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Acupuncture for Arthritis

Traditional Chinese Medicine in New York

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for arthritis. Acupuncture for arthritis can relieve pain, improve range of motion and mobility, and improve quality of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, arthritis is described as a "Bi Syndrome" which has led to the Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the meridians (energetic channels) that cross the affected joint. The goal of treatment with acupuncture for arthritis is to move the Qi (vital energy) and Blood in the affected meridians.

Acupuncture for arthritis involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body. An acupuncturist uses these needles to influence the flow of vital energy, known as qi, throughout your body and to restore balance to the flow of energy and improve health. Acupuncture works by regulating a patient’s qi, supplementing it if the qi is deficient and dispersing it if qi has become stagnant.

A typical session of acupuncture for arthritis lasts 45 minutes and it is usually recommended to have one session per week in the beginning of treatment. Patients generally feel very relaxed during and after an acupuncture session. The needles used in acupuncture are much smaller than the needles used to take blood or give shots and therefore do not cause pain when inserted.

When undergoing an acupuncture for arthritis, it is not unusual for acupuncture needles to be placed in points quite far from the affected joint. These are called distal points and are often more effective than points on or around the joint. A typical treatment may include points on the ears, feet, hands or head.

There are no side effects to acupuncture for arthritis.