Millions of people around the world suffer from arthritis. This is a common health issue that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect a person’s quality of life. Both types of arthritis present symptoms that range from mild to debilitating pain.
Acupuncture: An ancient medicine for arthritis relief
Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This is an ancient treatment procedure involving the insertion of fine stainless steel needles into precise locations in the body.
Prior to treatment, the patient is thoroughly assessed by a trained practitioner. Next, the acupuncturist starts the treatment by inserting needles at specific points on the patient’s body. The location will depend on the specific health concern. For example, for arthritis-related knee pain, the needles are inserted around the knees.
TCM practitioners use acupuncture to treat numerous complaints such as:
- lower back pain
- headache
- neck pain
- dental pain
- post-surgical pain
- knee pain
How acupuncture treats arthritic pain
In TCM theory, “qi” is a vital life energy. It flows across various body channels or meridians. When a blockage occurs in the passage of qi, it may result in pain and illness. During the acupuncture session, the practitioner can stimulate nearly 2,000 points to restore qi flow and alleviate symptoms.
Several studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for relieving arthritis-related knee pain. How? Acupuncture produces an anti-inflammatory response in the body. It suppresses the inflammatory response, improving blood circulation and relaxing muscle tone.
In TCM, the acupuncturist creates an individualized treatment plan for every patient. Although how acupuncture relieves arthritic pain is still unclear, many individuals report feeling better after the treatment.
Benefits of acupuncture
Patients who undergo acupuncture treatment for arthritis often report a significant improvement.
The Arthritis Foundation lists the following benefits of acupuncture:
- improved sleep due to melatonin release
- stress relief after stimulation of oxytocin and endorphins
- pain relief after nerve fibers are stimulated to block pain signals.
A study published in 2019 in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine found that people with RA felt significantly better after acupuncture treatment. In the study, the researchers created three groups:
- Group 1- received acupuncture with the TCM method
- Group 2- received acupuncture at random locations on the body
- Group 3- no treatment
Participants in Group1 reported less pain, better arm and hand strength, and better health and quality of life compared to the other groups.
Both RA and OA present a unique set of symptoms for each person. Therefore, it’s best to seek an individualized treatment plan that combines different therapy options. Many people seek acupuncture as a trusted method for experiencing knee pain relief from arthritis. Although scientists are still unable to explain how acupuncture works in the body, people living with mild to severe arthritis pain can still benefit from this treatment option.
Contact Us
For more information about how acupuncture and treatment options can help you feel better, please get in touch with the board-certified team at Urban Acupuncture Center in Clintonville, Ohio. This clinic also serves customers from Columbus and Westerville.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Clintonville (614) 725-2488 | Main St, Westerville (614) 426-4406 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.