Gout and Acupuncture Treatments

A gout attack occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood, crystallizes and gets deposited in the joints, on tendons, and in the surrounding tissues, causing redness, swelling and pain. The most common site of a gout attack is the metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe, however other joints including heels, knees, wrists, and fingers, can be affected.

Acupuncture by itself offers highly effective relief from the pain and swelling of a gout attack because it increases the circulation of blood to the affected area and breaks up the stagnation causing pain and swelling. Acupuncture can also improve the function of the kidneys and liver to prevent or reduce the frequency of attacks.

Because there are many causes for this condition including hereditary factors, diet and lifestyle, it is important that the root cause of gout symptoms be understood to permanently treat this condition. Gout frequently occurs in combination with other medical problems, and a gout attack can often be a signal of other metabolic disturbances such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and elevated lipids in the blood.

In some instances, a change in diet, exercise and acupuncture treatments are enough to manage or eliminate the duration and frequency of gout attacks. In other cases, acupuncture in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines, will work. Acupuncture is also used as a complimentary treatment with Western medical procedures to treat or cure gout. Like almost all medical conditions, the speed of recovery and the duration of treatment, will depend on how long the condition has existed and the overall condition of the patient.