Acupuncture
Started 2,000 years ago in China, and practiced throughout Asia and Europe, acupuncture is gaining popularity in the United States. If you learn about the background or history of acupuncture, you will find that traditional Chinese medicine is based on an essential life force (called qi) which flows through the body along meridians (like channels). The meridians serve to irrigate the body and provide nourishment to tissues.
If there is an obstruction to the meridian, qi is blocked and pain and disease are the result.
Fact
With acupuncture, very thin needles are inserted into specific points along the meridian in an effort to unblock the energy channel. There are about 2,000 points on the body that can be used for acupuncture.
Along with the needles, some practitioners use heat, friction, or electrical impulses. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture whereby the needles are attached to a device that generates an electric pulse and creates a small current between pairs of needles.
Where Are the Meridians?
Western researchers have not confirmed that the meridians exist.
The meridians are said to not correspond with circulatory or nerve pathways of the body. Just because western researchers have not found the meridians, does not mean that the benefits patients have experienced from acupuncture are not real. Several studies were run, some too small, others poorly designed, but still the NIH concluded that acupuncture may be useful for osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture Sessions — What to Expect
Expect to stay for one and one-half hours for your initial acupuncture session. Subsequent sessions are usually shorter, taking thirty to sixty minutes. Usually to start, three to fifteen needles are placed and left for several minutes. The number of sessions will depend on the severity of your arthritis. The cost for an acupuncture session ranges from $30 to more than $100. Your insurance may cover acupuncture for arthritis. For referrals to qualified physicians trained in acupuncture, go to
