Rheumatoid Arthritis
Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis in North Vancouver
Rheumatoid arthritis can bring painful, swollen joints, morning stiffness and tiredness that affect everyday life. AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture as complementary support, alongside the care from your rheumatologist.
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness, usually in the same joints on both sides of the body, such as the hands, wrists and feet. RA can also cause fatigue and affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, lungs and blood vessels.
Early diagnosis and disease-modifying medication from a rheumatologist are key to protecting the joints. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning about your symptoms, medications and how RA affects your daily life before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Painful, swollen joints, often in the hands, wrists and feet
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than half an hour
- The same joints affected on both sides of the body
- Fatigue and a general sense of being unwell
- Difficulty with grip and everyday tasks
How Acupuncture May Be Used
Acupuncture for RA usually uses points on the arms, legs and body chosen for your pattern, avoiding inflamed or swollen joints during a flare, and moxibustion may be used where suitable. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, joint pain and stiffness are often described as "bi" (obstruction) patterns involving wind, cold, dampness or heat, so treatment considers your overall constitution as well as your joints.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may ease pain and stiffness for some people with RA, but the evidence is limited. Acupuncture does not change the course of the disease and doesn't replace the medication your rheumatologist prescribes. Chinese herbal medicine is only considered after a careful review, because some herbs can interact with RA medications.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your energy, sleep and digestion as well as your joints.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about your diagnosis, which joints are affected, flares, medications and recent tests, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. How often you come in is discussed and adjusted as care progresses.
Gout is a different kind of arthritis. See our gout page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your physician promptly for new joint swelling, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, or joint pain that keeps coming back, as early treatment of RA protects the joints. Seek urgent care for a hot, swollen joint with fever, especially if you take medication that affects your immune system, and for new shortness of breath or eye pain and redness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Rheumatoid Arthritis Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.