Arthritis

Acupuncture is widely used to treat pain and inflammation, which makes it particularly well suited to treating many types of arthritis

How can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help?

Acupuncture has been shown to work in numerous systemic and local ways, include stimulating micro-circulation, suppressing inflammation and stimulating changes in chemical messengers that the body uses to regulate itself; such as neuropeptides which have systemic effects and play a role in controlling inflammation, immunological responses and pain reception.

How many treatments will I need?

A course of acupuncture treatment will usually range from between 6-12 treatments. After this, it will become evident how responsive the individual is to acupuncture and a plan for maintenance treatments or ongoing support can be discussed. Acupuncture is not the whole solution, and it is recommended it is used alongside other treatments such as analgesics, exercise, physiotherapy and surgery as needed.

Additional Reading & Research

Arthritis New Zealand

www.arthritis.org.nz/information/treatment-management/complementary-therapies/

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation via the Vagus Nerve

www.journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151882#sec012

Pain management with acupuncture in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25151529

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a general review.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20204371

Anti-inflammatory activity of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3943005/

Update on the Clinical Effect of Acupuncture Therapy in Patients with Gouty Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis