Acupuncture increases the blood flow to various parts of the body by allowing the positive Chi energy to flow freely through all the meridians or channels of energy in the body. The increased blood flow results in reduction of inflammation at the joints, which is one of the leading causes of pain in arthritis patients. In addition, acupuncture also encourages the release of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the body,s natural painkillers and feel good chemicals. The arthritis patients thus feel much better after an acupuncture session. Thus, acupuncture also helps relieve related symptoms and consequences of arthritis like sleeping problems, fatigue and depression.

Acupuncture has another major benefit, which is to strengthen the body's immune system. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experience severe pain because the natural membrane surrounding the joints is falsely attacked by the immune system. The attack causes the natural membrane to be substituted with scar tissue. This results in narrowed joint spaces and excruciating pain. Acupuncture improves the body's immune system and slows down this process. In some cases it can even prevent rheumatoid arthritis.