Relieve Your Arthritis With Acupuncture
Arthritis is a painful and oftentimes debilitating condition that's
characterized by inflammation within one or more joints. According to the
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 2 people will develop
osteoarthritis of the knee by the age of 85. It's important to note, however,
that there are several different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being
just one. Other common types include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic
arthritis, Still's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.
While most people living with moderate-to-severe arthritis resort to
prescription medication to mask their symptoms, a safer and more effective form
of treatment may come in the form of a 2,000-plus-year-old Chinese practice
called acupuncture. Numerous studies have found acupuncture to offer relief of
many different types of arthritis. And best of all, it doesn't come with the
adverse side effects associated with arthritis medication.
Acupuncture and Arthritis: How It Works
Acupuncture is based on the belief that our bodies have an essential
life/energy force (referred to as Qi). This force flows through the body,
traveling along 20 channels (referred to as meridians). Normally, Qi flows
unrestricted, keeping the individual healthy while warding off disease and
illness. However, there are times when the Qi will become stagnant, blocked or
dislodged from its normal position, leaving the individual susceptible to
illness.
By placing thin needles directly under the skin, a licensed
acupuncturists can stimulate the flow of Qi, correcting blockages and other
abnormalities. Furthermore, acupuncture aids in regulating the nervous system,
which in turn produces the natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins.
Studies Reaffirm Acupuncture For Arthritis
A group of German researchers conducted a study on 304,674 patients
suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Researchers split the patients into
two groups, one of which received traditional routine care, while the other
received 15 sessions of acupuncture. Researchers concluded that patients who
had received acupuncture experienced better knee function, less pain, and an
overall better quality of life than their counterparts.
Another study – this one originating out of China – found that both
acupuncture and electroacupuncture were effective at reduce pain, inflammation
and tenderness in parts of the body by arthritis. Granted, this was a small
study with just 36 patients, but it's just one more study attesting to the
healing power of acupuncture.
Give me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better
health!
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
New York Sports Acupuncture
(888) 375-5444
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