Acupuncture treatment for Arthritis

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing chronic pain and inflammation in the joints. In Chinese medicine it is known as ‘Painful Obstruction Syndrome’ and it is something I regularly treat in my clinic.

There are several types of arthritis within Chinese medicine, and they are classified according to the symptoms.

1. Joint pain which moves from one joint to the next is known as ‘Wandering Bi Syndrome’ or ‘Wind Bi Syndrome’. In Chinese, ‘Bi’ refers to pain. Wind in this context refers to the nature of the wind to move around and to appear and disappear suddenly.
2. Joints which are visibly swollen are referred to as ‘Damp Bi Syndrome’. With this type of painful obstruction syndrome, several joints may be affected but it does not wander from joint to joint. ‘Damp’ refers to over- retention of fluid. The fluid which lubricates and nourishes joints, ( synovial fluid), is necessary for the normal functioning of the joints. Problems arise when this fluid becomes excessive and so prevents the joint from moving properly and pain results as everything get stuck.
3. Joints which are cold to touch and frequently swollen are referred to as ‘Cold Bi Syndrome.’ An effected joint can be very cold to touch but the rest of the patient’s body is warm. Cold can get lodged in a joint, obstructing the movement of fluids and energy and causing pain.
4. Lastly, Hot Bi Syndrome. This type of arthritis is commonly seen with rheumatoid arthritis, when the joints are noticeably hot and swollen and very painful.

Whilst the above classifications are straightforward, in clinical practise combinations of these are often seen.

Having this different view of arthritis is what I believe makes it respond well to acupuncture treatment. It seems clear to me that a patient whose joints are hot and swollen should receive a very different treatment to a patient whose joints are just as painful but neither hot nor swollen.

If a patient comes for acupuncture treatment at a very early stage of their joint problem, then there is every change that they can make a full recovery. However, in practice I often get to see patients when they have had their condition for quite some time.  It is then a condition which may have to be managed. With successful treatment I enable people to continue their daily lives as they wish. Arthritis responds well to acupuncture treatment.

In my clinic I offer personalised acupuncture treatments that are tailored to your individual needs. I’m trained to assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that is safe, effective, and comfortable. I use only sterile single use needles and follow strict safety protocols to ensure your safety and well-being.

 If you ready to take control of your arthritis and improve your quality of life, I invite you to book an appointment at my clinic today. As an experienced acupuncturist I will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns. Contact me today to learn more about my service and how acupuncture can help you overcome your arthritis naturally.