If you suffer from sore and aching joints or feel you need some form of stiffness release from complications due to osteoarthritis (OA), you’re not alone. In fact, over 175 million people around the world suffer from some type of arthritis, with more than 10% of the world’s population over 60 years old exhibiting some symptoms.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries and for more than just joint pain. It’s also effective when used to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Dental pain
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Labour pain
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
Whether the issue is located in your hips, shoulders, knees, or other joints, there is no reason for you to spend another minute in discomfort. If you’ve tried other therapies but still haven’t solved the problem, acupuncture may be the perfect solution for you.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture happens to be an incredibly safe procedure and, unlike treatment from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there are practically no side effects. This all-natural remedy originated in Asian medical communities, and it’s used to treat a variety of different internal ailments.
So, if you’re interested in exploring alternative medical strategies—even solutions that lie just outside the border of Western medicine—now is the perfect time to learn about how acupuncture might be the solution you wish you had stumbled upon years ago.
You have nothing to lose but your chronic pain!
What Exactly is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a key component of many traditional medicinal practices that have been used throughout a variety of Eastern societies for many years. The process involves an acupuncturist inserting very thin needles into your skin at specific points on your body. The question you might ask yourself is: Why do they do that?
According to TCM, acupuncture is a means for us to balance the flow of energy (also known as Qi and pronounced “chi”) in our bodies. Mapped and documented for thousands of years, this energy supposedly flows through specific, predetermined pathways in our bodies, known as meridians. When thin needles are inserted into certain points along the meridians, they are purported to re-balance energy flow. By selecting a specific combination of points, acupuncture can be used to manage pain or discomfort in a number of categories and aid in the treatment of a variety of symptoms.
And while Western medical practitioners have expressed some scepticism in the past, there is an increasing amount of data showing a link between the treatment and the demonstrable benefits it can offer. Instead of focusing on Qi and meridians, however, Western medical practitioners describe its positive effect in terms of stimulated nerves and cells. These act as a means of stimulating the body to produce natural hormones and painkillers that help us heal or manage pain.
What Happens During a Session?
Because acupuncture is not a Western medical science, each acupuncturist approaches the practice in their own way. Often, they will employ a mix of Eastern and Western approaches, and it’s important to find a medical practitioner whose views surrounding acupuncture align with yours. This is why you should always consult with an acupuncturist prior to booking an appointment. Make sure to call ahead.
Typically, the questions your acupuncturist asks will focus on your specific symptoms and lifestyle to determine the best path of treatment. From there, the acupuncturist will find the optimal needle-placement locations.
You will be asked to lay on a comfortable padded table prior to the needle insertion. Don’t worry, it’s not painful! Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, and the process causes minimal discomfort. In most cases, the needles can’t be felt at all. The average treatment involves anywhere from 5 to 20 needles, and they may cover various regions of your body.
How Can Acupuncture Improve Joint Pain Symptoms?
Joint pain is rooted in inflammation, and it can be caused by numerous factors, including:
- Acute injury
- Autoimmune disease
- Repetitive use
- Poor diet
Each of the factors listed above are known to be frequent causes of inflammation and joint pain. As we age, we tend to be more prone to joint pain; this is often due to decreased physical fitness. So, how can acupuncture actually improve joint pain symptoms?
#1 Improved Nerve Function
If you lean towards the Western viewpoint of acupuncture, the explanation for its ability to ease joint pain symptoms is relatively straightforward. The process stimulates our nerves, which increases blood flow and triggers our body to release natural painkillers. These painkillers offer some immediate relief from pain, while improved blood flow over time contributes to improved overall health and fewer instances of pain.
#2 The Cascade Effect
Once an acupuncture needle has been inserted into an acupoint, it begins a cascade effect.
“There’s a lot of research that says when we put an acupuncture needle into the body, a number of physiological mechanisms occurs,” says doctor Brian Berman, MD, a professor at the Maryland School of Medicine.
First, a signal will travel to your brain by way of the spinal cord. This signal will bring about the release of endorphins and cortisol, which have both demonstrated improvements of pain symptoms. These changes within the body have been shown to positively impact stiff, sore joints.
#3 Improved Natural Energy
In the event that you lean more towards the Eastern viewpoint of acupuncture, you may feel that the treatment is effective at treating joint pain due primarily to its ability to redirect our bodies’ Qi. Because the practice is believed to remove blockages throughout the natural energy pathways in our bodies, it makes sense that improving energy flow would ease pain and stiffness.
If you have experienced any of the conditions listed above, and if you’re interested in exploring acupuncture as a means of easing that pain, our trained acupuncturists are committed to helping you along that journey. No matter the reason for your joint pain, you’ll be well-served by a customized treatment that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Book your acupuncture appointment today at RelaxZone!