Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Will acupuncture help me?
A: Yes, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help with the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The usual treatment course will be one to three months of weekly treatments, dietary and herbal prescriptions, and tai chi or qigong exercises.
There are various etiologies and variances of this condition, so a thorough evaluation with a licensed practitioner will assist in determining the proper course of action. You can find a licensed practitioner near you at www.acupuncture.com.
Additionally, you may find the herbal supplements “Arthritis/Joint” and “DuraBone” particularly helpful in relieving joint pain, promoting their natural function, and strengthening one’s bones, respectively. Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.