Arthritis

Arthritis — particularly osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and hands — is one of the conditions with the strongest evidence base for acupuncture treatment. Clinical guidelines in Australia and internationally now include acupuncture as a recommended treatment option for osteoarthritis, recognising its ability to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve joint function without the side effects associated with long-term medication use. ^src

Acupuncture reduces arthritis pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, modulating inflammatory pathways, and improving blood circulation to the affected joints. For knee osteoarthritis in particular, research has demonstrated meaningful improvements in pain scores and physical function compared to standard care alone. Treatment may also help slow the progression of joint degeneration by maintaining better circulation and reducing chronic inflammation.

In TCM, arthritis is classified as a "Bi syndrome" — a condition where Wind, Cold, Dampness, or Heat invade the joints and obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood. The specific character of your arthritis symptoms — for example, whether pain worsens with cold weather, is accompanied by swelling and heat, or moves between joints — determines which pattern is being treated and which acupuncture points and herbal formulas are most appropriate.

Treatment typically involves weekly acupuncture sessions, often combined with moxa (heat therapy) for Cold-type arthritis or cupping for muscle tension around affected joints. Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed to address the internal pattern and reduce inflammation from within. Josephine works with your existing medical management and can coordinate with your GP or rheumatologist to ensure a complementary approach.