Acupuncture can increase blood circulation to joints, and thus their absorption of calcium as well as the removal of noxious elements. It can also increase the production of synovial fluid to keep joints better lubricated. In addition, it reduces inflammation and swelling as it stops pain. These well documented effects of acupuncture are what allow it to treat both types of arthritis. Acupuncture treatments can therefore eliminate the symptoms of arthritis and slow down the progression of the disease. And it is able to do this without any of the long-term side-effects associated with most anti-inflammatory drugs used for arthritis.

While acupuncture cannot reverse any deformity of the joint that has already occurred, it can slow down and stop further destruction and additional negative symptoms. It is commonly combined with Chinese herbal medicine to strengthen the results. In tandem with herbs, or by itself, acupuncture offers arthritis sufferers a legitimate and effective option to reduce the symptoms that negatively impact their lives and stop the disease’s worsening progression.