If you’ve been in Chicago for at least one winter you know that cold wind can hurt. Walking out of your apartment and being hit with a gust of Lake Michigan locks up all muscles until you can feel the chill in your bones. When you’re done running around for the day and come back to the comforts of home are you still in pain? Is the next day unbearably uncomfortable with achiness aided by the throes of winter?
If you have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) then these words ring all too true. This article focuses mostly on RA but, these same concepts can be used for any inflammatory condition that gets worse when it is cold.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is when the “body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, a tough membrane that encloses all the joint parts. This lining (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and swollen. The disease process can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint” according to the Mayo Clinic. This can result in constant discomfort, pain, and deformity in the joints.
For many people, cold and windy climates make their arthritis feel worse causing a vicious cycle of inactivity, increased inflammation, and pain.
Today, between 30-60% of people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis are working with complementary medicine, including acupuncture! Here are the modalities from Copper Wellness that can reduce your inflammation and get you back to the activities you love.
What Treatments Work For Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Acupuncture + Herbs + Moxa + TDP Lamp
Schedule Appointment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been proven to reduce inflammatory responses in the body. Acupuncture successfully downregulates a proinflammatory biochemical which results in anti-inflammatory responses.
Acupuncture significantly reduced both blood and synovial joint levels of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Other than anti- inflammatory benefits acupuncture helps your mood! Anyone who has been dealing with long term ailments that cause pain and limit mobility understand how that can drag on your emotions. Acupuncture is a therapy that not only is good for your health but is good for your outlook on life.
Herbs
Herbal medicine has been shown to be more effective as an anti-inflammatory and pain reducer than NSAIDs. In a published study, patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis showed a 90% reduction in symptoms using acupuncture and herbs. One of the things that makes herbs so effective is that they are customizable for you. No two people present with the same problems in the same way. It is important that your treatment is designed specifically to your body with your goals in mind.
Moxa
Moxa, also known as Ai Ye or Mugwort is one of the most beloved herbs in Chinese Medicine. This herb does it all and does it well. For Rheumatoid Arthritis, moxa is used to combat cold by warming the areas of pain. A research study showed an 83.3% total effective rate for acupuncture combined with moxa for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
TDP Lamp
This is the final secret weapon of treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with acupuncture so effective and cozy. A TDP lamp contains a plate formulated with trace minerals, including copper, that nourish the body along with the power of Far Infrared heat. The Far Infrared allows the heat mineral combination to penetrate upto 4 inches inside the body which rapidly increases tissue repair, circulation, decreases pain and much more.
Schedule an appointment and find out how these acupuncture and other modalities can help you achieve your wellness goals.
