How Effective Is Acupuncture Against Osteoarthritis?

Acupuncture for osteoarthritis

Is osteoarthritis stopping you from living your life to the fullest? Is it causing the unnecessary pain that you are finding incredibly difficult to handle? If conventional methods are not making your condition any better, you can look at alternative methods. Acupuncture, an alternative treatment method, has been observed to be very effective in treating osteoarthritis.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine in which fine needles are placed into the body at certain points along the body which are known as lines of energy. This is a traditional form of Chinese therapy which enhances the wellbeing of the body and the mind.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can help with a lot of health ailments and conditions and is considered to be relatively safe. It rarely has any side-effects. Some of the benefits of acupuncture are the following :

1. Reduces chronic back pain and knee pain.
2. Provides relief from migraines.
3. Helps in treating anxiety.
4. Good for the treatment of arthritis.
5. Helps in decreasing insomnia.
6. Works towards preventing vomiting and nausea.
7. Reduces indigestion and heartburn.

How can acupuncture help in dealing with osteoarthritis?

Acupuncture is a mode of treatment that has been practised for at least a thousand years by the Chinese and plays a very important part in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. It is also considered to be a very helpful method for treating osteoarthritis and reducing the pain that comes with it. Professionals who carry out the procedure of acupuncture are known as acupuncturists. They place slim needles on the skin at certain points of the body for treating osteoarthritis. Acupuncture believes that our health is ruled by the energy flow throughout our body across pathways called ‘meridians’. Our health deteriorates when this energy flow gets disturbed, this can be rectified by acupuncture.

When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, a number of physiological changes take place. If the needle is inserted properly, it creates a signal that moves along the spinal column to the brain. This sets off the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins which helps in reducing the feeling of pain. An acupuncture needle, when placed properly, can help in the generation of the hormone, cortisol, which helps in controlling swelling. This method of treatment can also help in the secretion of other pain-relief hormones in the human body.

Studies have shown that after 6-8 months of getting an acupuncture treatment, a lot of patients show significant improvement. They felt a lot less pain and also functioned a whole lot better.

Acupuncture may be an unconventional mode of treatment but it is known to work well and deliver results. Moreover, this method of treatment is relatively safe and free of side effects. So, instead of popping pills every time you experience pain, consult an acupuncturist.