Is Acupuncture a Valid Treatment for Arthritis?
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Meet Modern Medicine
Although sticking dozens of small needles into your body doesn’t seem like the obvious method of relieving pain, acupuncturists believe otherwise. The practice of acupuncture dates back to the traditional Chinese medicine of around 100 BCE. The first document to describe acupuncture as an organized system of treatment and diagnosis comes from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.
Essentially, traditional Chinese medicine is based on the notion that a life force called qi (pronounced “chee”) flows along channels of the body known as meridians. When these meridians are obstructed, the tissues do not receive this vital nourishment, leading to pain or disease.
For many decades, Western medicine has failed to accept acupuncture as a viable treatment for anything beyond a case of wishful thinking. Though despite its reputation as superstition, it’s reported that about 3.1 million Americans use acupuncture each year to treat chronic ailments, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Studies in the Face of Skepticism
Living with rheumatoid arthritis, you may be open to just about any treatment that is drug-free and seemingly beneficial across many areas of the wellness spectrum. However, before you rush to the closest acupuncture clinic, who’s to say this treatment does anything at all?
According to the Mayo Clinic, there have been indications of acupuncture effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis, neck and back pain, and other ailments unrelated to arthritis as well. This review concluded that though acupuncture is not a widely accepted medical practice, it is gaining traction. As more evidence is available showing its effectiveness, we should expect to see acupuncture used more in the future.
What's the Bottom Line?
While acupuncture is not necessarily accepted as a form of medical treatment, studies have shown that for back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, knee pain, and headaches, it is helpful. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture has yet to be proven for other health conditions.
The most important thing that those seeking acupuncture should know is that it should be performed by an experienced practitioner that uses sterile needles. If acupuncture is performed improperly, the sides effects can be serious, including infection, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture is a great place to start seeking out a professional acupuncturist in your area, but beware that the average non-response rate to acupuncture is 20 percent.
No matter the scientific validity, improving your experience of living with rheumatoid arthritis is what matters. Trying different techniques may be the key to getting relief through acupuncture, so you’ll never know if you don’t try it for yourself!
