Living with arthritis can be challenging, but there’s hope through complementary treatments like acupuncture. This ancient practice, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a holistic approach to alleviating pain and improving joint function. Let’s explore how acupuncture can help manage arthritis, the specific points used in treatment, and how it can work alongside chiropractic care for comprehensive relief.

Understanding Acupuncture and Arthritis

Acupuncture is a time-honored practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow (Qi) and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This technique is used to treat various ailments, including chronic pain and inflammation.

Arthritis encompasses over 100 different conditions that cause inflammation and pain in the joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease from wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints. 

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

Traditional acupuncture has been found to significantly reduce pain and improve hand and arm strength in RA patients as seen in this study. This treatment is also beneficial in reducing overall pain for those dealing with arthritis in the hips, neck, and back. 

Arthritis can manifest differently in each person, but some common symptoms include:

• Persistent or intermittent pain in the affected joints.
• Inflammation, swelling, redness, and warmth around the joints.
• Stiffness and difficulty moving joints, especially in the morning.
• Fatigue and general tiredness and lack of energy.
• Loss of function or impaired ability to perform daily activities.

Six Key Acupuncture Points for Arthritis

Many people with arthritis find comfort and relief through acupuncture, which involves targeting specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing. Acupuncturists tailor their treatment plans based on individual needs, targeting points that will provide the most benefit for managing arthritis symptoms. Read more about how acupuncture works here.

Your acupuncturist’s selection of acupuncture points can vary depending on the specific type of arthritis, the location of the pain, and your current, overall health. Here are six acupuncture points they might choose which can provide relief for arthritis:

1. Quchi (LI 11): Located on the outer side of the elbow crease, this point helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the arms and upper body.
2. Waiguan (TH 5): Found on the outer forearm, about three finger-widths above the wrist, it helps alleviate pain and improve joint mobility in the arms and hands.
3. Hegu (LI 4): Situated in the webbing between the thumb and index finger, it’s renowned for its pain-relieving properties and is often used for headaches and pain in the face and hands.
4. Zusanli (ST 36): Located below the knee, about four finger-widths down and one finger-width to the outside of the shin bone, it boosts overall health and strengthens the immune system.
5. Yanglingquan (GB 34): Positioned on the outer lower leg, just below the knee, it’s effective for muscle and joint pain relief, especially in the legs and lower back.
6. Xuanzhong (GB 39): Found above the outer ankle, about three finger-widths up from the ankle bone, it helps reduce chronic pain and improve joint function.

Combining Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture for Arthritis

Both acupuncture and chiropractic care are gentle, complementary treatments that can help manage arthritis symptoms. Here are some of the benefits you might experience:

• The release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, like endorphins.
• Improved mobility and strength in affected joints.
• Lower levels of inflammatory markers, reducing joint swelling and discomfort.
• Reduced stress and support of your body’s natural healing processes.

Overall, chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use gentle manual adjustments and manipulations to correct misalignments and improve joint mobility, helping to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In conjunction with acupuncture, this can provide you a well-rounded approach to managing your symptoms. 

Embrace the gentle, holistic care that acupuncture and chiropractic treatments can provide, and take a step towards improving your quality of life. 
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