Break Free From Arthritis!

Having frequent joint pains to the point that it's affecting your activities of daily living? Are you experiencing swelling of your hands and other parts of your body? Arthritis is the swelling of joints causing them to become painful and stiff. Prolonged joint stiffness leads to weakness and inability to use them in complex tasks, and later on to simple tasks too. If you suspect that you have arthritis, it's best to consult a rheumatologist to get yourself diagnosed because there are currently more than 100 kinds of arthritis and each of them can be caused by different factors and can present with very similar symptoms. For this blog, We will be discussing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It means that the immune system of a person with RA attacks itself and even affects the healthy cells and causes inflammation. The inflammation is the result of the body's own response to these attacks. The joints affected can be both the big joints like the spine, knees, and shoulders and the small joints such those in the hands and feet. In TCM perspective, RA can be caused by the obstruction of Qi and blood. It is also affected by external conditions and can invade the organs of the body. As of now, there is still no absolute cure for RA.

What are the typical symptoms of RA? 

- Pain involving more than one joint

- Stiffness of more than one joint

- Swelling in more than one joint

- Limitation of motion on affected joints

- Weight loss

- Fever

- Fatigue and weakness

Rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating if not managed. In conventional medicine, there are medications to address the swelling and pain. If you are looking for a complementary treatment to manage your arthritis, you should try traditional Chinese medicine techniques, particularly acupuncture. Other TCM modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, and herbal medicines can also be added to your treatment plan if deemed necessary for your condition.

Cupping therapy involves placing specialized cups on the skin to create suction, which helps increase blood flow and relieve stagnation. In the context of arthritis, cupping can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints. By improving circulation and removing toxins, cupping helps the body's natural healing mechanisms work more efficiently.

Moxibustion is particularly beneficial for arthritis patients, as the warmth generated by this modality can help reduce pain, decrease stiffness, and improve joint mobility. 

Customized formulations for arthritis relief herbal medicines play a vital role in TCM and can be prescribed to address the underlying imbalances associated with arthritis. These formulations can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and strengthen the body's natural healing capacity. 

Acupuncture helps alleviate pain in the joints by promoting the release of hormones that decreases pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance blood circulation to affected joints. Acupuncture can also relax a tensed muscle. 

Regular acupuncture sessions can lead to reduced pain intensity, improved joint mobility, and an overall sense of well-being. Acupuncture can help in managing the pain to keep you functional and active. 

Time plays a vital role in treating RA patients with acupuncture. Seek acupuncture treatments as soon as possible so that the deformities, anatomical damage in your joints, and other organ affectation can still be prevented. If you're tired of living with the daily challenges of arthritis and seeking a natural and effective way to manage your symptoms, it's time to consider acupuncture as part of your treatment plan. Book an appointment with us to get examined and have a tailored treatment plan suited to your needs and goals.