We have been using the Chinese therapy, acupuncture, for thousands of years to treat all sorts of ailments. Now, acupuncture has become one of the most popular alternative medicine treatments available. Today many doctors, who are open to alternative medicine, think acupuncture is a great way to help alleviate your pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Like many traditional and alternative medicines, it’s important to remember each person responds to acupuncture differently.
So, while some of you may experience great results using acupuncture, others of you may not see any results. Again, like many traditional and alternative medicines, it is also important for you to remember acupuncture can only help treat your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Acupuncture cannot cure your rheumatoid arthritis. We also know acupuncture can help ease some of your other conditions accompanying your rheumatoid arthritis. Depression is a good example.
Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into the skin at precise points. It was first used in China thousands of years ago, and it is based on the idea that you have a life energy flowing through your body along invisible channels. When the flow of your life energy is blocked or out of balance, you experience illness or pain. If you stimulate areas along these invisible channels with fine needles, your life energy will be unblocked, and you will feel better and have less pain.
We don't know exactly how acupuncture works; but we do know if you stimulate certain trigger points in your body where there are a lot of nerve endings, your body will release its own natural pain-killing endorphins.
We also know acupuncture can help stop your pain, but it only lasts temporarily. In the beginning, acupuncture may help your pain go away for a week or less, but after a few weekly treatments; you may find you can gradually taper off.
Acupuncture, like most alternative medicine treatments, is generally safe in rheumatoid arthritis, but make sure you choose an acupuncturist who is licensed and/or a graduate of a respected school. Also, choose a therapist who is willing to work with your other traditional and alternative medicine providers. Finally, make sure you track your progress. If you have no response at all after four to six sessions, this therapy may not work for you, or you may want to try another acupuncturist.
Steps to Improve Your Health
Dr. Steven Dell
Ask
a Question or Leave a Comment
(0)
Digg This 
Del.icio.us