Learn How To Use An Acupuncture Pen For Arthritis

If you know anyone who struggles with arthritis, you will know how much pain and strain it can cause in everyday life. When my mom was recommended an acupuncture pen, she was a little dubious.

But she was in so much pain she decided to give it a shot! And she was sure glad she did!

Conditions such as arthritis can be a cause of constant pain in everyday life, so it is no surprise that a wide range of methods have become available when it comes to alleviating some of that pain for people with arthritis.

Arthritis can cause mild to severe joint pain, but it can also cause pain in other areas too, such as neck pain.

Acupuncture treatment has long been a tried and tested method of relieving pain- originating in Chinese medicine- and has been known to be used for those suffering from arthritis, so it is no surprise that the acupuncture pen has also started being used to help with the common chronic pain disorder.

We are going to be taking a look at the acupuncture pen for arthritis and how it can help deal with arthritic pain. Let’s get started.

Using An Acupuncture Pen For Arthritis

Photo by Tom Jackson

Acupuncture pens provide a holistic treatment option for people suffering from a huge range of conditions. From menstrual cramps to vertigo (take a look at this article titled Acupuncture Pen Points For Vertigo to learn more), acupuncture pens really can do it all.

Arthritis is one of the most common – and painful – chronic conditions affecting people today. Many people who suffer from arthritis say that they cannot even stand thinking about getting out of bed in the morning due to the amount of pain that they feel constantly.

Activities that put pressure on the joints can only worsen the pain, and people with severe arthritis can suffer from constant pain without doing any exercise at all. If you’re one of these people, you might be interested in trying an acupuncture pen for arthritis.

It is important to keep in mind that the acupuncture pen does NOT cure arthritis. That being said, it can help to reduce the amount of pain you feel, and it can also improve your quality of sleep at night if you use it regularly. The best part about the acupuncture pen is that it works quickly and efficiently. You only need to apply it once a day, and it will work wonders when it comes to reducing your arthritic pain.

If you think that an acupuncture pen could be beneficial to you, then you should talk with your doctor about it. They will be able to determine whether or not you’re suitable to use the acupuncture pen for arthritis and what precautions you should take. For more information, you can also take a look at this article titled How To Use An Acupuncture Pen.

Benefits Of An Acupuncture Pen For Arthritic Pain

There are various benefits to be had from using an acupuncture pen for arthritis pain. Some include:

  • If used appropriately, the pen can be beneficial to overall health.
  • Help with relaxation.
  • Reduces arthritis pain.
  • Aids with sleep
  • Can help to lower stress levels.

Debunking Acupuncture Pen Myths 

There are many myths surrounding the use of the acupuncture pen for arthritis, but it is important to understand that it can be an effective physical therapy method for relieving all sorts of pain. Many people still believe the acupuncture pen is nothing but a placebo, but this could not be further from the truth!

Instead, the acupuncture pen can actually stimulate the body’s own natural healing process and create an anti-inflammatory effect on the affected areas. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat pain and illness, and there is a good reason for that!

The acupuncture pen offers a quick and easy alternative to actual acupuncture. Many people are put off traditional acupuncture treatment due to the use of acupuncture needles. However, acupuncture pens don’t use needles. Rather, they use electrical impulses to mimic the effect of the needles.

If you need some more convincing, take a look at this article titled Do Acupuncture Pens Work. You’ll be rushing to purchase one after reading!

Studies Relating To The Effectiveness Of Acupuncture For Arthritis

If you are interested in reading more about how acupuncture can be beneficial for those struggling with arthritis, the following articles and journals contain a great deal of information on the subject:

Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associated Mechanisms: A Systemic Review

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-blind Controlled Pilot Study

Intradermal Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Study Protocol For a Randomized Controlled Trial

Pressure Points For Arthritis Acupuncture

The tricky thing about arthritis is that there are various different kinds, meaning that there are also various different acupuncture pressure points depending on what kind of arthritis you are dealing with.

Here are a few images with examples of different pressure points for various forms of arthritis.

Acupoint: GB-34 (Other Names: Gallbladder-34/Yang Ling Quan/Yang Mound Spring)

Acupoint GB-34 is the acupressure point used to treat peripheral neuropathy.

This acupoint is located in the dent below the small bone jutting out of the side of the knee. Gradually apply pressure and gradually relax to stimulate this acupoint.

Acupoint GB-34 is also an effective acupoint for the treatment of knee swelling, beriberi, and numbness of the lower back.

Acupoint: GB-30 (Other Names: Gallbladder-30/Huan Tiao/Jumping Circle)

Acupoint GB-30 is the acupoint used to treat coxitis and is also one of the best acupressure points for sciatica.

GB-30 is located one-third between the sacrum and hip on the outside of the buttock, deep under the glute muscles. More simply, the outer hip buttock region.

You can also find the acupoint by bending your leg as shown in the diagram above. Your sole will be pointing at GB-30 naturally.

Then, you can use a tennis ball or spiky ball to reach this sciatica pressure point. You can also apply firm pressure with your fingers on this acupoint for 1 – 2 minutes.

The Chinese name is translated to “Jumping Circle” because it can be found at the pivotal hip region of the lower limb.

It is also helpful in treating other issues, including skin conditions such as urticaria and eczema. It tonifies Qi and the blood, as well as resolves damp-heat.

GB-30 is also one of the great acupuncture points for hip pain.

Acupoint: LI-13 (Other Names: Large Intestine-13/Shou Wu Li/Arm Five Miles)

Acupoint LI-13 is a great source of relief for the treatment of elbow arthritis.

To activate this point, hold one arm at a 90-degree angle in front of the body with your palm facing up; you can even hold the opposite elbow if it is comfortable. Then from the LI-11 point at the crease of your inner elbow, measure up the bicep 4 finger widths. Apply pressure at this point where the muscle meets bone to improve blood flow. Press slowly on the left and right for about 3 to 5 minutes. Do this once or twice a day.

In addition to being a good treatment for numbness in the arm, greatly reducing arthritic discomfort in the arms, this acupoint is also a great acupressure point to reduce arm fat.

Acupoint: LI-15 (Other Names: Large Intestine-15/Jian Yu/Shoulder Bone)

Acupoint LI-15 is used for arthritis in the shoulder as it can greatly reduce shoulder discomfort.

The pressure point is located at the tip of the shoulder in a dent created when you raise your arm and level it to the side.

This shoulder pressure point is also a great pressure point for pimples and skin concerns.

Author: P. Sze

P. Sze P. Sze is the founder of TCM Tips and Dragon Acupuncture®. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a first-class honor in Civil Engineering. S he also holds a master’s degree in Engineering and is the brain behind the innovative TCM products of Dragon Acupuncture®. She is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Auricular Therapy: Application of Ear Seeds (ISBN 978-1520451398) and Facial Gua Sha - Fight the Signs of Aging Naturally and Inexpensively (ISBN 978-1980678922). She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the complex theories behind oriental medicine and the seemingly dangerous techniques that involve needles and fire do not scare you from trying oriental medicine. This is why she writes endlessly about acupressure and its countless health and wellness benefits.

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