Acupuncture in the treatment of arthritis. Treatment of arthritis and arthrosis in Chinese medicine Physiotherapy methods in the treatment of arthritis

Arthritis is a collective term for diseases of the joints. The most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis, arthrosis). Other types: infectious arthritis, chemically induced arthritis, temporomandibular joint syndrome, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, etc.

Shredded dried rhizomes with angelica (angelica) Chinese root. It is used, among other things, for arthritis in herbal formulas of Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats them with a personalized approach based on the unique combination of symptoms and signs of each patient.

The information below is intended solely for information and use in consultation with the attending physician, who will give the final recommendation on the appropriateness of treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most painful type of inflammatory joint disease. Its pathogenesis is a multi-step process between a dysregulated neuro-immune system, an abnormal neuro-endocrine-immune and individual genetic background that may predispose some individuals to excessive cytokine responses. As a multifactorial complex chronic inflammatory disease with heterogeneous clinical manifestations, RA is characterized by functional disability and pain. Side effects of treatment are common.

Osteoarthritis (OA), synonyms - arthrosis, deforming arthrosis, osteoarthritis, occurs from physical trauma, mechanical stress and metabolic disorders. From these causes, cartilage is gradually damaged, which softens the ends of the bones rubbing against each other. As a result, the bones in these places begin to directly touch, which causes pain and further destruction.
Thus, in OA, the destruction of the joints is not due to inflammatory, but due to degenerative processes in the cartilage. Inflammation occurs later and may not be permanent. Until recently, it was generally accepted that hyaline cartilage was not capable of regenerating the extracellular matrix, and OA was considered an inevitable consequence of cartilage aging.

In Western medicine, the main remedies for arthritis are anti-inflammatory drugs - non-steroidal (NSAIDs) and steroid-based drugs. Long-term use may cause side effects such as stomach irritation, gastritis and ulcers.
In China, the basis of medical care to combat diseases of the joints and the entire musculoskeletal system are other methods that have stood the test of time. The methods of European medicine are also widely used there.

Treatment of arthritis in TCM

According to TCM theory, arthritis occurs when the flow of qi and blood energy is blocked and blocked from flowing through the body's energy pathways. Then such external pathogens as "wind", "cold", "moisture" and sometimes "heat" penetrate the body's defenses into the muscles, tendons and joints and cause stiffness and pain. At the same time, they do not have a diagnostic difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, a diagnostic distinction is made based on the prevalence of symptoms from external pathogens. Despite different classifications in Europe and China, both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are treated quite successfully with TCM methods.
Those modern medical scientists who study the methods of TCM from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine seek to correlate Chinese diagnoses with Western ones. Chinese doctors often do the same when they study the medical records of patients with diagnoses according to the classification of European medicine.

Here is a classification according to the principle from what external influence arthritis occurs according to the theory of TCM and how they manifest themselves:
1) Feng-Bi (Feng-Bi) from "wind". Joint pains move from top to bottom and from right to left.
2) Shi-Bi (Shi-Bi) from "moisture". The pains are invariably in one place, there is a heaviness in the limbs, which swell and become numb.
3) Han-Bi (Han-Bi) from "cold". Severe pain all over the body or in one place. When exposed to cold, the pains increase, when exposed to heat, they decrease.
4) Re-Bi (Re-Bi) from "heat". The skin is hot and reddened. Increased sensitivity to pressure in affected areas.

The closest TCM term for rheumatoid arthritis is fengshi (feng-shi), which literally means "wet from the wind" disease. Wind and moisture factors can be combined with cold or heat factors.

When a specific type is diagnosed, TCM doctors use the following treatments: acupuncture, massage therapy, acupressure, herbal remedies, and qigong exercises. Do not underestimate the importance of diet in any disease. An old Chinese proverb says that a wise doctor begins the treatment of an illness with good food. This is especially true for arthritis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (acupuncture) stops pain for a while and can increase the circulation of qi to the area of ​​the joint to help improve joint health.
Needles are inserted at key points along the meridians to move blood and qi. The course takes several weeks to produce lasting relief. Many patients say they feel better even after the first treatment.

Modern research provides a scientific explanation for the mechanisms of treatment through acupuncture. It stimulates the production of endorphins (natural pain-relieving hormones in the brain), as well as the anti-inflammatory hormone adrenaline corticotropin (adrenalcorticotropin). Either way, acupuncture needles encourage the body to produce hormones that reduce pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture is also used on an ongoing basis to prevent the recurrence of arthritis. But this process can be so long that it drains the patient emotionally. In addition, with its help, it is unlikely to restore cartilage that wears out during degenerative processes. Therefore, continue treatment in other ways.

Massotherapy

Massage therapy is often used to relieve the common symptoms of many types of arthritis: reducing pain, increasing mobility, reducing anxiety, improving joint range of motion, and promoting more restful sleep. People with arthritis who experience chronic symptoms may consider using massage therapy regularly, even using self-massage daily.

Properly performed therapeutic massage (namely therapeutic) improves the circulation of qi in the joints, improves blood circulation in them. This helps to reduce joint stiffness to some extent and restore cartilage. Masseurs do this not by directly massaging the inflamed joint, but by the muscles surrounding the joint.
Massage can also prevent muscle spasms in other parts of the body. Osteoarthritis is usually unilateral, which can cause muscles to tighten elsewhere as they try to compensate for the weakened joint.

The main difference between the impact of massage and needles is that in the second case, the effect can reach the center of the joint (this does not mean that the needles are inserted to such a great depth).
During massage, the amount of pressure of the palms and fingers is important to stimulate receptors, nerves under the skin that communicate with the brain. In doing so, the brain produces serotonin and dopamine, the body's natural pain relievers.

There is also acupressure (acupressure). On the one hand, it can be called a kind of acupuncture, on the other - a kind of massage. Here, pressure is exerted by the practitioner's fingers on the same points along the meridians or on the body cavity. Acupressure also improves qi circulation. As a rule, the impact from it penetrates much deeper into the joint than with other types of massage.
Anyone can learn acupressure for arthritis after a short period of study and some practical experience. Whereas, for example, it takes years of study to learn acupuncture.

Herbs

Herbal medicine (herbal medicine) is used along with massage and acupuncture, especially when arthritis is caused by injury. In this case, an external influence is applied. That is, the herbs are made into a paste or ground into a powder, mixed with a liquid such as alcohol, and then applied to the joint. Herbal treatments are used to relieve pain, improve qi circulation and help heal injuries, and speed up the regrowth process.

Also, herbal preparations are taken orally. Modern animal studies show that some traditional Chinese herbs show significant analgesic activity by acting on nociceptive neurons and pain pathways to relieve pain and calm the nervous system.

For oral administration, complex herbal formulas (recipes) are made from several natural medicinal components. Compilation of these formulas is only possible for qualified TCM doctors, self-medication with these ingredients can cause deterioration in health. After all, it is important to know which parts of a particular plant should be taken, what proportions of ingredients to observe, take into account the patient's possible allergy to any ingredient, etc.
Below, for general reference only, are two examples of popular formulas.

Formula Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan (Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan), used for pain in the joints, especially in the knee. It was compiled in the 7th century BC. Contains herbs that relieve pain, as well as herbs that nourish and strengthen the joints. It includes the root of some species of angelica (Radix Angelicae), the bark of the elmous eucommia (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis), the wild hoof (Asarum), the root of the straw flower, the synonym is Achiranthes (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) and other ingredients.
However, this formula contains ungulate (Asarum), which contains the toxic aristolochic acid. Regular use of this acid leads to nephropathy - a violation of the normal functioning of the kidneys. Also, side effects are noted from it: high blood pressure, dizziness and drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation. Aristolochic acid can also cause cancer. The Chinese name for the hoof is xi xin.

Formula Si Miao Feng (Si Miao Fang), abbreviated as SMF. It consists of four ingredients: velvet bark (Phellodendri Chines Cortex), atractylodes rhizome (Atractylodis rhizoma), seed (Coicis Semen) and bidentate straw flower root, synonymous with Achyranthes (Achyranthis bidentatae Radix). Used in China since the Qing Dynasty (16th century AD) due to its function of purifying "heat" and draining "dampness". Currently, SMF is commonly used clinically in the treatment of arthralgia, gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The results of laboratory studies in rats showed that SMF can clearly slow down the degradation of the cartilage matrix, as indicated by an increase in the content of proteoglycan and collagen.

qigong and diet

TCM has special qigong exercises with smooth and stretching movements that increase mobility and eliminate pain. Some patients also do exercises that can increase the flow of qi.
Estimates of the effectiveness of this method are different. Some Chinese doctors say that broken bones can be completely fixed and degraded joints can be restored to their original healthy state.

Patients with arthritis should follow a diet.
Eliminate or reduce fried meat, fish, poultry and frozen dinners, sugar, soda, sweets. Keep in mind that dairy products contribute to joint pain. Corn, sunflower, soybean, safflower and vegetable oils with omega-6 acid cause inflammation.
Eat more vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, tofu, and nut butters to reduce arthritis pain. Also, flax seeds, walnuts and fatty fish contain omega-3 acid, which has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Rheumatism- a disease whose name can often be heard in the offices of rheumatologists. Rheumatism occurs as a result of exposure to the human body of a special streptococcal infection. This disease has been known since very ancient times. That is why since then, various methods of treating this disease have begun to appear. There are really a lot of them. Most likely, you know or have heard something about many of them. This article will focus on such methods of treating rheumatism as physiotherapy and acupuncture.

Physiotherapy

With regard to physiotherapy, the physical methods of treating rheumatism are an integral part of complex therapy. It is physiotherapy that helps to increase the overall resistance of the patient's body. It also improves immunity, has anti-inflammatory, absorbable and analgesic effects. Physical procedures improve blood circulation and “kill” foci of rheumatism.

If rheumatism is in the active stage, then the patient is prescribed ultraviolet irradiation to the area of ​​the affected joints. If the patient has a neglected form of rheumatism, which has already led to various consequences, in such cases electrosleep is used. Almost always, medicinal electrophoresis is used in the treatment of rheumatism. The course of physiotherapy may also include irradiation of the joint area with a solar lamp or an infrared lamp, paraffin applications on the affected joints and UHF on the joint area in an oligothermal dosage. All this is backed up by exercise therapy.

Acupuncture (acupuncture)

With regard to the treatment of rheumatism with the help of medical acupuncture (acupuncture), this method of treatment is also very popular today. This type of treatment got its name from the Latin word "acupuncture", which means - an injection, a point. More precisely, acupuncture is the treatment of various diseases with the help of acupuncture.

There are more than 1000 points on the human body that can be used to treat various diseases. In the treatment of rheumatism by acupuncture, an individual combination of points is selected for a person, taking into account the peculiarities of the course of rheumatism in him. Treatment by this method involves several courses. Acupuncturists simply use their hands to insert needles into the required places. The needles that are inserted into the patient's body are made of bronze, iron, gold, silver, or stainless steel.

During acupuncture treatment, a total of five types of needles can be used. These are thin short, thin long, needles with a trihedral point, buttons and a hammer, which consists of a large number of individual needles.

During the session, the patient should be in the most convenient body position for him, since he will need to maintain this position for a sufficiently long period of time. The main task of the specialist conducting the treatment procedure is the maximum achievement of all the necessary points on the patient's body, which are responsible precisely for the impact on the course of rheumatism. The depth of needle insertion can largely depend on the age and weight of the patient. The nature of such an injection can be either direct or oblique.

Every doctor should feel the limit of permissible needle insertion. The patient, while reaching the target with a needle, feels tension, heaviness, numbness, dull pain at the injection point. Acupuncture treatment is always accompanied by special breathing exercises, massage, a certain diet, cauterization, the use of medicinal plants, and so on.

Both physical therapy and acupuncture are effective treatments for rheumatism. Eastern healers consider rheumatism a disease of "cold, humidity and heat." With rheumatism, the patient may feel pain in one or several joints at the same time. The use of the methods of treatment of this disease presented in this article will help you get rid of the unpleasant sensations that arise very quickly and for quite a long time.

Acupuncture is an ancient oriental medicine technique that has been used effectively and is still being used to treat various pathologies. What is the therapeutic effect of this method and does acupuncture help with arthritis?

Acupuncture helps with pain

Research in the field of medicine proves that the impact of needles on the reflex points of the body causes a number of changes in the functioning of the body and in particular the nervous system:

1. Pain relief effect. Needles excite certain types of sensitive nerve fibers: nerve impulses enter the brain faster than pain impulses and activate inhibitory interneurons, which reduce the ability of some parts of the brain to perceive pain from affected organs.
2. General improvement in the functions of the central nervous system. Excitation of nerve endings associated with the endorphin system stimulates the release of endorphins by the pituitary gland. This helps to improve the functioning of the central nervous system and other body systems.
3. Improvement of blood supply and innervation. The needles activate the parts of the brain responsible for the functioning of a certain organ, increasing blood circulation and nerve conduction, which speeds up the regeneration processes.

Many associate the effectiveness of acupuncture with the placebo effect, believing that the effect of this technique is based on autosuggestion.

Faith in the success of the treatment and trust in the practitioner is important, but documented cases of acupuncture cures in young children and animals, as well as studies of patients treated with acupuncture using MRI and Doppler ultrasonography, indicate a therapeutic effect.

indications for acupuncture

Acupuncture is also used to eliminate excess weight and bad habits.

One of the advantages of acupuncture is its wide range of applications. This technique is used as a complementary treatment against many diseases:

1. Pathologies of the nervous system: neurosis, neuralgia, neuritis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, dizziness, migraine, hysteria, nervous tics, vertebral hernia, sciatica, enuresis.
2. Respiratory pathologies: chronic pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, bronchial asthma, chronic laryngitis.
3. Pathologies of the cardiovascular system: hypertension of 1-2 degrees, arterial hypotension, arrhythmias, heart blockade.
4. Pathologies of the musculoskeletal system: scoliosis, sprain, arthrosis, arthritis, myositis, bursitis, osteochondrosis, fractures, periarthritis, heel spurs.
5. Pathologies of the digestive system: nausea, cholestasis, constipation, ulcers, gastralgia, functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gastroduodenitis.
6. Pathologies of the reproductive system: menstrual cycle disorders, hormonal infertility, menopausal syndrome, ovarian dysfunction.
7. Pathologies of the genitourinary system: chronic cystitis, nephritis, prostatitis.
8. Eye pathologies: blurred vision, strabismus, oculomotor disorders.
9. Allergic reactions: itching, eczema, neurodermatitis, urticaria.
10. Hormonal pathologies: thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis in the initial stage, hypothalamic syndrome.

Acupuncture is also used to eliminate excess weight and bad habits: drug addiction, alcoholism, smoking. It is important to remember that this technique cannot be used as an independent method of treating diseases. Acupuncture is always used as one of the components of complex therapy and only under the supervision of the attending physician.

Acupuncture helps relieve pain and improves blood circulation

Acupuncture for arthritis has a number of benefits to help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process:

• relieves pain;
• normalizes blood circulation;
• improves metabolic processes;
• relieves spasm;
• relieves pain;
• promotes relaxation of the body;
• calms the nervous system;
• reduces inflammation;
• relieves swelling.

Unlike some types of medications used to relieve pain, acupuncture does not cause addiction. It can also be combined with other treatments.

With the correct technique, the procedure has no drawbacks, but it has contraindications and cannot always be used to treat arthritis. In addition, it may be difficult to find a good specialist who has experience in performing acupuncture and does it well. Improper procedure and the use of non-sterile instruments can cause serious harm to the patient's health.

How is acupuncture performed?

Pain during an acupuncture session is not excessive

During the first session, the specialist analyzes the patient's state of health in order to determine the effectiveness of the procedure, determines the position of the acupuncture points. Next, the patient's skin is disinfected, and disposable needles are screwed into it manually or using a special device at a certain angle. At the same time, the discomfort is minimal, although with each session of acupuncture, the pain may increase slightly: this is due to an increase in the nerve conductivity of the tissues - the skin becomes more sensitive to injections.

Usually, patients feel pulsation, pressure, itching, slight tingling, heaviness or numbness when inserting needles.

Having entered the required number of needles (usually no more than 8-10), the master acts on them manually or with the help of weak discharges of electricity for 20-40 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the needles are painlessly removed: some of them even come out of the tissues themselves.

acupuncture points

On the human body, 12-14 pairs of meridians, energy channels and 361 acupuncture points are isolated, the impact on which opens the internal energy reserves of the body, directing them to fight diseases. All of them are located near the nerve endings. Which points the specialist will use depends on the location of the inflammatory foci and the severity of the disease. In addition, during each new session, the position of the needles and the methods of manipulation may change.

In the treatment of arthritis of various etiologies, acupuncture usually uses points located on the back along the spine, on the legs in the area of ​​​​the legs, knees and hips, on the hands in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe forearms, shoulders and elbow joints.

Contraindications

Pregnancy is a relative contraindication

Contraindications to the use of acupuncture are divided into absolute, relative and local:

1. Absolute contraindications: age under 1 year, blood diseases, mental disorders, malignant tumors, infectious diseases, acute surgical diseases, complicated pregnancy, fever, were of unknown origin.
2. Relative contraindications: age over 70 years, pregnancy, poliomyelitis, cerebral circulatory disorders, multiple sclerosis, physical or emotional exhaustion, muscular dystrophy, poliomyelitis.
3. Local contraindications: varicose veins, scars, moles, skin diseases.

The consequence of improper acupuncture can even be fainting.

Ignoring contraindications or violating the technique of acupuncture can lead to negative consequences:

• bruising;
• soreness;
• damage to blood vessels, nerves, tendons, internal organs;
• the degeneration of benign formations into cancerous ones when they are damaged;
• lowering blood pressure;
• noise in ears;
• fainting;
• infection with hepatitis, AIDS.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to undergo an examination and consult a doctor about the possibility of using acupuncture. You should also seriously approach the choice of a master, since most of the side effects occur when the procedure is carried out incorrectly.

Acupuncture (acupuncture) is a reflex treatment of various diseases by inserting special needles into bioactive points of the body. This is an alternative method of treatment, which is being intensively introduced into pain medicine practice. Therefore, acupuncture can be used in the treatment of arthritis. Moreover, the application of the method has a positive effect.

Method features

Acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The method originated more than two and a half thousand years ago. But it was used more actively in the East. In the West, acupuncture has been used only since the seventies of the last century.

The method of acupuncture is based on knowledge of the structure of the human body, the location of the nerve centers that have corresponding points on the human body (acupuncture points). There are 361 points in the body. Each of them can block or stimulate special energy channels - meridians (there are twelve pairs of them). The specialist inserts the needle into one or another point and, thereby, directs the energy in the “right direction”.

Plus, acupuncture irritates certain nerve endings. There is an effect on three levels of the central nervous system: the cerebellum, hypothalamus and spinal cord.

The minimum course in the treatment of arthritis is six to eight sessions. The efficiency of the method is 84%.

acupuncture technique for arthritis

The main purpose of acupuncture is to restore health and relieve pain. The patient, having got an appointment with the master of acupuncture, is subjected to the following manipulations:

1. Analysis of the general state of health (vital energy, balance and energy imbalance). Evaluation of energy flows and their distribution along the meridians.

2. Determination of acupuncture points that need to be acted upon for the treatment of arthritis. They are located along the main meridians that ensure the health of various organs. A complete list of meridians and points is an acupuncture map of the human body.

3. Impact with special needles on acupuncture points.

The acupuncturist inserts acupuncture needles at certain points under the skin to restore the normal energy balance of the human body.

Increasingly, in modern medicine, the traditional method is somewhat modified: in order to enhance the stimulation of the bioactive point, small electrical impulses are sent through the needles. They are generated by a small battery-powered device. As needed, you can adjust the frequency and intensity of the pulses.

After inserting the needle, the patient may feel

• slight tingling (an electrical impulse is acting);
• numbness in this place;
• slight tickling;
• warmth or dull pain.

These feelings are temporary.

As necessary, the doctor rotates the needles manually or by setting up a device that delivers an electrical impulse. After 15-30 minutes, the needles are removed.

Treatment of arthritis through acupuncture

The effectiveness of acupuncture for arthritis depends on three main factors:

• intensity of exposure, amount of irritation;
• injection site;
• the patient's health condition.

The influence of acupuncture is due to two reactions of the human body to irritation: excitation and inhibition. The movement of the needle along the course of the meridian affects excitation, against - on inhibition.

Braking can be achieved in two ways:

1. Prolonged and intense irritation.

The method is contraindicated in the elderly and children. The doctor slowly rotates two or three needles. The strength of irritation is constantly increasing. The depth of insertion is one and a half to eight centimeters (depending on the location of the point). The average exposure time of the needles is half an hour. If you need to leave the needle for a longer time, then use gold T-shaped needles. With convulsions, pain or spasms, acupuncture is combined with cauterization.

2. Short-term and slight irritation.

The method can be used at any age. The number of points is not more than four. The sensations during the introduction of the needle are somewhat weaker than with the first method. Needles are also inserted with rotational movements. The average exposure time is ten to twelve minutes (in adults); five minutes (in children).

The inhibition reaction gives an analgesic, sedative, desensitizing and hypotensive effect. The patient feels numbness, heaviness, fullness at the injection site, current.

Excitation reactions can be achieved by mild irritation with quick, short exposures to the skin. The injections are made gradually in a series of points. In this case, the patient may feel slight pain.

Excitement is achieved in two ways:

1. Simultaneous acupuncture at five to ten points.

The depth of insertion is from three to five centimeters. The doctor's movements are quick, short and strong. Irritation time - from thirty seconds to two minutes. After inserting the needle, the master can make dotted movements.

2. Achieving excitement through superficial injections and a large number of needles.

The irritation must be strong and fast for the patient to feel pain. If there is no pain, then the doctor makes rotational or dotted movements. If the muscle is tense or the pain is strong enough, then the irritation should be increasing and prolonged.

Possible Complications

Acupuncture for arthritis usually does not cause complications. Of course, if the technique and methodology are observed. If they are violated, the following troubles are possible:

• needle retention in tissues and its subsequent breakage;
• vegetative reactions with rough manipulation of the needle or severe fear of the patient (pallor, dizziness, excessive sweating);
• hematomas at the injection site (as a result of vascular damage);
• infection (if non-sterile needles, dirty towels, compresses were used; the doctor treats the skin poorly);
• lowering blood pressure, cold extremities or fainting (when acupuncture is performed on a patient who is not in a horizontal position).

To reduce the risk of complications, check the qualifications of the master, the availability of a license for the procedure; follow the hygiene rules.

Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition, it can last for years, and patients suffering from the condition may experience it for longer periods without any symptoms. Standard regimen rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that can lead to joint destruction and disability. The symptoms that are experienced are joint pain, swelling, stiffness and general discomfort. In this article, we will look at acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis.

Traditional prescription drugs are not always effective in treating RA. Alternative treatments for this autoimmune disease can be natural therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine or acupuncture (acupuncture).

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine and treatment method that began over 3,000 years ago. In the Chinese, it is used to effectively treat the symptoms of arthritis and some health problems. This is a procedure in which specific areas of the body and points are punctured with a fine needle for therapeutic purposes to relieve joint pain, produce regional anesthesia, or relax the body.

It is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis as the natural remedy does not have any side effects unlike most prescribed medicines for patients suffering from this chronic joint disease.

Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into several points on the body, or "meridians", clearing any energy blockages. This allows you to quickly alleviate the disease and discomfort. Acupuncturists may focus on the heart, kidneys, back of the head, and internal secretion points.

Traditional acupuncturists usually view the person as a whole rather than focusing on the symptoms of the disease. They look at the patient's lifestyle as well as the environmental factors that triggered the problem.

Most importantly, acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis is a form of preventive medicine, so people can get the procedure without any specific diseases or ailments. People are trying out Chinese medicine to help them prevent rheumatoid arthritis and any other illness, at the same time they use it to keep their mind and body relaxed and stress-free.

What Happens During Acupuncture

The person who treats you is called an acupuncturist. He will smear each area with rubbing alcohol before tapping the affected area with a very fine needle. The number of needles you will receive and where they will be placed and how deep they will be inserted depends on your specific case.

The needles will stay in place for a few minutes to an hour. The acupuncturist can adjust, heat, or electrically charge them to enhance the effect. You may feel some tingling if electricity is used. It should be soft.

You may need several sessions.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is much smaller than the prick you feel during an injection, as the needles are much thinner. After inserting the needles, you may feel heaviness, numbness, tingling, or mild soreness.

It is safe?

Yes. When acupuncture is done with disposable needles in a clean, sterile environment and by a trained professional, complications are very unlikely.

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis - what are the benefits

This is a non-medicated way to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. You can't get used to it. And the acupuncturist can immediately see how you respond and make adjustments as needed.

Benefits are difficult to prove because high-quality research on arthritis and acupuncture has been limited. Here are some of the recent studies that have been done:

Arthrosis. A 2014 study at JAMA found that people who received acupuncture had slightly less pain compared to those who did not. The authors concluded that the results were not significant enough to support a recommendation for acupuncture. However, for sick patients, even limited benefit may be sufficient to justify treatment attempts.

Rheumatoid arthritis. Research on acupuncture for RA has generally been of poor quality. They were unable to prove that the treatment provided any significant improvement in inflamed joints, damage, or other measures of the disease. However, acupuncture can help certain people with their pain.

Fibromyalgia. In a 2014 review article in the journal Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers analyzed the results of nine studies on acupuncture for fibromyalgia. Although several studies have found that acupuncture works better than medication to manage the condition, most studies have been poorly designed. The authors concluded that there is insufficient evidence that acupuncture works better than placebo. They say more research is needed.

Is it approved by the medical institution?

Yes. There are approximately 28,000 licensed acupuncturists in the US. The World Health Organization recognizes about 30 medical problems, ranging from allergies to pain, that can be treated with acupuncture. The FDA also considers acupuncture needles as medical devices.

How often should I do acupuncture?

It depends on your condition and how well it helps you. Because it may take several sessions before you feel results, plan to go for at least 5-10 sessions.

Are there any restrictions after treatment?

You will probably feel very relaxed because acupuncture can be very soothing. Therefore, you may need someone who can drive you home. If you feel good after the session, you are not recommended to exhaust yourself in any way. You must continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.