Another option for arthritis pain
Speaking of arthritis pain, remember drugs aren't the only way to spell relief. I've told you before how fish oil can relieve joint pain and even reverse damage to joint cartilage. And I know many people who reduced or completely eliminated their arthritis pain by eliminating vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant (called nightshade vegetables) from their diets.
But diet and supplements aren't the only alternatives. Acupuncture is another good option: research has shown that it can help improve mobility and reduce pain, particularly in patients with arthritis pain in the knee or hip.
In one recent German study, researchers tracked 712 arthritis sufferers. Half of the group received acupuncture treatments, while the other half did not. After three months of therapy, the acupuncture group reported 36% improvement in severity of pain, stiffness and joint performance, while controls' scores remained the same. Even better, the acupuncture group's improvements remained steady for at least three months after they stopped the sessions. This is just one of several excellent studies that support the use of acupuncture in knee arthritis. But take note: the study participants had regular acupuncture treatments for three months. Don't expect a single treatment to improve things immediately (although this can happen). Give it yourself at least six treatments for a reasonable trial.
If you're interested in trying acupuncture, do your homework. Licensing requirements vary from state to state; to find out the rules in your area, contact your state's Board of Health. You can also contact the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture to find a qualified acupuncturist in your area; call them at (323) 937-5514 or visit their website at www.medicalacupuncture.org.
