Acupuncture Eases Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. It appears as palm swelling, stiffness, deformity and diminished range of motion.

Synoviac, or movable joints including knees, wrists, hips, elbows, toes, shoulders and spine may be affected.

Normally, viscous synovial fluid lubricates the joint, allowing the bones to slide past each other. However, if the synovial fluid membrane is damaged, the cartilage scarred or the bone enlarged, arthritis may occur.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common forms of the disease.

Osteoarthritis involves deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. Injuries and wear and tear are the most common causes. Once smooth cartilage becomes rough and causes friction, the bones pit over time. As the tendons, ligaments and muscles holding the joint together weaken, the joint becomes deformed, painful and stiff. Fractures are the greatest risk as bones grow increasingly brittle.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune or self-attacking self-disorder, in which the body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membranes as foreign. Inflammation results in damage or destruction of cartilage and tissue around the joints. The body replaces the damaged tissue with scar tissue, which results in narrowed joint spaces and the occasional fusion of the bones. The pain from rheumatoid arthritis can be crippling. Sufferers experience stiffness, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss. Joints affected with rheumatoid arthritis sound like crinkling cellophane, whereas osteoarthritic joints pop and click.

Acupuncture has been very successful in increasing an arthritic sufferer's range of motion; lowering inflammation and helping the body heal itself. Blood cells, marrow and bone are constantly being sloughed off and broken down so new blood cells and bone can be rebuilt. We are amazing creatures.

There is a mind, body and spirit connection as well. Under stress we heal much more slowly, eat and sleep poorly, exercise less, gain weight and smoke more. Five-element acupuncture really helps the body heal itself.

You may contact Louis Bornstein, Lic. Ac. at 603-773-9975.

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Louis Jay Bornstein, Lic. Ac.
603-773-9975

Apprenticeships 1990-2001

Lincoln Hospital Drug detoxification program with acupuncture, with Dr. Michael Smith, NYC.

Chinese Herbal Studies with Sharon Weizenbaum, Lic. Ac., Amherst Ma. Focus on pathology. (450 hours).

Medicinal Herbal Intensive and Case Studies with Kate Gilday, Wendell, Ma., (150 hours).

Medical Qi Gong with Grand Master Yuan Ming Zhong, Shelburn Falls, Ma. Taoist T'ai Chi with Lisa Carnicom, Exeter, NH.

Iyengar Yoga with BKS Iyengar Family, Pune, India (3 months).

Anusara Teacher Training with Deb Neubauer and John Friend. North Hampton, Ma. (100 hours).

Yoga Intensives with Rodney Yee, Arthur Killmurray, Patricia Walden, Edward Modestini, and Kofi Busia.

Cabinetry and Construction, South Dakota, and Ma.


Education

1998 M.Ac. Academy for Five Element Acupuncture, Hallandale Fla.

1987 B.S. Geology. University of Massachusetts. Major: Hydrogenology Minors: Forestry, Plants and Soils, Botny.

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