Relieve Your Arthritis with Acupuncture

Arthritis is a painful and oftentimes debilitating condition that's characterized by inflammation within one or more joints. Open Windows 2 Wellness & Brantford Acupuncture Clinic support several alternative approaches to help you get your life back! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 2 people will develop osteoarthritis of the knee by the age of 85. It's important to note, however, that there are several different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being just one. Other common types include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, Still's disease, and ankylosing spondylitis.

While most people living with moderate-to-severe arthritis resort to prescription medication to mask their symptoms, a safer and more effective form of treatment may come in the form of a 2,000-plus-year-old Chinese practice called acupuncture. Numerous studies have found acupuncture to offer relief of many different types of arthritis. And best of all, it doesn't come with the adverse side effects associated with arthritis medication.

Acupuncture andArthritis: How It Works

Acupuncture is based on the belief that our bodies have an essential life/energy force (referred to as Qi). This force flows through the body, traveling along 20 channels (referred to as meridians). Normally, Qi flows unrestricted, keeping the individual healthy while warding off disease and illness. However, there are times when the Qi will become stagnant, blocked or dislodged from its normal position, leaving the individual susceptible to illness.

By placing thin needles directly under the skin, a licensed acupuncturist can stimulate the flow of Qi, correcting blockages and other abnormalities. Furthermore, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which in turn produces the natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins.

Studies Reaffirm Acupuncture For Arthritis

A group of German researchers conducted a study on 304,674 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Researchers split the patients into two groups, one of which received traditional routine care, while the other received 15 sessions of acupuncture. Researchers concluded that patients who had received acupuncture experienced better knee function, less pain, and an overall better quality of life than their counterparts.

Another study – originating out of China – found that both acupuncture and electro-acupuncture were effective at reducing pain, inflammation and tenderness in parts of the body by arthritis. Granted, this was a small targeted study with 36 patients – one more study attesting to the healing power of acupuncture.

Get your health back ~ find your way to pain free lifestyle by calling 519-754-8759.