Finding Relief: How Acupuncture Eases Arthritic Pain

Did you know, that according to the WHO around 350 million people worldwide are affected by arthritis? This includes osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis types such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. While biomedical science and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer different explanations and treatments for arthritis, they can be combined to provide a comprehensive healing strategy.

Biomedical Understanding of Arthritis

From a biomedical standpoint, OA pain can result from a variety of causes, including cartilage breakdown, bone spurs, inflammation and soft tissue strain. Commonly affected areas are the knees, hips, hands or spine. For rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, the pain typically arises from autoimmune attack and joint erosion. 

The management of arthritic pain in biomedicine focuses on addressing the root causes of inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and joint discomfort through specific therapies, supplements, and medications. This method combines traditional medical treatments with nutraceutical interventions to control the biochemical pathways associated with arthritis.

Common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib, or corticosteroids. In cases of severe pain or autoimmune-related arthritis, biologics may also be prescribed. Although these medications are relatively safe, more people are now turning to a holistic approach for managing pain.

Pathogens in TCM related to Arthritic Pain

1. Wind (风)

- Associated with pain that shifts between joints (“wandering pain”).- Frequently linked to stiffness and discomfort that changes with the weather.

2. Cold (寒)

-Causes intense, fixed pain that worsens in cold weather or with exposure to cold.-Cold obstructs the movement of Qi (energy) and blood, leading to stagnation in the joints.

3. Dampness (湿)

-Results in heavy, aching pain often accompanied by swelling and stiffness.-Commonly linked to chronic conditions and aggravated by humid environments.

4. Heat (热)

-May occur in inflammatory arthritis types (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).-Characterized by redness, swelling, burning pain, and stiffness.

5. Deficiency of Qi and Blood

Chronic arthritis may be related to a deficiency in Qi, blood, liver, or kidney, which are essential for nourishing and lubricating joints.

How Does Acupuncture Alleviate Arthritic Pain?

In TCM, pain is commonly described as "When there is free flow, there is no pain; when there is obstruction, there is pain" (通则不痛, 不通则痛). Pain disrupts the smooth flow of Qi and blood within the body, leading to stagnation. This stagnation depletes Qi as the body attempts to regain balance, gradually exhausting energy reserves. Acupuncture works by removing any blockages in the Qi flow and significantly enhances blood circulation. Improved circulation is crucial for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, promoting healing, and maintaining overall health. Acupuncture can also assist in the reduction of the inflammation which overtime contributes to joint deterioration associated with arthritis. 

How do Acupuncturists Provide Personalized Therapy?

Acupuncturists provide tailored treatments by assessing each individual’s health condition, constitution, and type of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout). They consider symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, and sensations of heat or cold in the joints, identifying imbalances in the body’s meridians or energy lines. Treatments are then customized to restore harmony and promote holistic healing.

Book an appointment with us and start your journey to holistic healing today.

---

Jessica Waddell (She/Her/Hers) R.Ac

After graduating from a four-year Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine program at CITCM in Calgary, AB, Jessica went on to complete a month long internship at Mianyang Hospital of TCM in Mianyang, China.

Jessica is accepting new patients bookings for Monday and Wednesday at TIMC. As a Registered Acupuncturist, she treats a wide variety of conditions, ranging from cosmetic rejuvenation and gynaecological health to stress management, insomnia, chronic illness, and pain.

Book Jessica

How to Manage IBS Gut Health During the Holidays: Traditional Chinese Medicine Tips

Are you prepared for the upcoming holidays? The refrigerators are likely stocked with festive food and treats.

On the topic of food, we've observed that many patients come back after the holidays seeking relief for indigestion. For those who have visited us recently, we recommended Shan Zha, a sour-tasting TCM herb that aids digestion. Today, we want to focus on how to protect an IBS gut during this season.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis in IBS Management

The gut-brain axis is an intriguing communication network linking the digestive system to the brain. This connection impacts how stress and emotions influence IBS symptoms. Research indicates that approximately 60-70% of IBS patients identify stress as a significant trigger for their symptoms. Factors such as travel plans, dietary changes, or emotional family events can activate the stress response, increasing stress levels. These can exacerbate IBS symptoms, resulting in episodes of diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Holiday Foods to Monitor for Those with IBS

Sweets like peppermint candy canes, chocolate, and caffeine-infused desserts can provoke acid reflux. While fruit is a healthier option, those with reflux should steer clear of high-acid fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, oranges, and pineapples. Fatty foods like roasted meat, gravy, and eggnog can slow digestion and relax the esophagus, causing stomach acid to flow back up. Spicy and acidic foods, including tomato sauce, hot peppers, and citrus fruits, can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn. Soft cheese contains more lactose than hard cheese, making it harder to digest. Additionally, alcohol can cause stomach acid to rise because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter.Furthermore, eliminating common irritants such as dairy, gluten, and excess sugar can greatly decrease inflammation. Research has shown that people who removed these foods from their diets experienced symptom relief in approximately 70% of cases. Paying attention to how your body responds can help you adjust your diet during the holiday to enhance gut health.

Acupuncture for IBS Stress Management

some suggest that acupuncture could still benefit certain individuals with IBS. Acupuncture might function by activating electromagnetic signals in the body, which promote the release of pain-relieving chemicals or initiate the body's natural healing processes.

Multiple controlled trials have concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating IBS symptoms. The studies showed that this practice helped relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and the feeling of incomplete bowel movements.

A 2020 study compared acupuncture to traditional medications like polyethylene glycol 4000 and pinaverium bromide, concluding that acupuncture was more effective in treating IBS symptoms than these medicines.

Nutritional Recommendations in Chinese Medicine for IBS

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) results from an imbalance between the liver and spleen. The liver's role is to maintain the flow of qi, or energy, and it is linked to emotions. When the liver experiences stress, its qi becomes stagnant and inhibits the spleen, which is central to digestion.

Diet plays a vital role in controlling IBS symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine often advises eating warm, easily digestible foods to strengthen the spleen and facilitate the movement of liver qi. We recommend these two types of congee and soup to protect your gut during the holidays.

Chinese Style Rice Congee

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice or short-grain rice

• 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• Optional toppings:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Shredded chicken or tofu

  • Chopped vegetables (carrots, spinach, or mushrooms)

  • Sesame oil

  • Pickled vegetables

  • Chopped cilantro

  • Soy sauce or tamari

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the congee has a creamy consistency.

4. Add salt and stir well. Adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth if needed.

5. Serve hot in bowls, topped with your choice of optional toppings.

   .

Winter Warming Root Vegetable Soup

This hearty and nutritious soup is perfect for cold winter days. Packed with root vegetables, it’s not only delicious but also comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and diced

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 1 medium turnip, peeled and diced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

  
  

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and turnip to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

4. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. If using, stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

6. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.

7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

   
   

Savor your nourishing bowl of wholesome food during the holiday season! See you next year!

Book an appointment

Between Needles and Nerves: How Acupuncture Takes on Anxiety

Anxiety are overwhelming, and exhausting. While traditional biomedical therapies are common, acupuncture, is also becoming popular for reducing anxiety. Let's explore the science behind acupuncture and its impact on mental health.

Neurological Effects of Acupuncture on Anxiety

A study found acupuncture reduced activity in the amygdala, a brain area crucial for fear and anxiety processing, thus potentially decreasing anxiety and stress. When needles are intentionally inserted into certain points, they stimulate sensory nerves. This process can trigger the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for mood balance. Studies show that individuals with anxiety often have lower levels of these chemicals.

In the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, a systematic review advices that acupuncture significantly lowered anxiety levels compared to control groups. Participants undergoing acupuncture reported a 40% reduction in anxiety symptoms after a series of treatments.

Another randomized controlled trial found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced greater improvements in anxiety symptoms—up to 50% fewer distressing thoughts—compared to those only receiving standard care. This suggests that combining acupuncture with conventional treatments may enhance overall health outcomes, providing patients with comprehensive relief.

Mind-Body Connection in Acupuncture Treatments

From TCM perspective, we view emotions as an integrated aspect of organ functions, and sometimes the root cause of disease. As for anxiety, it primarily affects the organ functions of heart and liver, in regard to the symptoms of insomnia, racing thoughts, irritation, and excessive worry. Sometimes, anxiety can lead to depression, if that excessive energy stagnate within the body. Patients will experience fatigue, tired, low in evergy. The acupuncture can allivate the symptoms by moving the energy and rejuvenate the balance of mind-body connection. Focusing on the body as a unified whole rather than just treating specific symptoms, acupuncture fosters a state of well-being.  

Supported by empirical research and expert perspectives, acupuncture emphasizes the deep connections between our minds and bodies to harness the body's natural healing mechanisms. The gentle nature of acupuncture can result in a soothing effect, promoting overall health beyond merely managing anxiety. If you're contemplating trying acupuncture or wish to add it to your anxiety management plan, you are welcome to make an appointment with us.

I'd like to book an appointment now