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Arthritis Treatment: Acupuncture Review 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture falls under the Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is one of the oldest natural treatments for arthritis. The Chinese first use it for more than 2,000 years ago. Today, people in Asia, Europe, and United States use it to treat various illnesses.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture focuses on stimulation of the acupoints to balance the flow of Qi in your body and restore health. The practitioners believe that Qi, an essential life force, travels through the body along the channels known as the meridians or acupoints. They insert the ultra fine needles into the meridians. This will release the trapped energy.  As a result, it produces therapeutic effect, which relieves the arthritis pain.

In some treatments, they may use suction, friction, heat, pressure or electromagnetic energy impulses to stimulate the points together with the needles.

Unlike hypodermic needles, which are hollow with cutting edges, the acupuncturists use very thin needles with smooth edges. You may feel a slight stinging sensation during the insertion of the needles into your skin. Once the needles are in place, you don't feel any pain.

You need at least 3 sessions per week, depending on the form of arthritis you have. The treatments may last for several months.

What are the side effects from the use of acupuncture in treating arthritis?

Acupuncture is safe provided you engage the service of a properly trained and licensed practitioner. If this is your first time, you may feel dizzy.

The study by the University of Maryland demonstrates that none of the subjects experiences any side effects from any acupuncture session.

You may encounter bleeding which can expose to infection. Make sure that the acupuncturist sterilize the needles before use or use disposable needles.

Don't take muscle relaxants, tranquilizers or painkillers prior to the acupuncture session. It may accelerate the effects of these medications.

How effective is acupuncture in the treatment of arthritis?

Studies indicate that acupuncture can help people with osteoarthritis but it doesn't seem to be effective with patients with rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune diseases according to a study as reported by Oxford Journals.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) perform a study on the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis of the knee. The test involves 73 patients of osteoarthritis. One group continues on anti-inflammatory drugs while the other group undergoes eight weeks of acupuncture. Dr. Brian Berman who heads the research said, "Acupuncture did reduce their pain, they had less stiffness, and they were able to function better."

Another study in Germany by Claudia Witt, MD, of the Institute for Social Medicine at Berlin's Charite University Medical Center involves more than 3,500 people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Those who accept acupuncture find relief from joint pain and enjoy better quality of life.

Both of these findings only apply to those who suffer joint pain in their knees.

Who can administer acupuncture?

You should look for an acupuncturist with the experience and credentials. You can find a list of qualified practitioners who are doctors at The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

If your doctor recommends an acupuncture practitioner, check with your insurance company if your plan covers the cost of the treatment.

Make sure you have a diagnosis from your doctor before receiving acupuncture treatment. This will prevent any health conditions that need immediate medical attention.

Who should not seek acupuncture as an arthritis treatment?

Anyone regardless age can use acupuncture. However, if you have cancer or heart failure, you should consult your doctor first. Usually, doctors don't recommend acupuncture as the primary therapy for cancer and heart failure.