Acupuncture is the fastest growing alternative medical modality in the United States. Most of the information regarding acupuncture therapy revolves around its ability to treat pain syndromes. The biological mechanism behind acupuncture is rooted in its effect on the circulatory, endocrine and nervous systems. Clinical research suggests various mechanisms for the therapeutic results of acupuncture:
- Hyperstimulation analgesia (gate control theory)
- Stimulation of endogenous opioid production
- Stimulation of neurotransmitters
- Defined spinal, subcortical, cortical loci
- Diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC)
Most of the physiologic responses above have a direct effect on pain in the human body, making acupuncture an excellent candidate for pain management. Research is ongoing as to the efficacy of acupuncture for various common pain syndromes with recent studies showing great promise. A recent study at the University of Maryland shows acupuncture as very useful in treating osteoarthritis of the knee as compared to sham acupuncture or no acupuncture treatment. One of the issues with researching acupuncture is the absence of strict protocols(treatments are individualized) making true
double-blind clinical studies difficult.
Currently acupuncture is widely accepted as a suitable therapy for most acute and chronic pain syndromes including lumbalgia, cervicalgia, arthritis, tendonitis, and headaches. The increase of local area circulation coupled with the stimulation of endogenous opioids produces a reliable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect with lasting effects. Acupuncture is very effective as a component of pre and post surgical rehabilitation helping to control pain, reduce inflammation and improve surgical outcomes.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts between ages 25 and 55. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues.
No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Genes, environment and hormones might contribute. Treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes and surgery. These can slow or stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling..
In the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, RA signs and symptoms are very similar to a disease group called Painful Obstructive Syndrome or Bi Syndrome. Depending on the different signs and symptoms the patient presents with, the treatment will vary from individual to individual.
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment to help with pain, inflammation, and progression of RA. Acupuncture can regulate the autonomic nervous system, hormone, and neuropeptide release and metabolism which can indirectly help regulate the immune system.
References:
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- NIH Consensus Study on Acupuncture, Alt. Tx.: 4:1:22. Jan. '98.
- Kawakita K, Shinbara H, Imai K, Fukuda F, Yano T, Kuriyama K. How Do Acupuncture and Moxibustion Act? - Focusing on the progress in Japanese acupuncture research -.J Pharmacol Sci. 2006;100(5):443-59.
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