Do you have arthritis in your neck, spine, knees, hands, or anywhere in your body? Do you feel a dull ache when the weather changes? These are all symptoms that you have arthritis. But did you know that acupuncture can help to relieve the pain of Arthritis? But how did arthritis get into your body?
What happens to your joints?
Arthritis develops in the body due to inflammation. The progression of inflammation within the body has four stages. In the first stage of inflammation, a person does not feel any pain and the joint is normal. In the second stage, cytokines and proteins are released in the blood that creates an inflammation response within the body, and a person feels some pain, but the joint can still move. A person may need NSAIDs to relieve the pain. In the third stage, is when this molecular response has reduced the cartilage within the joint and increases in pain with limited movement of the joint, and in the final stage the cartilage has eliminated, and bone spurs appear on the joint. It is during this surgery that may be recommended such a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.
Acupuncture & Arthritis
Acupuncture is an ancient healing method that has over 2500 years in improving many illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is an effective Essential Hypertension, Lower Back, Knee pain, Digestive disorders, anxiety, depression,
During an acupuncture session for arthritis, needles are inserted into specific locations on the body to increase the flow of Qi and blood. And it will activate the central nervous system to release hormones to promote the healing process within your body. If you are being treated for arthritis you will have a specific treatment for you.
Acupuncture & Arthritis
In Acupuncture, arthritis is called “Bi syndrome” or “Painful Obstruction” because the Qi and blood don’t have the nourishment and are not flowing through the meridians causing pain, soreness, and numbness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Wind, Cold and Dampness invade the body which leads to Qi stagnation, Blood stagnation, and Phlegm. Wind Painful Obstruction (Wandering Bi) causes soreness and pain in muscles, and joints, limited movement, Pain and n that moves from joint to joint. Damp Painful Obstruction (Fixed Painful Bi), pain and soreness, swelling in the muscles and joints feeling of heaviness and numbness of the limbs, pain is felt in one place and aggravated by damp weather. And Cold Painful Obstruction syndrome (Aching Painful Bi) is severe pain in the joint or muscle, with limited movement usually on one side.
How Acupuncture relieves the pain
Acupuncture relieves the pain in your joints by increasing the flow of qi and blood. Each patient’s treatment plan is specifically for them. The acupuncturist will determine which treatment is best for your needs. So your treatment plan may include inserting needles into specific locations, moxibustion to warm the joint, or electric stimulation to increase the flow of blood within the area. The needles will be inserted either near the joint or distal from the arthritic area. The needles will be left in place for 20 minutes. If your treatment requires moxibustion, the arthritic area will be warmed with a moxa stick, similar to the moxa in the photo. After your acupuncture session, you will feel very relaxed which allows for healing to take place within your body.