Can acupuncture help with arthritis?
Without, question, yes! Acupuncture is highly effective as a treatment for arthritis. I have one patient whose knuckles swell but after a few acupuncture treatments the swelling goes down, the pain goes away and she’s fine for a few weeks. I’ve helped others avoid knee surgery with regular acupuncture visits.
So why does acupuncture work? There are 2 primary reasons.
Endorphins: As with providing relief from headaches, endorphins released through acupuncture help decrease localized pain and swelling. This allows the patient to remain active, using those joints. This is helpful, not just for the benefit of enjoying life and those favorite activities, but exercise and regular use of the affected joints helps maintain flexibility.
There has been evidence (as with my client mentioned above) that regular treatments can result in longer periods of pain relief.
Promotes Healing: In traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, Qi is the vital life force flowing through the body (Dictionary.com). By improving the flow of blood and energy through the body, acupuncture helps promote healing. While arthritis may not be curable, acupuncture can lessen the severity.
Acupuncture has a few secondary benefits.
- People have been known to take less medication when getting regular acupuncture.
- The combination of modern day and traditional Chinese medicine work together to provide faster and longer lasting results.
Arthritis can effect nearly any joint in the body. It can look different with different people. Asking the right questions can find what type of treatment can help the best. And knowing what you can do between treatments to keep the pain down can be just as helpful as getting regular maintenance.
If you or someone you know is suffering from any form of arthritis or joint inflammation, acupuncture is well worth considering, especially if your current treatment hasn’t been as effect as you’d hoped. Let’s chat or schedule an appointment today.
Leanne Pusateri
Sweet Relief Acupuncture
Acupuncturist Puyallup
253-468-0596
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