Arthritis can feel like a debilitating condition, but with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) you can get back to doing the things you enjoy! There are two common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most widely experienced type of arthritis, occurs when cartilage in the joints wears down over time, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder; it attacks joint linings and causes severe pain and swelling, stiffness, and in extreme cases bone erosion and joint deformity. TCM can ease the symptoms of both of these afflictions, increasing mobility and decreasing pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Acupuncture reduces inflammation by improving blood circulation and flushing toxins out of the body. Improved blood flow to the soft tissues and cartilage of the joints increases the healing factor. The immune system also gets a boost from acupuncture treatment. The body's innate ability to heal itself is augmented by acupuncture, helping you to live pain-free completely naturally!
Adding Chinese herbal medicine will also help treat the root causes of the arthritis. Certain herbs have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that improve the body's own ability to fight off the source of the inflammation and pain. In a trial study, acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine had a 95% effective rate in treating rheumatoid arthritis compared to a 65% effective rate with prescription pain medication.
Osteoarthritis
In one study, traditional acupuncture methods had an 88% effective rate in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis and increasing mobility in patients. Last month we went into more detail about the effects of acupuncture on that "bone on bone" feeling that comes with osteoarthritis, which can be read here.
In addition to the previously mentioned benefits of acupuncture, it has been proven to repair and regenerate damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that are associated with osteoarthritis.
Additional Treatment
Zheng Xie Gu Shui, or "Evil Bone Water," is a topical Chinese herbal treatment that eases pain, swelling, and stiffness and has been used by many of my patients with arthritis! Our article on the benefits of Evil Bone Water can also be read on our blog.
If you've been struggling with arthritis, regain your mobility and increase your independence with Traditional Chinese Medicine today! Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your initial health consultation.
Sources:
Acupuncture Beats Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis Study. (April 22, 2014). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1294-acupuncture-beats-drugs-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-new-study
Acupuncture Alleviates Knee Osteoarthritis. (May 27, 2016). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1636-acupuncture-alleviates-knee-osteoarthritis
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