Acupuncture Can Reduce Your Arthritis Pain

Can acupuncture help arthritis? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in our acupuncture clinics and the answer is, yes!

Acupuncture, which is the insertion of fine needles into various points on the body, helps alleviate the pain associated with arthritis by facilitating the flow of blood to the area, moving stuck ‘qi’ or energy, reducing inflammation and evoking the bodies natural healing response.

A 2004 study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that acupuncture reduces pain and functional impairment of osteoarthritis of the knee. The study followed over 500 patients with an average age of 65 who had osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: acupuncture, placebo treatments or pain relievers.

By week eight, patients receiving acupuncture began to show a significant increase in function and by week fourteen a significant decrease in pain compared to those in other groups.

As an added benefit the results of the study also suggest acupuncture can help improve the overall quality of life for people suffering from arthritis. Not only did the arthritis condition improve in the test subjects but these patients had more energy, better digestion and more restorative sleep which all help prevent the re-occurrence of the arthritic condition.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, arthritis is thought to be caused by stagnant blood or ‘dampness’ around the joint that is affected. Dampness is a metaphor for a collection of stuck metabolites around a joint (thought of as inflammation in allopathic medicine). This stagnation of blood and inflamed cells causes stiffness and pain and restricted movement of the affected joint. This stagnation creates a lack of flow of 'qi' (chi) energy and blood to the joint leaving the joint less irrigated by blood.

Acupuncture helps restore the flow of qi and blood to the joint and helps move along the stagnation and heat created by the restricted movement. We learn in Chinese medicine that ‘where there is smooth flow there is no pain’ so the acupuncture needles help restore this smooth flow of qi and blood to the area.

Chinese Medicine also has many topical liniments and herbal plasters to stop pain and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis. Some herbal plasters are particularly affective for daily pain reduction. There are also herbal formulas in pill or powder form which can help relieve pain and improve range of motion in the joints. Always check in with a Chinese Medicine practitioner or herbalist to get a prescription for the formula that is right for you.

Partaking in gentle exercises like tai chi or swimming are excellent to keep the qi and blood flowing smoothly throughout the body and prevent this stagnation around joints. To paraphrase an old Chinese idiom - a well oiled door never squeaks - so keep your joints well lubricated with gentle movement and exercise. If you move your body you are moving qi and blood and helping prevent this stagnation.

Chinese dietary therapy suggests an anti-inflammation diet for arthritic conditions. In addition to your acupuncture sessions and exercise follow an anti-inflammation diet that invites you to avoid dairy, wheat, overly processed products and sugar. Indulge in organic, whole foods, and foods and spices that help with circulation such as turmeric.

About the author

Jennifer Gawne is a Registered TCM Herbalist at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, British Columbia. ACOS is a TCM and Acupuncture School offering 3, 4 and 5 year fully-accredited diploma programs.

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