Arthritis and joint aches are some of the most debilitating pains that can cause impairment to the quality of life. The conventional acupuncture treatment for arthritis relief may include some painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills along with physical therapy. However, in recent times, the demand for a healthy way of living has increased multi-fold, making acupuncture for arthritis a widely used treatment.
How Does Acupuncture Affect Arthritis?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal procedure, in which thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body, termed acupoints. These acupoints stimulate the body’s natural healing and/or balancing processes, equating to flow - or “Qi” pronounced “chee”. In modern medicine terms, acupuncture has several effects on the body, such as:
1. Pain Relief
Acupuncture for arthritis acts on the nervous system, which then triggers the production of endorphins, the natural painkillers of the body, and other chemicals that help in the relief of pain. For arthritis relief through acupuncture, this can be especially helpful for those suffering from chronic joint pain.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Reaction
The inflammation of joints in arthritis is primarily what defines this condition. Acupuncture is known to provoke an anti-inflammatory reaction, causing a reduction in swelling and providing comfort in the affected joints.
3. Improvement in Blood Flow to the Involved Joints
Acupuncture for arthritis helps ensure proper oxygenation and nutrient supply to tissues, which heals broken cartilage and reduces stiffness.
4. Relaxation of the Muscles
Stress and spasms due to muscle are commonly found with arthritis pain. By using acupuncture treatment for arthritis relief, the joint’s surrounding muscles are relaxed, which helps in improving mobility and reduces pain. Studies have established that even the central nervous system and immune responses could be affected through acupuncture, reducing such inflammatory cytokines and helping regain control over the arthritis pain symptoms.
Benefits Of Acupuncture For Arthritis?
Acupuncture is not merely temporary relief; it has produced several benefits for those who have arthritis. Like:
1. Natural Pain Relief
One of the added benefits of acupuncture for arthritis is that it provides a drug-free alternative for those who fear long-term medication. It activates one’s own pain-relieving mechanisms without side effects that accompany conventional treatments, such as NSAIDs or steroids.
2. Improved Joint Mobility
Arthritis patients often face stiffness in the joints, making basic activities quite tough to deal with. Acupuncture for arthritis can work on this problem by causing a reduction in inflammation and muscle tension around the affected joint, thereby enhancing the mobility of those affected. As pain fades away, it becomes easy for patients to move and perform other physical and meaningful tasks.
3. Reduced Swelling and Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most debilitating contributors to the pain experienced in arthritis. Acupuncture elicits an anti-inflammatory response, thereby proving itself a helpful treatment in reducing the suffering associated with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Mental and Emotional Well-being
For instance, chronic pain not only affects the body but may also have implications for mental health. The longer that one endures from arthritis, the higher his or her risk is for anxiety and depression. One of the benefits of acupuncture for arthritis is that it increases the availability of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, to bring relaxation and well-being.
5. Complementary Treatment to Conventional Treatment
While it may not cure arthritis completely, acupuncture as an adjunct therapy pairs well with standard treatments such as drugs and physiotherapy. The majority of patients claim that their conditions are better controlled if treated with acupuncture in addition to these two conventional therapies.
How Long Do The Effects Of Acupuncture Last For Arthritis Pain?
Probably the most common question about acupuncture for arthritis is about the duration of its effects. The length of relief again varies from one person to another, depending on the severity of the arthritis, how frequently treatment is attended to, and individual responses to acupuncture. For most, relief is immediate after several sessions, but for others the signs of improvement might be seen gradually over several treatments. Long-term benefits of acupuncture for arthritis are achieved through regular attendance at those sessions. Some patients find that arthritis relief through acupuncture lasts from a few days to a week after each session while others go for longer periods before requiring another treatment. Many practitioners recommend a course of treatments, often once or twice a week for several months, before evaluating long-term results. When the pain relief becomes more consistent, treatments can sometimes be reduced, and many patients remain healthy and continue to benefit from monthly or quarterly sessions.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a holistic and natural approach for controlling arthritic pain. This option is so attractive for arthritis patients as it reduces pain, inflammation, and stiffness, helps improve the range of motion, and overall well-being. For many arthritic patients, acupuncture is the effective treatment not as a cure but to improve the quality of life concerning chronic joint pain. For the best results, you should seek a licensed acupuncturist and use it as a part of a comprehensive care plan that could encompass all or some elements of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modification.
Looking for ways to provide relief from the aches and pain? Start by practicing yoga poses for arthritis regularly. Or you can incorporate three60+ Pain Relief & Joint Mobility into your routine. These tablets are encapsulated with BosPure, Yograj Guggul, Maharasnadi Kwatha and Curcumin to ease joint pain, reduce stiffness and improve blood flow to joints for flexibility. It strengthens joint muscles and helps you reclaim your life with its non-habit-forming formula. Buy now and feel the difference!
FAQs
1) Can acupuncture replace conventional arthritis treatments?
A much better way of seeing acupuncture is to see it as an adjunctive therapy rather than a substitute for traditional drugs and treatment methods. It may provide patients with the reduction of pain and inflammation to a very severe degree, but the disadvantage in this is that they are not very capable of controlling arthritis symptoms sometimes, especially in severe cases. Most patients respond well when acupuncture is utilized in conjunction with their drugs, physical therapy, or other accepted medical treatments.
2) How long does it take to feel relief from arthritis with acupuncture?
The sensitivity to be developed from the arthritic symptoms depends on the individual as well as the severity level. In some cases, patients might feel the relief from the pain soon after their first session, while in others, the relief from the pain can only be felt after several therapies have been undertaken. People generally notice changes within two weeks of continuous treatment.
3) What should I expect during an acupuncture session for arthritis?
On the day of the acupuncture appointment, you will be asked questions regarding your symptoms, medical history, and areas that are sensitive to the touch. Then, you will lie down on a treatment table where the acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific acupoints associated with your arthritis pain. The needles are left in place between 15 to 30 minutes; you will feel some mild paresthesia or tenderness; however, most people find it a calming process. After the session, you can be left feeling calm and some people find some pain relief is instant.
4) Is acupuncture safe for arthritis patients?
Indeed, acupuncture is essentially safe for arthritis patients if provided by a licensed and experienced practitioner. Risks of side effects are rare as mostly occasional bruising or soreness at the needle sites may occur. Having a quality acupuncturist is critical in ensuring that all measures are strictly upheld.
