Arthritis can be painful and persistent, resulting in frustration when it isn’t easy to find relief.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Conventional treatments for arthritis typically involve medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, there is another alternative that is gaining popularity among arthritis sufferers: acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions, including arthritis. Acupuncture treats the patient by addressing the whole body. When the body is out of balance, pain and illness can arise. Acupuncture works by returning the body back to its natural balance and energy flow to eliminate pain and to improve overall health.
There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the body. When these specific points are stimulated through small acupuncture needles, it can help relieve pain by improving the body’s nervous system, which can jumpstart the production of pain-reducing endorphins.
5 Key Benefits:
1. Pain relief:
Acupuncture works by releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals, called endorphins, into the body. Endorphins are known to relieve pain and improve mood, making acupuncture a natural and effective way to manage arthritis pain.
2. Increased mobility:
Acupuncture can also improve joint mobility and flexibility, which can be restricted in people with arthritis. By improving blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation, acupuncture can help restore mobility and reduce the risk of further joint damage.
3. Reduced inflammation:
Inflammation is a major contributor to the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall joint health.
4. Improved sleep:
Arthritis pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, which can further exacerbate symptoms. Acupuncture has been shown to improve sleep quality, allowing people with arthritis to get the rest they need to manage their symptoms more effectively.
5. Reduced dependence on medications:
Conventional treatments for arthritis often involve the use of medications, which can have side effects and long-term health consequences. Acupuncture provides a natural alternative that can help reduce dependence on medications and improve overall health.
What does the research say?
A study in Germany found that 304,674 people with osteoarthritis experienced less pain and stiffness after 15 sessions of acupuncture. The treatments were done during a three-month period and lasting results were seen for another three months after treatment was stopped. The patients who had acupuncture treatments reported better quality of life and function than those who had no treatment.
A study done at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan Medical School found that of 20 women who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, the half that received acupuncture treatment had increased activity of the pain-reducing receptors in the brain.
A trial published in the Annals of Internal Medicine studied 570 men and women with osteoarthritis. For the men and women who received 23 acupuncture treatments for about 6 months, results of less pain and better functionality occurred, compared to those with the placebo treatment.
Arthritis can be painful and persistent, resulting in frustration when it isn’t easy to find relief. Acupuncture is a non-invasive, alternative treatment that has been proven in numerous studies to provide natural pain relief, increased mobility, reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and reduced dependence on medications. If you are considering acupuncture as a treatment option for your arthritis, it is important to work with a licensed acupuncturist who can create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and health goals.
Yours in health & wellness,
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