Undergoing acupuncture for joint pain can be a good alternative for those who are for any reason unable or unwilling to take pain medication. However, acupuncture isn’t just an alternative. It also works very well as a complement to Western medicine, as long as you consult with your physician first before booking an appointment with the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic.

 

 

Our joints are particularly important part of our body. They allow for different types of movement, such as bending, walking, and kneeling. While joints are essential to efficient movement, they can also be where various types of pain can occur. Joint pain can impede movement and thus make even the simplest daily tasks more difficult. This means that finding ways to help treat joint pain is essential.

 

 

The nature of joint pain

Joint pain is actually quite common, and many of us experience it at least at one point in our lives. Usually, injury and arthritis are the causes of joint pain, though there are other possible causes as well. As we age, pain in the joints can become more and more common, especially for those who develop osteoarthritis.

 

 

Common causes

We put our joints through quite a lot. For one thing, we use them every day — basically every time that we move. When we walk, reach up to a shelf, type on our phones, grab our keys, we use our joints. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of things that can cause our joints pain, other than injury or arthritis.

 

Things like inflammation, the overuse or over-exertion of a joint, or cartilage damage behind the kneecaps can cause joint pain as well. Inflammation in particular can result from an injury that has healed, but has suddenly become painful again.

 

Injuries such as fractures or torn ligaments can cause bleeding in the joint, especially if the injury is to the knee. If the joint begins to swell, feel warm, and develops stiffness soon after the injury occurs, you may be experiencing something called haemarthrosis. It’s important to keep in mind that if one of your joints begin to swell too much, you have to see your doctor and get it checked out.

 

There are also certain viral infections that can lead to joint pain. Viral hepatitis and rubella are both infections that can cause joint pain as well as fever. While viral infections necessitate the use of medication, you can undergo acupuncture for joint pain itself.

 

 

Pain relief

When you’re experiencing pain in the joints, you can take pain relieving medication such as NSAIDS, which can also help reduce swelling. Rest is also vital, though it’s also important to have the appropriate amount of exercise. Stretching, massages, and even warm baths can be helpful to painful and swollen joints as well.

 

Remember that acupuncture can also be a viable option that can work well with other types of pain management techniques. As a bonus, acupuncture for joint pain also has other benefits aside from pain relief.

 

 

Acupuncture for joint pain

 

Acupuncture has been around for millennia, though it’s only recently that science has turned its lens to the centuries-old practice. There is still a lot more to explore about the scientific workings of acupuncture, though it has been practiced for a long time to help treat a variety of symptoms.

 

The human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points, all connected to the body’s life energy (called qi). The stimulation of these acupuncture points with the use of acupuncture needles can redirect the qi and help alleviate pain. Other than that, it can also help stimulate the production of endorphins, which can help relieve pain the natural way.

 

 

Acupuncture basics

Acupuncture entails the insertion of fine needles into your skin at the acupuncture points where your qi may be out of sync. After you speak to the acupuncturist about your symptoms, he or she will be able to identify the acupuncture points that need simulation.

 

At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, you’ll be treated by our owner and Licensed Acupuncturist, Tram Pham. Tram has years of experience under her belt, as well as a Master’s Degree in Chinese Medicine from Yo San University. She’ll be able to evaluate your symptoms and come up with an effective plan for you.

 

The difference between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine is that TCM bases treatments on the individuals themselves, not the particular ailment they have. When you make an appointment with us, you’ll be in good hands.

 

 

Precautions

Acupuncture is definitely worth a try, especially in cases such as pain relief. It’s basically something that can help you relieve pain without the need for medications that can be addictive and can have harmful side effects. Of course, like most other treatments, acupuncture has possible side effects as well. However, the most serious of acupuncture’s side effects are very rare. Other side effects, however, may include headaches, slight dizziness, fatigue, and “emotional release.” Usually, the side effects should only last for about two days.

At least, however, your reactions to acupuncture will likely be immediate, and will occur with your acupuncturist in the room with you. Thus, you will likely be taken care of right away, and the side effects will likely be dealt with right then and there.

 

 

Acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

In 2016, Tram took over the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, some time after the untimely and tragic death of Dr. Henry Han. Dr. Han bought the clinic in 1991 from its founder, Dr. Jean Yu, who opened the clinic in 1986. Tram is continuing the clinic’s 30-year tradition of providing Santa Barbara with acupuncture services and more. The can provide acupuncture for joint pain as well as for other issues.

 

Call us at 805-563-0222 or email us at info@santabarbaraherbclinic.com to make an appointment. You can come in any time on Mondays to Fridays, between 9am to 5:30pm. Proximity is also not a problem when it comes to consultations, since Tram can do them over the phone or over video calls. Make an appointment today and get on the road to all-natural holistic health.

 

 

 

References

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/arthritis-acupuncture#2

 

https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-ask-an-expert/ask-an-expert-about-acupuncture/ask-an-expert-about-acupuncture-side-effects/3928-acupuncture-after-effects.html

 

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/mind-body-pain-relief/acupuncture-gets-respect.php

 

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/07/06/acupuncture-relief-arthritis-pain

 

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003261.htm

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/joint-pain/