Are you suffering from Arthritis?

Acupuncture treatments for arthritis and joint pain? Yes, studies show that acupuncture treatments can reduce pain, inflammation and improve mobility. Acupuncture can be an effective therapy on its own or in conjunction with western medical therapy.

Arthritis means joint inflammation and in TCM is known as Bi Syndrome. Joint pain is a result of a blockage of Qi (energy). Blockages can be from a number factors such as: wind, cold, heat, dampness or a combination such as damp-heat or damp-cold. Each patient is unique so each treatment will be tailored made to that person. Acupuncture is able to move the Qi in the affected area, allowing for pain relief.

Here are the different types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Gout

On December 2004, the Annals of Internal Medicine, did a study with 570 patients with arthritis of the knee. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: one group received real acupuncture weekly, the second group received "sham" needle treatment that mimicked real acupuncture, and the third group received education and counseling. All patients were allowed to continue taking whatever medications they were currently prescribed. It was concluded that the acupuncture as adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee seems to improve function and relieve pain when compared with control groups receiving either credible sham acupuncture or patient education. The group receiving the real acupuncture reported 40% improvement in symptoms.