ARTHRITIS

CAN ACUPUNTURE HELP ARTHRITIS PATIENTS?

There are two types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage joints of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand, is an auto-immune disease which is caused by unknown malfunctions of the immune system of the body. Both types of arthritis are a common problem and there is no cure for neither of these diseases. Usually patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and pain relieving medications for their symptoms.

While acupuncture treatment does not stop the actual wear and tear of the excessively used joints, it does help in reducing the pain and the inflammation of the joints. It is an excellent choice of treatment method that is safe and long-lasting.


HOW DOES ACPUNCTURE TREAT ARTHRITIS? ^top

Acupuncture treatment regulates the qi flow around the joints, increasing the blood flow around the joints. Increased blood flow allows more antibodies that fight the inflammation to be supplied to the joints which fights off the inflammation and thus results in the elevation of pain. Acupuncture also increases the production of synovial fluid to keep joints better lubricated.

Most importantly, acupuncture has these characteristics without the usual side-effects that are associated with most anti-inflammatory drugs. Since degenerative arthritis and rheumatic arthritis patients have to manage their pain in the long term, having no side-effects can be a very important advantage in arthritis treatment.