One very common condition that affects millions of people in the UK is arthritis, where pain and inflammation affects different joints in the body.
People of all ages, including children, can be affected by arthritis, which typically impacts joints in the hands, spine, knees and hips.
Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, inflammation, restricted movement, weakness, muscle wastage and warm red skin over the affected area.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis but there are many treatment options that can help slow progression and which can provide you relief for your symptoms.
This includes surgery, medication and lifestyle changes – but you may also find that acupuncture is an effective form of treatment, as well.
What is acupuncture?
The traditional Chinese practice of acupuncture first came to the fore around 3,000 years ago – and it’s still very much in use today!
The idea behind it is that disease and sickness comes when the body’s energy flow (known as the Qi, which runs through the body to connect tissue with organs) is disrupted or blocked and needs to be brought back into balance through the use of fine needles, which are inserted into specific points in the body to treat a range of conditions… including arthritis.
The Qi flows through meridians, channels that correspond to different organs in the body. In order for our minds and bodies to stay in good working order, the Qi has to flow freely and sufficiently – and when this is hindered or impaired (such as through physical trauma, suppressed emotions or poor diet), illness occurs.
How can acupuncture treat arthritis?
It’s thought that acupuncture can help address arthritic symptoms by releasing endorphins to tackle pain, reducing inflammation, improving circulation to reduce swelling and relax the muscles, and helping any pain and stiffness you may be experiencing.
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by regulating Qi and Blood, improving meridian circulation, reducing Bi Syndrome (blockages that cause pain) and supporting the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
How often should you acupuncture for arthritis?
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to go for acupuncture sessions once or twice a week for up to six weeks. This can then be reduced gradually as your symptoms improve. If you’re in acute pain or your symptoms return or worsen, you can always increase the frequency of your sessions.
How can you tell if acupuncture is working?
Check in with your body and how it feels. If you see a reduction in your symptoms, as well as improvements in anxiety, nausea and pain, better sleep and improved energy, these are all signs that acupuncture is working to tackle your arthritis.
Is acupuncture safe?
It’s widely accepted that acupuncture is a very safe practice so this isn’t something to worry about.
You may feel a little lightheaded after a session, especially if you haven’t eaten beforehand. This is uncommon and usually settles very quickly. We simply recommend having a small snack before your appointment so you feel comfortable during and after treatment.
Occasionally, there may be a tiny spot of bleeding or a small bruise at the needle site. This is very minor, not painful and will disappear on its own without any special care.
What other alternative therapies can help with arthritis?
Another option to consider for arthritis-related muscular pain – and something that we offer here at AcuRestore – is cupping.
Here, stagnation is removed and the flow of Qi stimulated by placing glass cups on the skin and warming the air within to create a vacuum. Bodily tissue is drawn up into the cup to increase blood flow, potentially stimulate healing and loosen up the fascia (connective tissue).
If you’d like to find out more about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, get in touch with the team here today.