Arthritis is a chronic condition whose painful symptoms may be alleviated by complimentary therapies such as Acupuncture. Please read on for more information.

What is Arthritis?

The term Arthritis refers to a collection of musculoskeletal system conditions that affect the joints (where two or more bones meet).

The most common forms of Arthritis include:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Juvenile arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
• Scleroderma

Symptoms of Arthritis

Whilst symptoms vary between the different Arthritis types, common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint cartilage damage
• Joint weakness
• Joint instability
• Deformities

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is ancient Chinese practice that employs the use of needles on the skin to restore the body from symptoms of illness, injury and disease.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is founded on the principle that energy channels (meridians) run all over the body nourishing tissues with energy. When blocked, the energy is obstructed and prevented from nourishing the tissues, which may result in chronic conditions such as Arthritis.

How does Acupuncture benefit Arthritis symptoms

Acupuncture aims to treat the symptoms of Arthritis on a case-by-case basis. It works to relieve symptoms by:

• Strengthening Qi energy;
• Unblocking trapped Qi energy;
• Address any internal wind, damp-heat, cold and dampness associated with Arthritis.
• Detoxifying the body.
• Stimulating a release of pain-killing endorphins.

Acupuncture points for Arthritis

Different acupuncture points may be addressed in the session depending on where the site of the problem is. Some may include:

• Arthritis in the shoulder joints – Large Intestine 15 and Triple Heater 14 points.
• Arthritis in the elbows – Large Intestine 11 (near the bend of the elbow) and Large Intestine 4 points.
• Arthritis in the hip – Gall Bladder 30 point (located in the buttocks).
• Arthritis in the knees – Eyes of the Knee point (located in the small indentation right below the kneecap).
• Arthritis in the foot – acupuncture point located near where the toes meet the feet.
• Arthritis in the head or face – Large Intestine 4 point
• Arthritis of the ankle, jaw and spine – points near the affected area are addressed.

If you are interested in finding out more information on how Acupuncture may relieve symptoms of Arthritis, please speak to a professional Acupuncturist or Chinese Medicine Practitioner.