Arthritis and Acupuncture: Ancient Art or Modern Cure?
In the search to find new and more effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment methods, researchers have focused on cutting edge technologies to provide alternatives and solutions. Ironically, however, these studies have also lead to the exploration of non-traditional avenues as potential means of supplying relief to patients with arthritic joint pain. One type of practice currently being evaluated is acupuncture.
Help From the Far East
Acupuncture has been an acknowledged and accepted form of medical art throughout China and has been used to treat a spectrum of conditions. In point of fact, the World Health Organization has given approval for its use for over forty different and diverse conditions.
In the late nineties, this Asian remedy gained a foothold in Western Medicine and millions of Americans began using it in combination with, or as an alternative to, traditional pain management. Its effectiveness as a method of arthritis treatment, however, is a subject of serious debate.
Relief for Patients
Those who support this course of treatment, in and out of the medical profession, point to studies, which show its effectiveness in relief for patients with chronic joint pain. In contrast, detractors and skeptics, point to research that suggests it is ineffective in treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Critics also point out that not many studies are published in English or would meet the demanding standards of Western Medicine to properly evaluate the practice for its efficacy as an arthritis treatment.
Both supporters and detractors do agree, however, that more research is needed to understand how acupuncture works and determine its usefulness in treating rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions. While both sides agree that it is not a cure, ongoing clinical trials and other studies are attempting to gain an understanding of this ancient craft, which may well prove to be a modern miracle for those with joint pain.
Resource
Horstman, J. (2002). Acupuncture. Retrieved July 27, 2002, from http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/2000_archives/
2000_05_06_acupuncture.asp.
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