By North Tucson Acupuncture | Serving Oro Valley, Marana & the Greater Tucson Area
Blog Post at a Glance:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
- Chinese Medicine treats RA by identifying your unique internal pattern—not just the diagnosis.
- We focus on three systems in treatment: the joints, immune system, and nervous system.
- A combination of acupuncture, Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), and herbal medicine supports pain relief, relaxation, and immune balance.
- Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on tongue, pulse, symptoms, and constitution.
- One RA patient shared: “I got my life back.”
- If you’re in Oro Valley, Marana, or greater Tucson, we invite you to explore holistic care options for rheumatoid arthritis.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and in some cases, long-term joint damage. Western medicine typically manages rheumatoid arthritis with medications designed to suppress immune activity and reduce inflammation.
While these approaches can help, many patients still struggle with pain, fatigue, or side effects—and begin exploring more holistic options for relief.
How Chinese Medicine Views Rheumatoid Arthritis
In Western medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed using lab tests, imaging, and symptoms like joint swelling. These markers may appear similar in many patients.
But in Chinese Medicine, we take a different approach. We look beyond the diagnosis and evaluate your whole system—your tongue, pulse, complexion, digestion, sleep, and energy levels—to identify your unique pattern of imbalance.
Examples of common RA patterns in Chinese Medicine include:
- Wind-Damp Bi – Heavy, aching joints that worsen with damp weather
- Heat Bi – Red, inflamed joints with swelling and a rapid pulse
- Blood Stagnation – Sharp, fixed pain with restricted movement
- Kidney Deficiency – Fatigue, weakness, and chronic joint degeneration
No two people are exactly the same, and your treatment should reflect that.
Our Focus: Joints, Immune System & Nervous System
At North Tucson Acupuncture, treatment begins with identifying your individual pattern of rheumatoid arthritis—and then focusing on three major systems that influence your symptoms:
- Joints, where pain and inflammation are most visible
- Immune system, to help regulate autoimmune activity
- Nervous system, which controls stress and plays a key role in chronic inflammation
Why treat the nervous system?
Many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, are influenced by stress. When the body is stuck in a chronic “fight or flight” mode, the immune system may stay overactive. Calming the nervous system is often the missing piece in long-term relief.
Treatment Approach: Acupuncture, FSM & Herbs
To support healing, we combine:
- Acupuncture – to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and rebalance energy
- Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) – to calm the nervous system and support tissue repair
- Chinese herbal medicine – tailored to your unique pattern to support healing from within
These therapies work together to support both symptom relief and deep internal balance.
A Real Patient Experience
One patient, who had tried several approaches without lasting success, came in unsure what to expect. They were surprised by how quickly their symptoms improved.
In their words: “I got my life back.”
They shared that they came to truly look forward to each visit—not just for physical relief, but for the deep sense of calm and renewal it brought.
No One-Size-Fits-All in Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is all about treating you, not just your diagnosis. That means no two people with rheumatoid arthritis receive the same treatment plan. Your early response to care also gives us insight into how your body is healing—and helps us refine your plan as needed.
Looking for Natural Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you’re ready to explore holistic options for rheumatoid arthritis—whether newly diagnosed or years into managing symptoms—there is a path forward.
At North Tucson Acupuncture, we’re proud to support patients in Oro Valley, Marana, and throughout the greater Tucson area. Let’s explore how acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can support your healing.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
About This Blog Series
This blog series explores some of the more common—but often complex and challenging—conditions I treat in my clinic. Each post is personally written by me, Alastair Macleod, MAc.OM, drawing from real-world experience and the clinical outcomes I’ve seen firsthand.
Though these conditions can be difficult to manage with conventional approaches, my goal is to share insights and treatments that have consistently delivered good results for my patients. If you’re facing something similar, I hope this information helps you feel more informed, empowered, and hopeful on your healing journey.
