Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), also called Oriental Medicine, is a complex system of diagnoses, disease prevention, and treatment. Though it has only recently become popular in Western cultures, it has been used for thousands of years in other parts of the world. TCM is based on the belief that a vital energy flows throughout our bodies, keeping the mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of our health in balance. The purpose of TCM is to restore or maintain this balance. And today, we're going to discuss one form of TCM that's helped maintain that balance for many people: acupuncture.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, almost hairlike needles into specific points on the body. These needles generally don't hurt like the larger ones used for injections. But when they are first inserted, it is common to feel a pricking sensation, followed by a dull pressure around the insertion point. Then, as you begin to relax, the sensation usually fades away. Sometimes a very light and painless electric current is applied to the needles to enhance their effect.
To date, there is no scientific proof that acupuncture can improve the symptoms of RA. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that acupuncture can be a valuable complement to other treatments and help reduce the pain and stress of people living with RA. Though scientists do not completely understand how acupuncture works, it is believed that the needles can stimulate specific nerves, which tell the body to release natural painkillers, called endorphins.
Although I don't have RA, I've been receiving acupuncture on and off over the last 30 years and have found it to be extremely helpful with pain and stress. If you would like to hear what other people have to say about acupuncture, visit CreakyJoints.org (an online community of people with arthritis-related conditions), where co-founder Seth Ginsberg shares his personal experience. Just remember that everyone, including you, is not going to have the same experience. So it's important to talk with your rheumatologist before you give acupuncture a try. Together, you can determine if acupuncture is an option worth exploring.
Next week: what to expect with TCM and how to make the most of your experience.
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Wellness Weekly Column
by Manette LaChance | RISE Fitness and Wellness Expert
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About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
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Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Considering Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Part 4
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture
Dec 19, 2007
Managing Pain and Stress
