How to treat Juvenile Arthritis with Acupuncture & Ear Seeds
Arthritis is a common and debilitating condition that happens in people of any age. Juvenile arthritis, however, is a type of arthritis that affects children. While the symptoms and treatment options for juvenile arthritis vary depending on the child's age and the specific form of the disease, acupuncture and ear seeds may offer some relief. In this blog post, we'll explore how acupuncture and ear seeds can help to treat juvenile arthritis and discuss some of the pros and cons of each option. We hope that this information will help you to make an informed decision about how to best care for your child with juvenile arthritis.
What is Juvenile Arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the joints of children. The most common form of juvenile arthritis, called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), affects approximately 1 in every 1000 children under the age of 16. While the exact cause of JIA is unknown, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms can vary depending on the child's age, the type of juvenile arthritis, and the severity of the disease. However, common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness. In some cases, juvenile arthritis can also cause fatigue, fevers, and rashes. If left untreated, it can lead to joint damage and deformity. It can also cause other serious problems, such as eye inflammation and ulcers, growth problems, and an increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions.
Types of juvenile arthritis
There are several different types of juvenile arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. However, the most common type of juvenile arthritis is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). There are seven subtypes of JIA, depending on the number of joints affected and the presence of other symptoms:
oligoarthritis: affects fewer than five joints
polyarthritis: affects five or more joints
systemic arthritis: affects the whole body
enthesitis-related arthritis: affects the spine and/or pelvis
psoriatic arthritis: causes a rash along with joint inflammation
dermatomyositis: causes muscle weakness and a skin rash
scleroderma: causes hardening and thickening of the skin
Side effects and risks
The symptoms and risks of juvenile arthritis change based on the type and the degree of severity. Some common side effects include joint discomfort, stiffness, edema, and redness. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can also produce tiredness, fever, or rashes in rare cases. If left untreated, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis might lead to bone damage and deformation. It can also induce eye inflammation and ulcers, as well as growth delays and an increased chance of developing other autoimmune diseases.
Benefits of using Acupuncture and Ear Seeds
In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a treatment for juvenile arthritis. A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may help to relieve pain, improve joint function, and reduce inflammation. Moreover, acupuncture works by stimulating the release of chemicals in the body that help to reduce pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment, with some children experiencing reduced symptoms after just a few sessions. In addition to its potential benefits for juvenile arthritis, acupuncture is generally safe and has few side effects.
Ear seeds treatment
Ear seeds are small Vaccaria seeds that acupuncturists place on the auricular acupuncture points. The seeds are held in place with adhesive plaster and can be left in place for up to five days. As a matter of fact, they can be worn during activities such as showering and swimming.
Like acupuncture, ear seed therapy stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms. Similarly, ear seeds are thought to work by stimulating the release of chemicals that help to reduce pain and inflammation. This therapy has been studied and found to be beneficial in the treatment of juvenile arthritis, with some children reporting a reduction in symptoms after only a few treatments. Ear seed therapy is generally safe and causes few adverse effects, despite its potential applications for JIA.
What you can expect from treatment with Acupuncture and Ear Seeds for Juvenile Arthritis
The number of acupuncture and ear seed treatments needed for JIA will vary from child to child. Some children may experience a reduction in symptoms after just a few sessions, while others may require more frequent treatment. The frequency of treatment is typically decreased as the symptoms improve. Furthermore, acupuncture and ear seed therapy are generally safe and well-tolerated by children. The most common side effects are mild and include discomfort at the acupuncture site, bruising, and less commonly, bleeding.
Aftercare with Acupuncture and Ear Seeds for Juvenile Arthritis
There are a few things you can do to help reduce juvenile arthritis symptoms at home. For example, gentle exercises, like swimming or range-of-motion exercises like yoga and tai chi, help improve joint function. Likewise, hot and cold therapies, like heating pads and ice packs, can help relieve pain and inflammation. A nutritious diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids can aid in the reduction of juvenile arthritis signs.
Dietary plan for juvenile arthritis
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with juvenile arthritis. A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Moreover, it is important to avoid trigger foods that can worsen the symptoms. Common trigger foods include dairy products, gluten, sugar, and nightshade vegetables. If you are not sure which foods are triggering your child's symptoms, talk to one of our physicians or book a complimentary consultation at Eastern Acupuncture & Wellness.
How Can Parents Help?
If your child has juvenile arthritis, there are several things you can do to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Firstly, it is important to work with your child's healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs. In addition, you can help your child by:
Providing support and encouragement
Helping them to stick to their treatment plan
Teaching them about their condition
Helping them to identify and avoid trigger foods
Assisting with home exercises and therapies
The Takeaway
If your child is struggling with JIA, many safe and effective treatments can improve their quality of life. For example, diet and acupuncture are two treatments that are particularly helpful. Here at AcuMantras, we take a holistic approach to treating the body, mind, and spirit as one functioning entity. Our practitioners are expertly trained and experienced in treating juvenile arthritis with acupuncture and other alternative therapies. If you would like to learn more about how we can help your child, please contact us today or book a session with us.