Innovative Application and Research Progress of Acupuncture Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease characterized by symmetrical polyarthritis. Although medication is its mainstay of treatment, it is not the only option. In fact, acupuncture, herbal tonics, surgery, and Tibetan medicine are also widely used in the treatment of RA, especially acupuncture. Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been practiced for thousands of years. It regulates the flow of qi and blood by stimulating specific points in the body to treat diseases. In the treatment of RA, acupuncture is believed to improve symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as improve the quality of life of patients. However, the mechanism of action of acupuncture in the treatment of RA is not fully understood. Still, current studies suggest that it may be related to several aspects such as neurological, endocrine, and immunological aspects. Overall, acupuncture in the treatment of RA still requires further research and exploration to clarify its mechanism of action and optimize the treatment protocol. The purpose of this paper is to study and explore the practical application value of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of RA as well as its principle of action.