Q Is it safe to insert acupuncture needles into an inflamed joint? I'm worried it might actually cause more swelling.
A Direct needling should be avoided in areas with severe acute redness and heat; instead, stimulation of distal acupoints or indirect treatment is used. Properly administered acupuncture treatment does not worsen inflammation and actually has anti-inflammatory effects. It is safe when performed by a skilled Korean medicine doctor.
Detailed Answer
During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic anti-inflammatory acupoints on the hands, arms, and legs, located far from the affected joint, are prioritized over direct needling of the joint. Acupuncture treatment works by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory neuropeptides (beta-endorphin and CGRP), thereby actually reducing local inflammation. If you are taking immunosuppressants, it is standard practice to use sterile disposable needles to prevent infection.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, for joint pain characterized by a "hot" nature accompanied by redness and a sensation of heat, the treatment principle of cooling and expelling heat is applied. This involves stimulating points in pathways located far above and below the painful joint to direct the heat downward. At Dongjedang, we first evaluate the condition of the joint and provide safe treatment by adjusting the insertion sites and depths according to the acute and stable phases.
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