Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition characterized by persistent joint pain, deformities, and inflammation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), millions of individuals worldwide are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, with up to 1% of certain countries’ populations experiencing this condition. In the United States, the NIH reports that 25 to 27.5 people per 100,000 have rheumatoid arthritis. Given its widespread impact, researchers are actively seeking treatments for both the disease itself and its associated complications, including cardiovascular disease.
Scientists in China and Taiwan recently examined medical records to identify patterns among individuals with both rheumatoid arthritis and a history of acupuncture treatment. Although the study is observational, the findings indicated that this particular group had a lower likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Despite various available treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, including JAK inhibitors and corticosteroids, a definitive cure for the disease remains elusive. However, individuals can pursue certain measures for partial pain relief, such as receiving massages or undergoing acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is an alternative therapeutic approach that entails the application of small needles or pressure to specific points on the body, as noted by the NIH..
In addition to alleviating pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, acupuncture also exhibits efficacy in addressing various forms of pain, mood disorders, nausea, and fibromyalgia.
The relief offered by acupuncture stems from its ability to induce changes in the central nervous system. According to the NIH, acupuncture hinders the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair factors. Given that inflammation plays a role in the heightened cardiovascular disease risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis, which includes ischemic strokes, a treatment like acupuncture that disrupts the inflammatory process may offer benefits beyond standard pain relief.
