Acupuncture for Arthritis Treatment: Healing Principle

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, formed over 2,000 years. According to an article in Rheumatology, the first documentation of an "organized system of diagnosis and treatment" for acupuncture was in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing) from about 100 BC

What does modern scientific research say about acupuncture in the treatment of arthritis?

This is information from research by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) about acupuncture for treatment of arthritis:

In our review, we concluded that acupuncture alone or combined with other treatment modalities is beneficial to the clinical conditions of RA without adverse effects reported and can improve function and quality of life and is worth trying. Several important possible mechanisms were summarized including anti-inflammatory effect, antioxidative effect, and regulation of immune system function. However, there is still inconsistency regarding the clinical efficacy and lack of well-designed human/animal double-blinded RCTs. Future discussion for further agreement on taking TCM theory into consideration as much as possible is a top priority.

Source: Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review

There are many scientific papers and other articles about acupuncture to treat arthritis. Most materials support the use of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of arthritis

The principle of acupuncture in the healing process

#According to Chinese medicine:

An essential living energy called Qi flows through the body along 20 invisible channels called meridians.

See Jing-Qi-Shen - Hidden Energy in the "Philosophy of Chinese Medicine and Arthritis Treatment" article for a better understanding.

When this Qi (latent) energy flow is blocked or out of balance, the result is illness or pain.

Acupuncture points are the intersection points of invisible meridian lines. Using needles to stimulate those points, will adjust Qi flow.

Qi will affect Shen, and Shen will affect Jing, and Jing will eventually adjust Qi. Jing-Qi-Shen's operation follows a closed loop and supports each other. When Jing-Qi-Shen is restored, the two elements of Yin and Yang will balance in the body, all diseases will be repelled.

This is a cure based on the body's own strength. Acupuncture is just an indirect measure. This is something special in Chinese Medicine. Western medicine often affects directly where there is disease.

#According to modern medicine and Chinese medicine:

Acupuncture diminishes pain by “untying muscular straitjackets – releasing tight, spasmed, shortened muscles to their resting state,” explains Tim Rhudy, an acupuncturist practicing in Delmar, New York. It also helps stimulate the release of natural pain-fighting endorphins.

When the pain is gone, the spirit will feel comfortable. At this time Shen factor (in Jing-Qi-Shen) will adjust and Qi.

Thus, modern medicine has found the analgesic principle of acupuncture. And it is this pain relief and acupuncture at the acupuncture points that will heal arthritis.

#However, attention should be paid to:

Pain relief (by arthritis) by acting on acupuncture points will have the effect of healing arthritis

Pain relief (due to arthritis) using painkillers (does not affect acupuncture points) will merely be a way to relieve pain. Pain relief does not affect acupuncture points will not affect Qi, and there is not much effect in healing arthritis.

Learn more about Chinese medicine for arthritis treatment: Arthritis: Genuine Chinese Herbs