Ever since I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at twenty-eight years old, it has slowly taken over control of my life. The pain and stiffness in my joints made it difficult for me to perform even the simplest of tasks, like opening a jar or walking up a flight of stairs. I had lived a relatively healthy lifestyle and never would I have thought that I would be relying on prescription drugs to manage my symptoms. Drugs that would bring way more negative side effects that outweigh the pain relief. I was determined to find an alternative treatment.
Doctor after doctor would tell me about conventional medications to mask the symptoms, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). While these treatments can be effective, they came with a long list of side effects ranging from nausea and fatigue to increased risk of infections and osteoporosis. Not only that, but most of the medications did not work for me.
I was told time and time again, “This is something you are just going to have to live with.”
To which I respond, “Not if I can help it”
I’d stumbled upon an article that told a story of a gentleman, who had also been dealing with the chronic pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis and traveled to China to discover a true, natural solution. Acupuncture.
With further research I found that Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, promoting circulation, and reducing inflammation. It can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, which can contribute to chronic pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic arthritis pain. Acupuncture was more effective than usual care in improving pain and quality of life in patients presenting with cases like mine.
I decided to try acupuncture as a last resort. As to be expected, after my first session I hadn’t felt a significant change. But, with a consistent treatment schedule, I felt a noticeable improvement in my pain levels after my first month! Over the course of several weeks, I continued to receive acupuncture treatments, and my pain levels continued to decrease. I have experienced firsthand that Acupuncture can provide significant relief and has greatly improved my quality of life. It’s important to find a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. For me, it was Acupuncturist Min, Jeon. Additionally, it’s important to keep an open mind and be patient, as it may take several sessions to see the full benefits of acupuncture.
I am back performing those everyday tasks like opening all the pickle jars in my fridge and taking the stairs as frequently as I please.
My personal experience with acupuncture has been nothing short of miraculous, and I encourage others struggling with chronic pain to consider trying acupuncture as a means to get their LIFE BACK.