Acupuncture, one of the oldest medical procedures in the world, started in China more than 2,000 years ago. Widely practiced in Asia and Europe, acupuncture for pain relief is increasingly popular with people in the United States. But how much do we really know about the effectiveness of acupuncture for the relief of arthritis pain? Here’s a look at the Western science behind Chinese needle therapy.

How Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain Works

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the belief that an essential life force called qi (“chee”) flows through the body along channels called meridians. These meridians are like rivers that irrigate the body and nourish its tissues. Any obstruction along one of the meridians is like a dam that blocks the vital energy flow, creating pain and disease.

The insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points along the meridians is thought to help unblock the clogged energy channels. There are more than 2,000 such points on the body. Some practitioners use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or electrical impulses along with or instead of the usual needles, but the goal is always the same: to stimulate these points.

If meridians exist, Western scientists have found it hard to locate them. They don’t correspond to the pathways of the nervous or circulatory system. That’s not to say that acupuncture doesn’t work. There have been numerous studies of the therapy’s effectiveness, but many have been limited by poor design or small size. When it comes to arthritis pain relief, a 1997 consensus statement from the National Institutes of Health listed several conditions, including osteoarthritis, for which acupuncture “may be useful” when combined with standard medical care.

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

The first acupuncture session may last about an hour and a half, with follow-up sessions taking about 30 minutes to an hour. Generally, 3 to 15 needles are put in place and left there for several minutes. Getting stuck with needles may sound more like torture than therapy. Yet most people say there’s a slight stinging sensation as the needles enter, and no pain at all after that. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid with a smooth point, not hollow with cutting edges like hypodermic needles. So, having them inserted may not be as uncomfortable as getting a shot or having blood drawn. The number of sessions needed varies. For a complex, long-standing problem such as arthritis, one or two treatments a week for several months is not uncommon. The cost generally runs $30 to $100 per session or more. In some cases, insurance may cover acupuncture for arthritis pain relief. You may wish to check with your insurance carrier prior to scheduling any acupuncture appointment.

Most people do not experience side effects from acupuncture therapy. However, some side effects such as bleeding or infection can occur and may be minimized through the use of disposable needles. Some people who have never experienced acupuncture may feel dizzy after their first acupuncture treatment.

As with any complimentary therapy, you should consult your doctor if you’re considering acupuncture for the relief of arthritis pain. He or she may choose to recommend it as part of your regular medical treatment. Your doctor may also refer you to a qualified practitioner.

When choosing an acupuncturist, you should ask about experience and credentials. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture offers a referral service listing more than 1,500 physicians with specialized training in acupuncture. You can find the referral service on their web site at www.medicalacupuncture.org. When considering a non-physician acupuncturist, you should look for one who is licensed and/or certified. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certifies practitioners who have passed written and practical exams and who have significant formal schooling or professional experience.