How Acupuncture Can Relieve Arthritic Pain
Arthritis is an inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, particularly of the joints.
It is a growing health problem, which is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.
In fact, in this country alone, over 44 million Americans are already suffering from arthritis.
To better understand it, you have to look how the joints work and are designed.
A joint is where two bones are connected and move on one another.
They are held together by ligaments, which serve as elastic bands that allow the joint to extend and flex in place.
And to prevent these bones from rubbing together, two bones are covered by cartilage.
The space between the joint, on the other hand, is filled with synovial fluid that serves as oil to lubricate and nourish the joints.
If a person has arthritis, there is something wrong with their joints.
This can be caused by many factors.
It could be because of constant wear and tear, inflammation due to autoimmune, an infection, or a combination of all.
Over the years, many myths have been formulated when it came to arthritis.
For one, many believed that nothing much could be done about it.
The truth is, new treatments are available in the pipeline, and relief is possible.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Arthritis Pain? Far from the synthetic relief of painkiller pills and steroids, there are numerous traditional treatments that can provide relief for arthritis.
One of these treatments is acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old treatment that originated in mainland China.
It uses disposable hair-thin steel needles that are strategically inserted into the skin to stimulate the 14 major meridian points on the body.
These meridians are believed to be the body's energy source that helps promote well-being and balance.
And as the needles are inserted, acupuncturists are energized by electricity to stimulate the body's natural ability of healing.
Various needling techniques may be applied depending upon the severity of illness.
In the case of arthritis, however, acupuncture is an effective pain management for this chronic pain.
The number of sessions and the duration of the treatment depend on the pervasiveness and severity of the patient's case.
Acupuncture can effectively promote pain control for arthritis in three ways.
First, is the fact that it can help inhibit the soreness and pain naturally.
Experiments with acupuncture show that it can increase high levels of endorphins, the body's natural opiate for pain.
They are the same substance released when a person is happy, or the same natural high feeling you get after eating comfort foods like chocolate or right after having satisfying sexual intercourse.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that affect both the brain and the spine.
When released, stress is lessened and pain is relieved naturally.
It also can improve blood circulation and boost the immune system.
Through improved blood flow, all parts of the body are properly oxygenated, making them function well, including joints that are affected by arthritis.
Research has also found that acupuncture can block pain pathways.
When needles are inserted into the skin, the brain is stimulated to release adenosine, a natural painkiller of the body that is an effective pain management tool.
Adenosine controls internal processes on the surface of the skin, and they act as neurotransmitters that slow down the transmission of pain signals.
It also has a sedating effect that makes the patient feel sleepy, instead of feeling the pain.
Acupuncture also triggers the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, which block the pain pathways.
Lastly, acupuncture can manipulate trigger points.
These are muscles that became tightened, which causes pain.
It can be tender when touched and can send a cramping and burning sensation.
Trigger points develop through repetitive strain, an injury, poor posture, and through stress.
Through acupuncture, the natural balance of muscles can be returned.
It is a non-invasive way of promoting involuntary twitching of muscles, which immediately decreases tightness and soreness.
And by bringing back balance to the meridian of the body, nerve conduction and lymphatic drainage can be experienced, changes that provide effects to the overall physical and mental health of the patient, relieving them from chronic arthritic pain.
Yes, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, including arthritis, but it should not be used as the sole treatment.
Far from its holistic approach with minimal side effects, patients must also consider taking part in regular exercises as it can promote endurance and resistance against diseases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Healthy eating habits, good posture, proper stress management, and considerable meditation are also key factors to prevent and treat pain from arthritis.
It is a growing health problem, which is one of the leading causes of disability around the world.
In fact, in this country alone, over 44 million Americans are already suffering from arthritis.
To better understand it, you have to look how the joints work and are designed.
A joint is where two bones are connected and move on one another.
They are held together by ligaments, which serve as elastic bands that allow the joint to extend and flex in place.
And to prevent these bones from rubbing together, two bones are covered by cartilage.
The space between the joint, on the other hand, is filled with synovial fluid that serves as oil to lubricate and nourish the joints.
If a person has arthritis, there is something wrong with their joints.
This can be caused by many factors.
It could be because of constant wear and tear, inflammation due to autoimmune, an infection, or a combination of all.
Over the years, many myths have been formulated when it came to arthritis.
For one, many believed that nothing much could be done about it.
The truth is, new treatments are available in the pipeline, and relief is possible.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Arthritis Pain? Far from the synthetic relief of painkiller pills and steroids, there are numerous traditional treatments that can provide relief for arthritis.
One of these treatments is acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old treatment that originated in mainland China.
It uses disposable hair-thin steel needles that are strategically inserted into the skin to stimulate the 14 major meridian points on the body.
These meridians are believed to be the body's energy source that helps promote well-being and balance.
And as the needles are inserted, acupuncturists are energized by electricity to stimulate the body's natural ability of healing.
Various needling techniques may be applied depending upon the severity of illness.
In the case of arthritis, however, acupuncture is an effective pain management for this chronic pain.
The number of sessions and the duration of the treatment depend on the pervasiveness and severity of the patient's case.
Acupuncture can effectively promote pain control for arthritis in three ways.
First, is the fact that it can help inhibit the soreness and pain naturally.
Experiments with acupuncture show that it can increase high levels of endorphins, the body's natural opiate for pain.
They are the same substance released when a person is happy, or the same natural high feeling you get after eating comfort foods like chocolate or right after having satisfying sexual intercourse.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that affect both the brain and the spine.
When released, stress is lessened and pain is relieved naturally.
It also can improve blood circulation and boost the immune system.
Through improved blood flow, all parts of the body are properly oxygenated, making them function well, including joints that are affected by arthritis.
Research has also found that acupuncture can block pain pathways.
When needles are inserted into the skin, the brain is stimulated to release adenosine, a natural painkiller of the body that is an effective pain management tool.
Adenosine controls internal processes on the surface of the skin, and they act as neurotransmitters that slow down the transmission of pain signals.
It also has a sedating effect that makes the patient feel sleepy, instead of feeling the pain.
Acupuncture also triggers the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, which block the pain pathways.
Lastly, acupuncture can manipulate trigger points.
These are muscles that became tightened, which causes pain.
It can be tender when touched and can send a cramping and burning sensation.
Trigger points develop through repetitive strain, an injury, poor posture, and through stress.
Through acupuncture, the natural balance of muscles can be returned.
It is a non-invasive way of promoting involuntary twitching of muscles, which immediately decreases tightness and soreness.
And by bringing back balance to the meridian of the body, nerve conduction and lymphatic drainage can be experienced, changes that provide effects to the overall physical and mental health of the patient, relieving them from chronic arthritic pain.
Yes, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain, including arthritis, but it should not be used as the sole treatment.
Far from its holistic approach with minimal side effects, patients must also consider taking part in regular exercises as it can promote endurance and resistance against diseases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Healthy eating habits, good posture, proper stress management, and considerable meditation are also key factors to prevent and treat pain from arthritis.