Arthritis Acupuncture

Arthritis Acupuncture
Herbs and supplements for canine arthritis?

Years ago, my first meal was suffering from arthritis. This was before the days of rymadyl, Duramax and other drugs dog. I was able to keep her comfortable with acupuncture, shark cartilage, and other Chinese herbs. Now, my current dog is showing signs of arthritis again. The rymadyl not working as I expected. Therefore, I am going to start with the regime that kept my previous dog comfortable. The only problem is I can not remember the prescribed herbs. I think alfalfa is one, but I know that Chinese herbs as well. Anyone able to offer some suggestions until I can find a holistic vet decent?

DGP – Dog Gone Pain, aches and pains reduce your dog's enjoyment of life and our enjoyment of his company. Running, walking, getting in the car or just rising to greet you become painful ordeals. Let DGP (Dog-Gone Pain) help your dog become the casual itself and playful member of the family or used to be, and wants to be. DGP was developed by leading Australian veterinarians and herbalists. Is a complete formula, only natural that revitalizes older dogs physically and mentally: – Supports joint function – Improved mobility and behavior – Taking out the "puppy" remarkable results in your dog in one week! http://www.herballoveshop.com/product.asp?PID=2984

Lyapko Acupuncture Roller,Neck&Face&Foot Care, Arthritis Relief,Anti-Age $29.99

Arthritis Treatment with Acupuncture and Shiatsu Massage

The cooler months are approaching, and I am sure I will be seeing more patients suffering from arthritis. The cold, damp weather often exacerbates the condition and makes even simple daily activities difficult. In this article I will briefly discuss Chinese Medicine and how acupuncture can help manage arthritis pain and symptoms.

Arthritis is characterized by painful, swollen joints which are often more stiff in the morning. This is annoying, frustrating and painful! There are a variety of reasons why people get arthritis including general wear and tear of a joint or genetic predisposition. Whatever the reason, suffering from arthritis really puts a damper on things.

Chinese medical philosophy believes that every living thing has a vital life force or energy, which is called “qi.” Qi flows throughout our bodies via a network of channels called meridians. The meridians are like a freeway system. If the qi flows smoothly and properly we feel happy, centered, and balanced. However, similar to a major traffic jam, if the flow of qi becomes hindered or stuck, pain and discomfort ensue.

Some of the causes for qi—or energy—to become stuck are: physical trauma, excessive emotional strain, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and environmental factors such as cold and dampness. In Chinese Medicine, cold and dampness are considered pathogens that can obstruct the flow of qi.

The symptoms associated with qi obstruction due to cold and dampness—severe fixed pain that limits the range of motion of a joint—are similar to arthritis symptoms. Qi obstruction due to dampness in particular is associated with fixed pain, soreness with swelling, and a sensation of heaviness and numbness in the limbs.

When using acupuncture for arthritis treatment, hair-thin needles are placed in specific acupuncture points to release the stagnant qi, which is seen as causing the discomfort. The acupuncture treatments focus not only on alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, but also on balancing the Whole Body.

Acupuncture needles are so thin, that their insertion is almost completely painless, but there may be a sensation of pressure or slight throbbing when needles are inserted in certain points. This sensation is call “de qi” in Chinese Medicine. It is believed that when a needle touches a point of stagnated qi, release of the blockage occurs. Patients often report being able to feel the energy begin to move again. Most Chinese Medicine practitioners feel that the outcome of a treatment can be better when the patient experiences “de qi.”

I have been a shiatsu massage practitioner for 17 years and an acupuncturist for 5 years. During my practice, I have treated many patients presenting with arthritis. I have treated arthritis utilizing both shiatsu and acupuncture.

Individually, shiatsu and acupuncture have achieved remarkable results. However, I have found that when I use a combination of both modalities along with additional Heat Therapy, such as moxibustion or Infrared Light, my patients experience a much greater and more sustained reduction of their arthritis symptoms. Depending on the patient, herbal formulas and dietary modification may also be discussed.

Shiatsu, an acupressure massage modality, can relax tense muscles adjacent to the arthritic site, improving the flow of qi and blood. This allows the acupuncture needles to work more effectively.

Moxibustion involves bringing heat to the body through the burning of “moxa.” Moxa is made out of Chinese herbs and can be formed into a stick which resembles a cigar. When moxa is applied indirectly (avoiding  skin contact) over the arthritic site, it removes cold and damp, warms the meridians, and clears qi and blood obstructions.

Acupuncture, shiatsu and moxa are safe and effective methods for treating and managing the arthritis pain and symptoms. So, when the cold, damp weather makes Your Body feel like it has been in a major accident on the 405, think of acupuncture as AAA coming to the rescue!

About the Author

Won Kim is both a Shiatsu Massage Therapist and a Licensed Acupuncturist. He is a Board certified practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Won practices at the Tao Healing Arts Center in Santa Monica, CA.