When looking for ways to soothe your arthritis pain, do not be afraid to think outside the box.

Recent research shows that acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of strategically stimulating certain points on the body with thin needles, may be beneficial for those with chronically aching joints.

How does acupuncture work?

This type of traditional Chinese medicine aims to stop pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture practitioners believe that every body has a flow of energy known as "chi," which flows through various paths called meridians. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very small needles into points along these meridians to re-balance your chi and adjust its flow. Western medicine has adapted this idea and focuses the stimulation on connective tissue, nerves and muscles that promote blood circulation and release natural pain-killing compounds. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 2,000 specific points used by acupuncturists to alleviate pain.

How does it benefit arthritis?

Recent studies show that acupuncture may greatly improve arthritis symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation reported that research done in China revealed that both regular acupuncture and electroacupuncture, where electrical currents are sent through the needles for higher levels of stimulation, may relieve tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Another study, conducted at the University of Michigan, found that acupuncture may have substantial pain-fighting power. One group of subjects received fake acupuncture treatments, while the other group was given real acupuncture targeting their arthritis pain. Brain scans revealed that real acupuncture greatly increased the activity of cerebral pain-fighting receptors.

Researchers from Germany looked at whether supplementing arthritis treatments with acupuncture can help osteoarthritis. Over 300,000 people who did acupuncture in addition to taking their medication for three months experienced significantly less pain and reported having a better quality of life.

What are the risks involved in receiving this treatment?

When done correctly, the risks involved with acupuncture are relatively few. According to the Mayo Clinic, common side effects include soreness, bruising and minor bleeding at the site of stimulation. Consult your physician to find a licensed acupuncturist - they have undergone extensive training and are well versed in sterilization and safety techniques. If you receive treatment from someone who is not licensed to give it, you are risking infection from contaminated needles and organ injury from improper insertion.

For more on treating arthritis:

Treating Osteoarthritis Naturally
How a Touch of Turmeric Can Tame Arthritis Pain
Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your OAK