Acupuncture is said to very effective at treating the pain and inflammation of all types of arthritis. Traditional acupuncturists try to treat the specific symptoms of each individual with a variety of techniques, instead of focusing on arthritis as a whole. Thus, acupuncture is also used in combination with herbs and exercise to restore balance in the body as well as foster lifestyle or dietary changes. Acupuncture teaches that physical problems are caused by blockages to energy flow throughout the body's system; the therapy tries to open up these blockages.
Step 1
Ask you doctor about acupuncture if you are diagnosed with arthritis. It is generally believed that acupuncture may be an alternative for treatment of pain, but surgery may be necessary if there is a deformity, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery, an orthopedic medical center in New York.
Step 2
Check with your health insurer to see if your policy covers acupuncture. Some companies do and some do not.
Step 3
Find a certified acupuncturist with formal training. You can find one in your local directories or through Acufinder.com.
Step 4
Tell the therapist what your type of arthritis is and where the symptoms are felt. Needles will be inserted in different ares of the body. If the arthritis is in the shoulder joints, the needles may be placed in the shoulder. But arthritis that affects the elbows may require needles placed in the hand, and with arthritis in the hip, needles in the buttocks may be used.
Step 5
Try not to worry about pain. There is usually very little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. There may be a brief moment of discomfort when the needle penetrates the skin, but that is often out of anticipation. Once the needles are placed, you will feel relaxed, enough to even fall asleep during treatment, according to Acufinder.com.
Step 6
Be prepared to go through two, three or more treatments. A typical treatment lasts for about 30 minutes. The number of therapy sessions depends on your particular ailment and arthritis.
Tips and Warnings
- Acupuncturists will advise eating a healthy diet during treatment. This will add proper vitamins and minerals to keep the joints healthy. Vitamins C and D are particularly helpful in preventing bone and cartilage damage when you suffer from knee or hip pain. Add healthy choices to the diet, such as ginger, fresh pineapple and cherries, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, help keep joints healthy.
- Remember that acupuncture points are located throughout the body and not just over the affected areas. No matter where it hurts, tiny needles may be placed along your arms, legs, shoulders, feet and even toes.
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