Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Acupuncture can be very effective at treating some forms of arthritis - in particular Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) the most common joint disorder. It involves the loss of joint cartilage along with other joint changes. Symptoms include gradually developing pain that is aggravated by exercise, stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes after waking and/or after inactivity, and occasional joint swelling. The onset of OA is most often gradual, usually beginning with one or a few joints.

Acupuncture can help to improve circulation in the affected joint(s) and surrounding muscles.  Use of massage, moxa, cupping and electro-acupuncture are beneficial in treating this condition.

Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective for treating OA of the knee. Read Berman’s study - Acupuncture Relieves Pain and Improves Function in Knee Osteoarthritis - for more information.

Acupuncture patient Maureen Vine tells The Times how acupuncture has improved her quality of life: “Nothing has alleviated the pain of my arthritis like this…These days, there’s no pain in my ankle or foot, or my knees. I only get the occasional twinge in my hip, when I turn in bed. I still can’t quite believe it, but I’m an absolute convert to the benefits of acupuncture.”

Read the full article on the Times Online website: One woman’s life had been crippled by osteoarthritis until she found relief in Chinese medicine.