The Pros & Cons of Acupuncture: My Review

Psoriatic arthritis is a lifelong condition that causes your joints to hurt and swell. People with psoriatic arthritis can also have patches of red, thick skin with silvery scales. In light of this, you may need to think outside the box to get your psoriasis flares under control. That's where acupuncture comes in.

When was the last time you had any kind of relief from your psoriatic arthritis? As for me, I have lost count of the years as they have flown by.

What is acupuncture?

Someone asked me once if I had ever considered acupuncture. I told them absolutely not. Immediately, when I hear this word, I think of a bunch of pins going into different parts of my body. I actually had no idea what she was talking about. I asked if she would elaborate. She told me that acupuncture is used as a pain relief option. Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body, by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is an ancient Chinese tradition.

There have been extensive studies conducted on acupuncture. They study the back, neck, headache and osteoarthritis pain. Research suggests that acupuncture can help with certain pain conditions. Psoriatic arthritis is tricky to treat and affects every individual differently. Many of us seek out new treatments to get our symptoms under control. Most of these are scientifically proven, but some people are able to find relief using special diets, pills or acupuncture.

Benefits of acupuncture with psoriatic arthritis

After looking at what acupuncture is, I was basically correct in seeing all these needles going into different parts of my body. I’m not convinced that I would consider this as a pain option. The reason I say this is because there is so much more to look at. If you are considering this option, make sure you research the doctor and check his or her references. Make sure your insurance company would pay for any treatments. I know some insurance companies pay; while some do not. This is very important to know. With so many people in pain maybe this could be the new method of helping them.

Advice for those considering acupuncture

If you are considering acupuncture, I would advise you to do your homework as if you were looking for a rheumatologist or dermatologist. Get references and make sure the practitioner is licensed by the Board of Practitioners of Acupuncture. We all want to be pain-free, and we can be by being smart enough to make the best decisions for our bodies and health.

As for myself living in pain on a daily basis with psoriatic arthritis, acupuncture would certainly be a welcome touch. This could certainly change people's lives. I love researching new information and how it can affect something that I experience.

We don’t have enough research to know how it affects the brain. A lot of times we can find something that will work for one thing and the next thing we are dealing with some other problem. I suggest you know all the facts - ask the practitioner questions before having the procedure done.

The bottom line that when it comes to this 3,000-year-old alternative, you have to use your own judgment to decide if it’s right for you or not. Talk to your doctor so that he or she knows all your treatment plans.

Over the years I have been an active advocate for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, speaking up and out about this disease and how to improve the quality of people’s lives.