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Acupuncture for Arthritis Relief

 

Acupuncture for arthritis relief has been proven to be an effective and safe alternative treatment. It help keep you living independent well into your later years of life. In combination with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it can be a powerful addition to any other type of treatment plan without the harmful side effects.

Western Medicine Treatment vs. Acupuncture Treatment:

Unlike acupuncture treatment, western treatment generally focuses on only relieving pain and preventing further joint damage. Often this is done through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications, as well as through self-care and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may even be needed.

Acupuncture treatment for arthritis, on the other hand, focuses on a whole-body approach to relief.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, arthritis is caused by:

  • Weakness or deficiency of the internal organs
  • Constitutional imbalance
  • Physical injury and/or trauma
  • Changes with the quality and quantity of Qi
  • Invasion from external factors such as Wind, Cold and Heat
  • Unresolved emotional upset, mainly related to stress and anxiety

How Treating Allergies with Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. According to these theories, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.

It flows through pathways called meridians (see chart below), providing nourishment for every cell, tissue, muscle and organ. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms may result.

 

Meridian Pathways that demonstrates how acupuncture works

 

During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific acupoints along the meridians in order to unblock any obstruction and allow Qi to flow freely.

Your acupuncturist, Jenny Bisset may also recommend herbal remedies, massage, and stretching. Be sure to discuss any new medications with your doctor to avoid any potential interactions.


Just like any other type of treatment, using acupuncture for arthritis can be highly effective, but is not meant to be a “quick-fix”. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make while being treated that will help you experience quicker results and relief faster:

  1. Exercise – will help strengthen muscles and bones as well as with blood flow
  2. Diet – eat unprocessed foods whenever possible
  3. Stress Relief – try practicing regular breathing exercises or meditation
  4. Maintain Balance – find time for rest and relaxation

“Visiting Jenny came from an urgent need for help with a painful arthritic condition. The treatments were helpful in two ways; one, it enabled me to evaluate my overall health and explore what aspects of my lifestyle could be affecting my condition, and it helped me get much needed rest. The latter being critical to my physical and emotional well-being.” – Cecilia H., Executive Coach


Jenny Bisset, a licensed acupuncturist in San Carlos, CA

Schedule an appointment with Jenny today
Call (650) 206-8116
Acupuncture in San Carlos, CA
Jenny Bisset, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine


References:
Berman BM, Lao L, Langenberg P, Lee WL, Gilpin AMK, Hochberg MC. Effectiveness of Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2004; 141 (12):901-910.
What is Osteoarthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. September 2006.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. May 2005.
Joswick, Diane L.Ac. Acupuncture for Arthritis. 2006.
Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet. Arthritis Foundation. 2005.

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