Osteoarthritis Treatment
It is very common to suffer from joint pain as a result of arthritis. As far as arthritis is concerned, there are two main forms: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is most common in adults over the age of 40, according to the American College of Rheumatology. The disease progresses slowly and affects joints commonly used by people, such as:
- Wrists
- Hands
- Hips
- Knees
In OA, joint pain is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which serves as a shock absorber and cushion for the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a secondary form of arthritisRheumatoid arthritis is a secondary form of arthritis. In the United States, the Arthritis Foundation estimates that approximately 1.5 million people suffer from some form of arthritis.
All joint pain is located along the acupuncture channels on the external side of the body. However, there is always a deeper, systemic imbalance underlying the condition. To be effective, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that both joint pain and the root cause need to be treated.
Traditionally, Chinese medicine believes that one’s health and wellness are determined by the flow of qi (life essence) along invisible pathways known as meridians. The pathways make up a network throughout the body. The basis of acupuncture’s effectiveness lies in this principle. This network of synergistic effects can be amplified through acupuncture, which optimizes nerve and endocrine control; improves sleep, etc. Osteoarthritis treatment like acupuncture reduced pain, inflammation, and swelling, and sped up healing with minimal side effects.
By restoring harmony to the body, acupuncture corrects imbalances. Scientists have discovered that endorphins (natural painkillers produced in the brain) and adrenal corticotropin (an anti-inflammatory hormone) provide relief from arthritis.
Acupuncture can stimulate endorphin production and adrenocorticotropin release simultaneously. By triggering the production of these hormones, acupuncture needles help the body to heal itself without causing any side effects. In addition, acupuncture can reduce inflammation and bone spurs, as well as prevent the recurrence of arthritis pain when used regularly.
