What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as in other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system.

The immune system is a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, particularly infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.

While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

Why should one seek treatment with Dr. Yu?

Dr. Zhang herself has personally experienced the power of acupuncture in her treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in March 2005 in Beijing. She was originally treated through the Western medical system which entailed pharmaceutical medications typically used to control rheumatoid arthritis. The medications (Methotrexate) had side effects that are damaging to the liver and kidney. In March 2008, Dr. Zhang had her first acupuncture treatment with Dr. Yu, and shortly afterward stopped her Western Medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Within two months of having acupuncture treatments she had reduced swelling and pain relief. After three months of treatments she was symptom free and her ESR went down from 32 to 12. Her physical condition is markedly improved and she can now work eight hours a day pain free.

Unique three-needle therapy technique

Dr. Yu has specially merged three Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, called "Three needle combination", which is extremely effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, they are the only Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioners in British Columbia that practice this technique.

Acupuncture benefits for rheumatoid arthritis

Acupuncture is a really effective treatment for people who have rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis and will greatly improve overall state of health. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that deficiency of blood and liver, and kidney Qi deficiency are the main reasons for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Dr. Yu's "Three needle combination" treatment not only helps reduce pain in these conditions but patients will also have increased energy, disappearance of physical fatigue and digestive function improvements as an added benefit.