Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every three Americans (an estimated 70 million people) is affected. Acupuncture offers a natural treatment for arthritis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to treat the specific symptoms that are unique to each individual using a variety of techniques such as acupuncture, Chinese herbs, lifestyle/dietary recommendations, and energetic exercises to restore imbalances found in the body. Each patient receives a unique, customized treatment with different acupuncture points, different herbs, and different lifestyle and diet recommendations.
Your acupuncturist will discuss your condition from a broader perspective to determine overall imbalances then choose the appropriate treatment plan.
The Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture points for arthritis treatment are located throughout the body, not just directly over the affected area. During your treatment, tiny needles could be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!
Acupuncture needles are very thin; several can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. Once the needles are in place, most people relax and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment. The length, number, and frequency of treatments will vary. Typical treatments tend to last 20 to 30 minutes, with the patient being treated once or twice a week. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while more severe or chronic ailments often require multiple treatments.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Therapy
Your diet plays a critical role in helping you prevent or control arthritis. The first objective is to help you lose weight if you are overweight because added weight adds additional stress to your joints.
The second way is to make sure you are absorbing the right mix of vitamins and minerals that will keep your joints healthy and reduce inflammation. It's often recommended that you avoid "damp" foods such as dairy products and greasy or spicy foods. Damp foods can trigger inflammation. If you have arthritis or knee or hip pain, vitamins C and D can help prevent bone and cartilage destruction. And a multivitamin can help ensure that you always get the nutrition you need.
Here are some other healthy choices to include in your diet and naturally help arthritis:
• Ginger
• Cherries
• Fish
• Turmeric
Chinese Herbs for Arthritis
There are many effective Chinese herbs that specifically address individual issues related to arthritis and/or chronic inflammation. Your acupuncturist will evaluate your current diet and medications, then learn more about your signs and symptoms to determine which herbs are best suited for you.
The most important thing to remember when looking for treatment options for your health is to communicate openly with your healthcare providers. Don't edit your communications. You may feel that certain information isn't relevant whereas your health care team may see a direct connection. Take the time to think clearly about all your symptoms and keep your dialogues open.
穢Debi Farley 2012
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