Friday, August 27, 2010

How to Relieve Arthritis Through Acupuncture

How to Relieve Arthritis Through Acupuncture



Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine. In this approach, thin needles are used to puncture the skin at specific points along the body, with the aim of fostering healing. These techniques have been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ringing in the ear and diarrhea. It may also be possible to relieve arthritis through acupuncture.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access for contacting acupuncturists









1


Seek qualified care. Find an acupuncturist with experience in arthritis care by visiting the Acufinder Web site (see Resources below).





2


Talk to your acupuncurist about soothing your stiff back, legs and hips. The urinary bladder meridian governs the back, legs and hips, and applying acupuncture to this point can help relieve arthritis pain in these areas. The urinary bladder meridian is located in back of the knee.





3


Ask your acupuncturist to relieve a stiff neck by using the lung meridian. The lung meridian can be found inside the arm, just above the wrist.





4


See your acupuncturist for the recommended number of sessions for the best chance of relieving arthritis.








Tips & Warnings










Acupuncture rates are usually moderate in cost, but they can be expensive. The education and experience of your therapist will play a part in the rate charged, as will the city in which he or she is based.








Acupuncture is covered by through host of insurance plans. Medicare and Medicaid do not offer coverage, however.








Herbs and supplements--inexpensive to moderate in price--may be prescribed to facilitate treatment. This area of therapy is not covered by insurance plans.








Chronic conditions like arthritis can require as many as 20 to 30 sessions for treatment.








Do not attempt to treat severe symptoms, such as profuse and persistent bleeding, through acupuncture. Seek the care of a physician.








Don't undergo acupuncture self-treatment unless your have the necessary qualifications. In unqualified hands, acupuncture can lead to serious consequences, like liver toxicity.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2031363_relieve-arthritis-through.html

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