Arthritis is a rheumatic disease which affects millions of people of different ages in the world. Considered one of the principal diseases that affects the elderly, it can incapacitate a person in some cases, according to their level of arthritis. Among several treatments, there is acupuncture for arthritis.
A few people who use this method describe they noticed an improvement in the case, but it’s not scientifically proven yet.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient therapy of Chinese origin. Consists in the application of very thin needles at specific points in the body – the called “pressure points”. It is normally used to improve immunity, help in the treatment of emotional problems and can even be used for physical diseases, like asthma, migraine, sinusitis and arthritis.
If you wish to know more about acupuncture, we have a special article about it.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by changes in the immune system, attacking connecting tissues: synovial membrane, tendons and ligaments. This inflammation results in swelling, pain and burning sensations.
The most common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, but there are plenty of other types. An example the Gouty Arthritis, caused by Gout, which occurs when there is an excess of uric acid accumulated in the joint, and can lead to an inflammation.
Furthermore, the arthritis can also be caused because of wear on the cartilage of the joint, which prevents direct contact between the bones. It’s called arthrosis or osteoarthritis.
There are other different types of arthritis, and each one has a respective reason that causes this inflammation.
How is the treatment of arthritis with acupuncture?
Treatment for arthritis with acupuncture is similar to treatment in general, but always taking into account each case and what is best to treat the patient’s situation.
In acupuncture, needles are not necessarily inserted in pain points – or where is exactly the pain – but in the called “pressure points” that the acupuncturist identifies. These needles can be inserted throughout the body, mainly arms, knees, shoulders, legs, and other places of the body.
Pressure points can release endorphins and cause relaxation, and there are cases where there is a slight reduction of inflammation.
However, even without a proven efficacy yet, research and patients have positive responses about the treatment and cases where there is a significant improvement.
As there are many particularities in each case, there may be situations where the doctor indicates this method to be performed in conjunction with others already used in the treatment of arthritis.
In multiple cases, most of the patients who search for this treatment have already gotten tired of the said “conventional” methods, using the acupuncture as an extra help. It doesn’t have the same side effects of oral medications.
The benefits of using acupuncture to take care of arthritis
Among the sensations of improvement that are described by many when they undergo treatment, in the case of acupuncture for arthritis the main reports includes:
- Pain relief;
- Endorphin release;
- Relaxation;
- Slight reduction of inflammation;
- Besides other positive effects.
But, since arthritis has a unique pattern of symptoms for each patient, the doctors almost always recommend the treatment is realized together with other methods.
Is it worth trying acupuncture treatment for arthritis?
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Even without proven efficacy so far, there are a large number of cases that reported some level of pain improvement. Acupuncture for arthritis is considered a reliable method for those who suffer from pain, whether in mild or severe cases.
To those interested in making an initial consultation, you can book an appointment at BCWNY for the treatment of arthritis with acupuncture, always focusing on the best option for the patient and their specific case. Our team will be more than happy to help!
