Arthritis
Over time, joints tend to naturally degenerate. With the aforementioned, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It begins with the breakdown of the joint cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the joints causing pain, swelling, redness, warmth and stiffness. One common symptom for both forms is the persistent pain. TCM calls this pain “B-pain”. It has been observed that patients often develop a tolerance for drugs and require an increased dosage to achieve akin effect as with acupuncture.
Acupuncture is effective in relieving arthritis pain. It increases the circulation of Qi (life energy), which improves mobility, flexibility, and reduces the inflammation, and muscle spasms. Acupuncture also promotes the production of cartilage and lubricating fluids in the joints, along with the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins.
The arthritis-treating acupoints are located not only over the affected area, but rather all over the body. During treatment, the needles are twirled, electrically energized and warmed to intensify the effect. The number of treatments varies with each patient’s condition and response to acupuncture. However, 2 weekly sessions over a period of 4 or 5 weeks is the normal course of treatment.