– Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, one of the most well-known
electronics-based RSI
– Others include: Tendonitis/tenosynovitis, Epicondylitis
(elbow tendonitis), DeQuervain's disease, Thoracic
outlet syndrome and tension neck syndrome.
Electronics-based RSIs share a common cause & set of symptoms
4. Characterization of RSIs
Traditional & biomedical characterizations have much overlap
Joint Stiffness
Thickening & Depletion of fluid
Dry Eyes & Eye Pain
Reduction in lubrication
Muscle Weakness
Restructuring of tissue
Shooting Pains & Numbness
Compression of nerves
Reduced Lymphatic Flow
Increased pressure on vessels
Tissue Damage
Degeneration from overuse
Decreased Blood Flow
Causes cellular hypoxia & fibrosis
Bio-medical
Tightness & pain of joints
Due to inflammation
Eye strain & fatigue
With bloodshot eyes
Muscle weakness & fatigue
Due to overload
Numbness, tingling and pain
Pinching of nerves
Accumulation of waste products
Overexertion in the periphery
Limited range of motion
Due to inflammation
Stress
From possible loss of livelihood
Traditional
5. Demand for RSI Support Products
Increases in RSI Prevalence = Greater Demand for OTC RSI Support Products
Cell Phones: +18%
Laptops: +31%
MP3 Players: +22%
e-Book Readers: +24%
Tablets: +32%
Increase in Device Ownership & Pervasiveness over 4-6 yrs
Internet Adoption:
+71%
Significant Increase in Internet Adoption since 1995
Large Increase in Data & Text Traffic
85%
of US Population
+83%
Text Messages Sent (5yrs)
+41%
Wireless Data (TB) (1yr)
Statistics from CTIA (wireless industry trade org.) and from Pew Research Center's
Internet & American Life Project
6. § Drug-based Conventional RSI treatments:
– OTC NSAIDs
• Inhibit inflammation constraining repair processes
• Worsen the condition over the long-haul
– Topical creams
• Pain relief is the primary action
• Limited support of local tissue repair processes
– Prescription glucocorticoid injections
• Halts inflammation more directly & intensely
• Reduces symptoms at the cost of long-term healing
§ Non-drug based Conventional RSI treatments:
– Surgery, wrist braces, stretching, strength building, work
behavior & environment change.
OTC drug-based RSI treatment options are limited in variety & approach
Market Opportunity for RSI Support
Products
7. Multiple RSIs
Addresses physiological imbalances
foundational to a variety of RSI
conditions.
Systemic Support
Provides RSI-specific systemic support
to the body.
Acute & Chronic Support
Supports relief from acute & chronic
aspects of RSI conditions.
Product Overview
rsi.Relieve is NOT just a product, it’s a support protocol
Traditional & Modern Use
Employs herbs based on both
traditional and modern use
Levels of Organization
Leverages multiple levels of
organization within the
formulation to improve strength &
protocol flexibility
Adaptability
Adaptable to RSIs of varying
severity levels & stages
8. Product Formulation
Systemic Support Capsules
31 Day Supply (250 capsules)
(8 caps/dose)
Black Cohosh (1g)
Meadowsweet (1g)
Burdock (1g)
Bilberry (500mg)
Horsetail (400mg)
Ginger (50mg)
Cayenne (25mg)
Each capsule contains a mixture of herbal
powders
Local Support Cream
4 oz. Total
(1/8 tsp/dose)
Comfrey (2 parts)
St. John’s Wort (2 part)
Arnica (1 part)
Horsechestnut (0.5 part)
Lemongrass Essential Oil (drops)
Sesame Oil (Base of Infused Oils – 50%)
Mustard Oil (Base of Infused Oils – 50%)
Contains mixture of 4 herb infused oils with a little
essential oil
Ability to adapt the protocol to the uniqueness of the condition & person
9. Product Functions & Benefits
Supports robust inflammatory process
Improves muscoskeletal & nerve tissue repair
Modulates inflammatory process
Steady & subtle imbalance correction
Supports the lymphatic system
Improves the tissue repair processes. Leads
to enhanced metabolic waste removal and
enhanced immunity
Supports circulatory system
Improves the tissue repair processes through
enhanced nutrient delivery
Reduces intensity of acute pain
Eases the comfort level of the consumer
Supports lubrication of joints
Enables consumer to continue working,
while easing additional damage caused by
the work.
Supports healthy eye function & structure
Reduces the pain & impact of eye strain from
staring at a electronic screen.
Supports a variety of the body functions and structures
12. Black Cohosh
Cimicifuga racemosa - Root
Traditional:
§ Relieves irritation of the nerve centers
§ Operates mostly at the nerve periphery
§ Relieves capillary congestion helping congested tissues.
§ Beneficial for tendonitis, rheumatic conditions, arthritis and in
muscular rheumatic pains
Biomedical:
§ Vasodilation as a result of endothelium-dependent and -
independent mechanisms involving Ca and Ka channels.
§ Anti-inflammatory effects attributed to constituents isoferulic
acid and small amounts of salicylic acid
§ Immunomodulatory effects possibly useful for arthritis:
– Dose-dependent B-cell and T-cell function suppression & Possible
lymphocyte blastogensis inhibition
– Cytotoxic T cell (TCTL) activity was increased
– No effect on NK numbers & T-dependent antibody responses
1000mg
Anti-inflammatory
Immuno-modulatory
Peripheral
Vasodilator
Nervine
Muscular Rheumatic
Do not use during
pregnancy or lactation
13. Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria – Aerial Parts
Traditional:
§ Used for joint aches and pains
§ Useful for hardworking and abused muscles and bones
§ Used in rheumatism, arthritis, edema and in kidney
disorders
§ Improves removal of waste products from muscles,
joints and blood, easing inflammation and pain.
Biomedical:
§ Immuno-modulatory, analgesic & anti-inflammatory
effects occur due to:
– Inhibition of complement activation
– Reduction in synthesis of IL-2
– Suppression of proinflammatory cytokines production
– Reduction of reactive oxygen species by leucocytes
1000mg
Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic
Immuno-modulatory
Diuretic
Alterative
Use with caution if you have
salicylate sensitivity
14. Burdock
Articum lappa – Root
Traditional:
§ Used for joint aches and pains
§ Root useful in rheumatic conditions, arthritic and in
chronic inflammatory conditions
§ More specifically, this herb has an affinity for the skin &
muscoskeletal system
Biomedical:
§ It is great for chronic inflammatory conditions and can
act as a muscoskeletal relaxant.
– Inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation and decreased
gene expression of IL-2, IFN-γ and NF-AT
§ Exhibited hepatoprotective and anti-odema activity,
both useful in arthritic
– Free-radical scavenging activity
– Inhibition of experimentally induced edema
1000mg
Anti-inflammatory
Diuretic
Alterative
Muscoskeletal
Relaxant
Anti-odema
Avoid for patients with
sensitivity with Asteraceae
family.
15. Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus – Fruit
Traditional:
§ No support for this herb’s use in the formulation.
Biomedical:
§ Useful in arthritic conditions due to effects on
circulation
– Improvements in venous microcirculation and lymph
drainage
§ Usefulness in glaucoma, retinopathy, myopia and
cataracts, attributed to anthocyanosides
– Slowed progression of lens opacities in cataracts
– Reduced vascular permeability & tendency to
hemorrhage leading to improved retinal picture
– Enhanced regeneration of rhodopsin in the retina,
which is essential for optimal eye function
– Possible accelerated modulation of retinal enzymes
500mg
Lymphatic
Eye Tonic
Caution should be exercised
for people with haemorgic
disorders
Interaction with warfin and or
antiplatelet drugs.
16. Horsetail
Equisetum arvense – Aerial Parts
Traditional:
§ Eases the pain of rheumatism and stimulates healing of
chillbains
§ Blood cleanser useful in rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Biomedical:
§ Appears to have a direct healing effect on connective tissue
when used both internally and externally
– Ability to modulate osteoclastogenesis (i.e. bone
regeneration), either by acting directly on osteoclast
precursor cells, and/or via osteoblasts
– Elicited inductive effects on human osteoblasts (responsible
for bone formation)
§ In a clinical trial, exhibited higher moisturizing effect
(beneficial in wound healing) compared to burdock, licorice,
mallow and olive oil
400mg
Vulnerary
Analgesic
Alterative
Anti-odema
No safety issues at these
doses
17. Ginger
Zingerber officinale – Rhizome
Traditional:
§ Peripheral vasodilator & peripheral circulatory
stimulant, as opposed to acting centrally.
§ Facilitates circulation and opening up of peripheral
toxic tissue.
Biomedical:
§ Exhibits anti-inflammatory action via…
– Inhibits induction of genes encoding cytokines,
chemokines, and the inducible enzyme
cyclooxygenase-2
– Suppresses prostaglandin synthesis through the
inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2
§ Exhibits vasodilator activity via…
– Decreasing thromboxane (endogenous
vasoconstrictor) levels
50mg
Anti-inflammatory
Peripheral Vasodilator
Peripheral Circulatory
Stimulant
No safety issues at these
doses
18. Cayenne
Capsicum annuum – Fruit
Traditional:
§ Reaches every organ through its primary influence
on circulation
§ Improves blood flow to tissues, improved waste
removal and can carry other constituents to other
parts of the body.
§ Useful for tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints
Biomedical:
§ Indirect vasodilation through various mechanisms:
– Induces release of substance P (SP), which in turn
elicits release of endothelium derived relaxing
factor, in this case nitric oxide (NO).
– Lowers molecule that is a particular indicator of
arterial stiffness
25mg
Vasodilator
Circulatory Stimulant
No safety issues at these
doses
20. Comfrey
Symphytum officinale – Leaf, Stem, Root
Traditional:
§ Possesses vulnerary and anti-inflammatory activity
on the muscoskeletal system
– With vulnerary activity partly due to the reduction
in swelling
§ Works great topically for healing internal bruises and
as an emolient to soften the skin
Biomedical:
§ Heals internal injures by way of stimulating cell
regrowth
– Allantoin, phytochemical constituent, has a
powerful action in strengthening epithelial
formations and is a cell proliferate.
§ Varying anti-inflammatory mechanisms exist
– Alterations in prostaglandin production
– Inhibition of platelet activating factor-induced
exocytosis
2 parts
Demulcent
Vulnerary
Anti-inflammatory
Emollient
Do not apply to open wounds
21. St. John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum – Flowers
Traditional:
§ Relieves the pain and inflammation of bruises
§ Externally applied infused oil of the flowered tops are
useful in any skin inflammation and for regional
nerve pain, such as in the case of sciatica or carpal
tunnel syndrome
§ Indicated for injuries to nerves and inflammation of
nerves
Biomedical:
§ Stimulates IL-8 expression in human intestinal
epithelia cells assisting the healing process
– Promoter of angiogenesis
– Facilitates migration and phagocytosis
2 parts
Vulnerary
Anti-inflammatory
No safety issues at these
doses
No contraindications when
used externally
22. Arnica
Arnica montana – Flowers
Traditional:
§ Facilities improved circulation & blood profusion at
the surface through a stimulatory action
– Relieves the pain and inflammation of bruises,
phlebitis, rheumatism
– Useful in myalgia and arthritis.
Biomedical:
§ Various types of anti-inflammatory activity:
– Inhibition of neutrophil migration, lysosomal
rupture, enzymatic activity, and prostaglandin
synthesis.
– Inhibition of the activation of NF-kB, which is
connected to various inflammatory mediators
§ Particularly it improves waste removal by stimulating
macrophage activity
1 parts
Anti-inflammatory
Peripheral Circulatory
Stimulant
Immune Stimulant
Do not apply to open wounds,
broken skin, near mouth or
sensitive skin.
Withdraw use on evidence of
dermatitis or allergic reaction.
23. Horsechestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum – Seed
Traditional:
§ Traditionally used for rheumatism and disease states
associated with inflammatory congestion
§ Primarily indicated for visceral pain, secondary to
venous congestion, stasis and vascular engorgement
Biomedical:
§ Venus insufficiency, rheumatism, neuralgia and issues
related to inflammatory congestion
– Shown to increase femoral venous pressure and flow
§ Improves venous tone and reduces local tissue odema
– Shown to decrease histamine and serotonin-induced
capillary hyperpermeability
0.5 part
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-odema
Venous Tonic
No safety issues
24. Cayenne
Capsicum annuum – Fruit
Traditional:
§ Useful for tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints
§ Specifically relieves pain, while not affecting other
sensory impulses like temperature, touch, etc.
Biomedical:
§ Helps relieve pain and itching signals from the nerves
in the skin to the spinal cord
– Excessive activation of TRPV1 receptors, resulting in
desensitization
§ Increases blood flow & circulation
– Releases calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a
potent vasodilator.
Tiny Part
Analgesic
Rubefacient
Vasodilator
No safety issues at these
doses
25. Fixed + Essential Oils
Sesame & Mustard + Lemongrass
Sesame Oil:
§ Helps with swelling, muscular pain and stiffness.
§ Lasts a long time without going rancid
Mustard Oil
§ Relieves muscle stiffness that comes from
intense exercises that overuse muscles.
§ Readily absorbed, recommended for arthritis
§ Provides relief to nerves, muscles & ligaments
Lemongrass Essential Oil
§ Tiny amount used mainly for a pleasant smell
that would allow the cream to be used in public
Aroma
Relaxant
Analgesic
Emollient
No safety issues
No safety issues for the
essential oil at these doses
Oil Base
26. Dosage & Safety
Dosage
§ Regular Strength: 4 capsules in the morning, 4 capsules in the
evening. Apply cream as needed at night.
§ Extra Strength: 6 capsules in the morning, 6 capsules in the
evening. Apply cream as needed at night and in the morning.
Safety (Capsules):
§ Do not use during pregnancy or lactation
§ If taking warfin and/or antiplatelet drugs, consult your primary care
physician before taking.
§ If you have a sensitivity to salicylates or the Asteraceae family, use
with caution.
Safety (Cream)
§ Do not apply on open wounds, broken skin or near sensitive skin.
§ If skin irritation or sensitivity develops or increases, stop use and, if
condition persists, seek medical attention.
§ If you have a sensitivity to the Asteraceae or Lauraceae family, use
with caution.
rsi.RelieveRSI recovery thenatural way!
29. Capsicum annuum – Fruit
Cayenne
Equisetum arvense – Aerial Parts
Horsetail
Vaccinium myrtillus – Fruit
Bilberry
§ Improves venous microcirculation & lymph
drainage
§ Usefulness in glaucoma, retinopathy,
myopia and cataracts,
§ Enhanced regeneration of rhodopsin in the
retina, which is essential for optimal eye
function
§ Eases the pain of rheumatism and
stimulates healing of chillbains
§ Appears to have a direct healing effect on
connective tissue
§ Ability to modulate osteoclastogenesis (i.e.
bone regeneration), either by acting
osteoclast precursor cells or osteoblasts
Zingerber officinale – Rhizome
Ginger
§ Peripheral vasodilator & circulatory
stimulant opening up of toxic tissue.
§ Inhibits induction of genes encoding
cytokines, chemokines, and COX-2
§ Suppresses prostaglandin synthesis
through the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2
§ Decreasing thromboxane (endogenous
vasoconstrictor) levels
§ Reaches every organ through its primary
influence on circulation & blood flow
§ Useful for tired, painful muscles, stiffened
joints
§ Induces release of substance P (SP), which
in turn elicits release of endothelium
derived relaxing factor, in this case nitric
oxide (NO).
30. Capsicum annuum – Fruit
Cayenne
Aesculus hippocastanum – Seed
Horsechestnut
Arnica montana – Flowers
Arnica
§ Facilities improved circulation & blood
profusion at the surface through a
stimulatory action
§ Relieves the pain and inflammation of
bruises, phlebitis, rheumatism
§ Inhibition of neutrophil migration,
lysosomal rupture, enzymatic activity, NF-
kB and prostaglandin synthesis.
§ Used for rheumatism and disease states
associated with inflammatory congestion
§ Indicated for venous congestion, stasis and
vascular engorgement, venus insuff.
§ Shown to increase femoral venous pressure
and flow
§ Shown to decrease histamine & serotonin-
induced capillary hyperpermeability
Sesame & Mustard + Lemongrass
Fixed + Essential Oils
§ Sesame Oil: Helps with swelling, muscular
pain and stiffness. Long shelf life
§ Mustard Oil: Relieves muscle stiffness that
comes from overuse muscles. Readily
absorbed, recommended for arthritis
§ Lemongrass Essential Oil: Pleasant smell
that would allow the cream to be used in
public
§ Useful for tired, painful muscles, stiffened
joints
§ Pain relief from excessive activation of
TRPV1 receptors, resulting in
desensitization
§ Releases calcitonin gene-related peptide
(CGRP), a potent vasodilator.
