Acupuncture may help arthritis by stimulating the release of the body's endorphins that help fight pain. As it does with other disorders, acupuncture stimulates points in the body with needles to correct the body's energy flow. Acupuncturists believe that illness or pain occurs when the flow of energy is blocked or out of balance, as taught through the ancient theories of acupuncture. With arthritis, the treatment may release tightened muscles or spasms to relieve pain brought on by the stiffness or swelling of arthritic joints.
Alternative
Chinese specialists often use acupuncture treatment along with herbal therapy, diet and exercise. Some Western practitioners use the alternative therapy by itself. Others recommend a healthy diet and exercise to improve results. Herbs may also be suggested. It all depends on the individual acupuncturist or choices by the patient.
Osteoarthritis
The relief of pain from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that usually affects older people, through acupuncture may be a placebo-like effect, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). But the result of contact with the skin through the needles inserted at different points has been known to work at reducing pain. Acupuncture is therefore considered as a treatment along with conventional treatment when it comes to relieving pain from arthritis. It is especially recommended if pain is not relieved through conventional methods, the ACR notes. Acupuncture is also considered to be a safe procedure.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease of the joints, can also see healing through acupuncture, according to the Hospital of Special Surgery, an orthopedic surgical hospital in New York. Acupuncture works through several procedures along with the insertion of needles. There is pressure applied by the finger or other objects. Gentle tapping is also used. Cupping or placing heated glass jars may be used over points to bring energy to the surface of the skin.
Time Frame
Acupuncture may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis by controlling acute inflammation, but the treatment is usually ongoing because the arthritis is a chronic condition. The disease may not be eliminated, but acupuncture effects may last for two to three days. Dr. Jeffrey Y.F. Ngeow, an associate attending anesthesiologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery, says that treatments for these cases should be done every two or three days. Best results are achieved when the attending physician and acupuncturist agree on the treatment plan.
Considerations
Acupuncture should be considered as an alternative to surgery only if the surgery is suggested to reduce pain, Ngeow says. Acupuncture cannot treat deformities when surgery is necessary. The alternative therapy is mentioned as a possible treatment for pain by the Arthritis Foundation.
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