Can Acupuncture Help My Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know first-hand how life-altering this auto-immune condition can be. From pain and stiffness to reduced mobility, the symptoms can be pervasive and, frankly, disheartening. 

Healthcare professionals usually recommend getting diagnosed and starting treatment early, especially if you notice tenderness or pain in your small joints, like your fingers or toes.

However, many patients want to explore alternative options beyond or alongside prescribed medications. If you’re looking for another potential solution, you’ve come to the right place. 

Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, it’s gaining widespread recognition in the U.S. as a helpful therapeutic option.

California has been particularly quick to adopt acupuncture in recent decades. In fact, it boasts one of the highest numbers of acupuncturists per capita in the U.S. 

But we know what you’re wondering: can acupuncture services actually help with the symptoms of RA? 

Whether you’re curious about its potential benefits or if it could be a complementary medicine to your current treatment, this guide will explain everything you need to know about acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis. 

Let’s dive into this time-tested therapy for RA patients. 

First: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA happens when your immune system mistakenly targets your healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation. Over time, this can damage cartilage, bones, and surrounding structures, potentially leading to long-term joint destruction.

Common symptoms of RA include persistent joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. You may also experience fatigue often, along with decreased mobility.

If you live with RA, you’ve likely experienced how it can make everyday tasks, like getting dressed or holding objects, more difficult. For many, the condition also creates physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that require a strong treatment plan to maintain quality of life.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

While acupuncture is not a replacement for medical treatments prescribed by your doctor, it may complement conventional therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. We often recommend that our patients combine prescription treatments and acupuncture for an effective approach. 

Here are some of the ways acupuncture might help people with RA: 

Alleviating Joint Pain

One of the primary reasons people with RA seek acupuncture is for joint pain management. Acupuncture is proven to release endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers—which can help alleviate pain from joint issues and improve how you move.

Supporting Circulation and Joint Health

Acupuncture promotes the flow of blood to affected areas, which aids in nourishing damaged tissues, improving joint function, and speeding healing processes. Improved circulation can also help reduce the sensation of stiffness, a common concern for RA patients. 

Addressing Inflammation

RA is caused by inflammation, and acupuncture has been proven through numerous studies to reduce inflammation at the site of injuries.  Some studies suggest that acupuncture treatments influence cytokines—proteins involved in inflammation—and help balance their activity in the body.

Encouraging Relaxation and Stress Management

Living with a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis can take a toll on mental health. Unfortunately, this can become a vicious cycle; the Arthritis Foundation states that the body’s stress response triggers a release of chemicals that increase tension in muscles, which can amplify RA pain. 

Acupuncture is well known for its calming therapeutic effects, which can help reduce stress levels and promote better sleep一both of which are vital for managing chronic conditions.

Acupuncture aims to address not just physical symptoms but also emotional and mental health. Many people find the practice to be deeply relaxing, leaving them feeling more balanced and in control of their RA symptoms.

Bolstering the Immune System 

Acupuncture is thought to influence the immune system by promoting balance and reducing inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture encourages the body to release natural chemicals that modulate immune system responses and enhance overall well-being. 

This process can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups while addressing symptoms like pain and stiffness.

What Does Science Say About Acupuncture?

Research on the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis continues to grow. Many studies have highlighted acupuncture’s ability to help manage symptoms, such as joint pain and morning stiffness, and improve the quality of life for those with arthritis.

For example, a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in 2022 found that the assessed patients with RA who were treated with acupuncture experienced a significantly reduced pain score in comparison to the control group. 

More recently, a 2024 systematic review of immunological studies on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of RA found that the combination can improve the clinical symptoms of RA patients, largely by affecting a variety of cytokines. 

Note: Moxibustion is another traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning a dried herb called mugwort on or near specific points on the body.

A different narrative review from 2024 states that the safety of acupuncture is considered to be very high. It also shared that acupuncture may offer treatment for many autoimmune disease symptoms, including pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. 

All in all, plenty of scientific evidence reports that acupuncture treatment can safely complement existing therapies, particularly for relieving pain and stress. 

While there’s enough evidence to be promising, acupuncture’s effects vary from person to person, and its success often depends on factors like treatment frequency and the skill of the acupuncturist.  

What to Expect During Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary approach to other treatment modalities for rheumatoid arthritis, such as medications prescribed in internal medicine or physical therapy. By combining acupuncture with other evidence-based therapies, RA patients will have the chance to explore holistic ways to improve their quality of life.

If you’re considering acupuncture, here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Initial Consultation

During the initial session, the acupuncture practitioner will discuss your health history, RA symptoms, potential adverse effects, and treatment goals. They may also have you fill out a health assessment questionnaire. 

This step helps your practitioner design a plan for you. The goal is to customize acupuncture sessions to support better symptom management and improve your overall quality of life.

2. The Treatment Process

Thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupoints on your body. These needles are placed gently and precisely, and most people feel no or minimal pain. Many describe the sensation as a slight tingling, warmth, or pressure. 

3. Relaxation Time

Once the last acupuncture needle is in place, you’ll typically rest in a comfortable position for 20–40 minutes. This period isn’t just part of the treatment; it’s also an opportunity to unwind. Many RA patients find this time deeply relaxing, which can further enhance the therapeutic effects of the session.

4. Follow-Up

Acupuncture for RA is most effective when done as part of a series of sessions. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your practitioner may recommend weekly treatments at first, gradually reducing the frequency as improvements occur. 

Considerations Before Trying Acupuncture for RA

Consistency Matters

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is viewed as a gradual process that works best with regular sessions. Sticking to a regular schedule of acupuncture sessions is key to addressing joint pain and achieving meaningful results. 

However, acupuncture is just one piece of the puzzle. Making other consistent lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and following prescribed treatments, can further support your overall health and help manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Choose a Qualified Practitioner

Finding a skilled, certified acupuncturist is one of the most important steps when adding acupuncture to your treatment plan.

Look for someone trained in proper acupuncture needle use and who has experience treating individuals with chronic pain or autoimmune conditions. A licensed acupuncturist will also adhere to strict hygiene standards and adjust the treatment to your specific needs.

Licensed Acupuncturists in the State of California 

You can usually spot sham acupuncture through a lack of proper certification. Always verify credentials and ask about the practitioner’s experience before beginning alternative medicine treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from acupuncture for RA? 

In short- everyone!  There are no contraindications for the use of acupuncture with RA patients.  Acupuncture may benefit individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who are looking for complementary approaches to manage their symptoms. While results vary, it is especially helpful for people seeking non-invasive ways to support their overall well-being alongside traditional treatments. 

How often should one undergo acupuncture sessions for RA management? 

The frequency of acupuncture sessions for rheumatoid arthritis management depends on the severity of your symptoms and your practitioner’s recommendations. Typically, individuals start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions for the first few weeks to address acute symptoms. 

As improvements are noted, acupuncture sessions may taper to once every two to four weeks for maintenance. 

Are there any risks associated with acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis? 

Acupuncture is generally considered a safe and low-risk treatment when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. 

Some people experience mild side effects like slight bruising, soreness, or fatigue after a session, but these typically resolve quickly. Additionally, care should be taken when inserting needles near inflamed or swollen joints to avoid exacerbating discomfort. 

Can acupuncture be used alongside other treatments for RA? 

Yes, you can use acupuncture alongside conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, such as medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Always discuss your RA treatment plan with your healthcare provider to confirm acupuncture integrates safely with your existing therapies and does not interfere with your overall management strategy.

How long does it take to see results from acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis? 

The time it takes to see results from acupuncture varies based on individual factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the frequency of sessions. Some people report feeling relief after just one or two sessions, while others may require several weeks of consistent treatment to notice improvements in pain, mobility, or inflammation. 

A Holistic Approach to Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

At Solis Acupuncture, we believe in the power of holistic therapies to complement traditional medical RA treatment. 

Acupuncture is one of several services we offer to help manage rheumatic diseases like RA. While acupuncture won’t necessarily cure rheumatoid arthritis, it can be an effective part of a broader strategy to reduce pain, ease inflammation, and improve your quality of life.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be tough, but you’re not alone on this journey. If you’re ready to explore how evidence-based complementary therapies like acupuncture may help with your RA symptoms, our Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley teams are here to guide you. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relieving pain through acupuncture.