Acupuncture
& Rheumatoid Arthtitis
by Li Hua, L. Ac. TCMD
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic
and self attacking-self disease, and an autoimmune disorder. The
body’s immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes
that secrete the lubricating fluid in the joints as foreign invaders.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the dominant clinical manifestation, involving
many joints, especially those of the hands and feet, accompanied
by thickening of auricular soft tissue, with extension of synovial
tissue over auricular cartilages, which becomes eroded. Inflammation
is formed. The bone surfaces, the cartilage and tissues in and
around the joints are damaged or destroyed. The normal spaces within
the joints become narrow and the bones fuse together. Patients
may have stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, fever,
or crippling pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis often occurs in people under forty years of
age, including young children. Two thirds of its victims are women.
The onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis is frequently associated with
physical or emotional stress. However, poor nutrition or bacterial
infection may also be involved. Its course is variable, but often
is chronic and progressive, leading to deformities and disability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis affects all of the body’s synovial joints.
The afflicted joints tend to make a sound like crinkling cellophane,
whereas osteoarthritic joints make popping, clicking, and banging
noises.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that Rheumatoid Arthritis is
mainly related to the kidneys, liver and spleen, and may be affected
by pathologic factors of wetness, heat, wind and cold, overworking,
family heredity and innutrition. The combination of traditional Chinese
medicine and Western medicine is the most effective method for treating
rheumatoid Arthritis.
Acupuncture is used to stimulate
the blood circulation and is effective in relieving the pain, calming
the inflammation and improving the flexibility of the affected
joints and protect them from further damage.
Acupuncture also can
regulate the Chi (vital energy) of the organs and balance the whole
body and improve the immune system. Rheumatoid Arthritis patients
usually feel worse when the weather is damp and cold, or when the
weather is changing. Patients need to keep themselves warm and
dry. They need to do more Yin exercises, such as, Tai Chi Qi Gong,
Yoga, meditation, stretching, and breathing exercise. It will be
better for them to eat more cooked (even lightly cooked) vegetables
and thin soups because their digestive system is weaker than normal
and these kinds of foods are easy to digest. These foods also can
clean the heat and toxin out the body. The patients need acupuncture
treatment to release stress.
They may need help in keeping their spirits up. It is very helpful
for them to keep a positive mind set. Acupuncture and laughter
are the best medicine for treating rheumatoid Arthritis.
If every body gives these patients a little bit of care and love,
the suffering of rheumatoid Arthritis patients may be reduced a
great deal.
Contact
Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or
e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com
