Acupuncture Arthritis Pain Relief

Arthritis is a complex disorder that comprises several distinct conditions, all of them sharing one common symptom: chronic joint pain. For years, a significant aspect of modern medical science has been dedicated to finding the cure for arthritis, with varied results.

Some forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis – a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage leading to inflammation of the joints – are irreversible, hence, much of the treatment has been focused more on pain reduction than on an actual cure.

However, a new study has made a connection between acupuncture and arthritis. The study said that the combination of acupuncture and arthritis can significantly reduce pain and improve function in those suffering osteoarthritis of the knee.

Acupuncture and acupressure can be an effective method for arthritis pain relief. To help with the prevention and arthritis pain relief, prescribe a positive plan for yourself.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture or therapeutic 'needle piercing" is a method in which fine needles are inserted into the skin in order to stimulate targeted places in the body, referred to as acupoints.

The acupuncture practitioner also generally applies any of the following to stimulate the points: heat, pressure or electromagnetic energy impulses, suction, friction, along with the fine needles.

The goal of the acupuncture arthritis treatment is to stimulate the acupoints in order to balance the body’s movement of energy and restore health. Ask your healthcare provider for practitioner referrals or look in directories under holistic services.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical procedure wherein hair-thin needles are inserted into points along “energy channels” – meridians, where the life force of the human body flows through. This is thought to help unblock the clogged energy channels and thus, help ease pain as a result of such blockage.

As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – a form of alternative medicine based on the belief that an essential life force, qi, flows through the body along channels called meridians – acupuncture is among the oldest form of medical procedure in the world.

The first form of acupuncture was started in China more than 2,000 years ago but is now widely practiced in Asia and Europe. With the recent discovery about the connection between acupuncture and arthritis, specifically on its role as a pain reliever, the procedure is increasingly becoming popular in the United States as well.

As opposed to what you may believe, getting stuck with needles for a few minutes is not as torturous as it sounds. In fact, most people who believe in the healing connection between acupuncture and arthritis, say that there is only a slight stinging sensation when the needles prick the skin, but that is all.

There is no pain after that. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, smooth, and solid, unlike hypodermic needles which are hollow with cutting edges. The length of each session may vary, depending on the kind of disorder you wish to be treated.

When it comes to acupuncture and arthritis, treatment may require two sessions a week and may last for several months.

Study on Acupuncture and Arthritis

The study on acupuncture and arthritis was conducted by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Considered as one of the largest and longest clinical trials to show such conclusive effects of acupuncture and arthritis on patients, the study reported a 44 percent average reduction in pain and a 40 percent improvement in mobility.

For purposes of the study, the researchers enrolled 570 patients who are aged from 50 above, with arthritis of the knee, and who had been suffering significant pain in the same the month before the study was conducted.

The patients were then randomly assigned three different treatments, and it was found that those who specifically underwent acupuncture and arthritis treatment had a 40 percent decrease in pain and a nearly 40 percent improvement in function.

“We have demonstrated that traditional Chinese acupuncture is an effective complement to conventional arthritis treatment and can be successfully employed as part of a multi-disciplinary approach to treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis,” says Brian Berman of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.

Acupressure Arthritis

Acupressure is also referred to as Relief with Fingertips. The method of treatment used by acupressure is same as that of acupuncture, but the only difference is that in this acupressure hands for are used for healing technique instead of needles and other devices.

Depending upon the afflicted area and type of arthritic condition, a combination of knuckles, fingers, thumbs and palm massage techniques are use in the surrounding areas.

Note that traditional Chinese described four types of arthritic conditions that work alone or in combinations; wind, cold, heat and damp:

• Heat - Presents itself in areas reddish in color and inflamed; may feel hot when touched.
• Cold - Presents itself with swollen and painful joints sensitive to fog, rain and high humidity conditions.
• Wind - Presents itself in the body with moving aches and pains that are worsened by the wind.
• Damp - Presents itself with aches during colder, decreasing temperatures and storms, i.e. extreme weather changes.