Can Acupuncture Help Arthritis?

Many patients inquire about the benefits of Acupuncture for the treatment of Arthritis. Can it help my joint pain? Will I be able to walk, run, and do the activities I used to enjoy with less discomfort? The answer is YES! The insertion of needles thru Acupuncture at tender or what is known as Ashi points, can stimulate the release of chemical substances know as endorphins from the brain. The release of endorphins interact with opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain, providing us with the pain relief of drugs like morphine and codeine but without the unwanted side effects. Acupuncture will not cure the arthritis, however it is an effective, safe, side effect free answer to pain reduction for an arthritic joint! The use of nutritional therapy, select chinese herbal formulas, and herbal compounds aimed at nourishing the joint structures, reducing inflammation, strengthening collagen, removing stagnant blood and circulating qi(energy) are complimentary therapies that are used along with Acupuncture to further improve joint function, improve mobility and reduce pain. Traditional Chinese Medicines considers pain associated or due to Arthritis as a result of pathogens such as wind, cold, heat, or dampness that attack the joints and result in a blockage of the flow of blood and qi(energy) creating the joint pain scenario. Acupuncture and Herbal theory focus on specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas aimed at helping to remove the wind, cold, heat or dampness that is attacking the joint and thus releasing the blockage of blood flow and qi(energy) restoring the joint to a balanced and pain free state. Other modalities, such as infrared heat and moxa therapy are also helpful and recommended. Treatment frequency initially may be once or twice weekly with gradual reduction as symptoms improve.