Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at particular points in your skin. The therapist may stimulate the needles manually by heat (with a dried herb called moxa) or by a small electrical current (electro-acupuncture). Practitioners sometimes treat more than one person at a time because the needles have to be left in place for some time. Acupuncture aids pain relief as there is the stimulation of endorphins and oxytocin.
Acupuncture seems to relieve pain by diverting or changing the painful sensations that are sent to your brain from damaged tissues and by stimulating your body’s own pain-relieving hormones (endorphins and encephalins). This pain relief may only last a short time when you begin treatment, but repeated treatment (usually weekly for six or eight sessions) can bring long-term benefit, often for several months. If the pain returns, more acupuncture may help for another few months.
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, and may be especially helpful for patients who prefer it to other options or are concerned about taking medication.