You’ve suffered with the pain of arthritis for a long time, and you’ve tried everything traditional western medicine has to offer. But have you tried an alternative treatment such as acupuncture? Acupuncture traces its roots to ancient China, and is approximately 2,000 years old. It’s been proven to work for many illnesses and conditions, especially pain and nausea. And it’s also been extraordinarily effective with arthritis.
Medical establishments such as the World Health Organization have confirmed that acupuncture works for arthritis. In the United States alone, there are 28,000 licensed acupuncturists, all ready to alleviate their patients’ arthritis. Also, in the United States, acupuncture needles have been recognized as medical devices by the FDA.
Funded by NCCAM and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, both components of the National Institutes of Health, a landmark study showed that acupuncture works for osteoarthritic knee pain.
There is widespread acceptance of acupuncture as a corrective treatment for arthritis pain. So much so that a formal training and certification is required to become a practicing acupuncturist. Regulated by legislation in many states, provinces, and countries, patients have assured quality treatment.
Acupuncture as a Safe Alternative to Medication
Arthritis medications have many common side effects. Here are some of the medications used for arthritis and their side effects:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Edema or swelling of the feet, heartburn, stomach upset, stomach ulcers, heart attack and stroke, and possibly an increased risk of blood clots.
Corticosteroids. Cataracts, elevated blood fats and blood sugar levels, increased appetite, and bone loss.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Stomach upset and increased susceptibility to infection.
Biologic agents. Injection site reactions, including redness and swelling, infusion reactions such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid or weak pulse, and increased risk of serious infections.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, typically has no side effects. It’s a safe alternative to medications.
The Science of Arthritis and Acupuncture
Research offers promising evidence that acupuncture helps alleviate the pain of arthritis. There are about 2,000 acupuncture points in the body, which are associated with the nerves that send pain signals from arthritis. When stimulated with acupuncture needles, these nerves send signals to the brain to alleviate pain. The needles are placed all over the body, not just over the affected area. Legs, arms, shoulders, hands, and even your little toe are the most common areas where the needles are inserted.
What to Expect at Your Acupuncture Visit
There are dozens of clinics that offer acupuncture in Miami, and most follow the same set of protocols for new patients. Your acupuncturist will conduct an interview and then examine your tongue as part of the preliminary screening. They’ll then painlessly insert micro-needles in over various areas of your body. You’ll be told to relax for a period of 15-20 minutes as the acupuncture works its wonders, and then the needles will be extracted. Most conditions will require several treatments.