These Points Helped My Grandma Grip Her Teapot
by Gavin Larsen
When my grandma began having difficulty gripping her teapot, it was clear she needed a solution to regain her hand strength and joint flexibility. Fortunately, I was able to offer her targeted acupuncture treatments using the Ba Xie points. Remarkably, after just three sessions, her grip strength was completely restored. This approach aligns with research demonstrating its effectiveness for improving hand function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition known for causing pain and impairing grip strength.
How Acupuncture Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. These symptoms can severely impact daily tasks, such as holding and using a teapot. Acupuncture, involving the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, has been studied for its effectiveness in managing RA symptoms.
A comprehensive meta-analysis published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in April 2022 evaluated acupuncture’s efficacy for RA. This study, analyzing data from eleven randomized controlled trials involving 796 patients, highlighted several benefits:
Pain Reduction:
Acupuncture significantly reduced pain in RA patients, with a mean difference of -1.00 on the visual analogue scale (VAS) compared to control groups.
Improved Functionality:
Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores, which measure disability and functional impairment, showed a significant improvement with a mean difference of -0.20.
Decreased Inflammation:
Acupuncture led to reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), markers of inflammation.
Additionally, a double-blind randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in January 2019 investigated acupuncture's effects on RA of the hand. This study included 105 RA patients and compared:
Verum Acupuncture:
This group, treated with verum acupoints, showed significant improvements in self-reported pain, hand grip strength, arm strength, overall health status, and quality of life. The number of swollen and tender joints also decreased significantly.
Control Acupuncture:
This group, treated with sham acupoints, showed some improvement in self-reported pain but no significant changes in other measures.
Waiting List:
This group experienced an overall worsening of symptoms.
Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Shoulder-Hand Syndrome
In addition to RA, acupuncture has shown benefits for other hand conditions. A randomized controlled trial published in Zhongguo Zhen Jiu in February 2017 explored the effects of penetration acupuncture at Baxie (EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation for post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome. This study included 60 patients, with the following findings:
Observation Group:
Patients receiving penetration acupuncture at Baxie (EX-UE 9) combined with rehabilitation showed significant improvements in swelling and motor function of the affected hand. The total effective rate was 93.3%, significantly better than the control group.
Control Group:
Patients receiving only simple rehabilitation had improved swelling and motor function, but with a lower total effective rate of 73.3%.
Specific Acupuncture Points for Hand Function
The research identified specific acupuncture points that are particularly beneficial for improving grip strength and hand function:
LI4 (Hegu): Located on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point is known for relieving pain and improving circulation.
LI11 (Quchi): Situated at the outer end of the elbow crease, this point helps reduce inflammation and pain in the arm.
SI3 (Houxin): Found on the ulnar side of the hand, this point can alleviate stiffness and enhance overall hand mobility.
Baxie (EX-UE 9): This point, located on the back of the hand, has been specifically shown to help reduce swelling and improve motor function.
Incorporating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan for RA or post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome can significantly enhance hand function and ease daily activities. For my grandma, targeted acupuncture not only improved her grip strength but also contributed to her overall comfort and quality of life.
Practical Application
To effectively use acupuncture for improving grip strength, it is essential to consult with a licensed acupuncturist. They can tailor the treatment to individual needs, selecting specific points based on the patient’s symptoms and overall health condition to ensure a personalized approach.
In addition to acupuncture, complementary strategies such as gentle hand exercises and proper ergonomic adjustments can further support hand health and functionality.
My grandma’s experience with acupuncture was profoundly positive, demonstrating that this modality can indeed offer practical relief and enhance quality of life. If you or a loved one is facing similar challenges, exploring acupuncture might provide a valuable and effective solution.
Meet Gavin
Gavin Larsen, a Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.Ac., R.TCM.P.), brings over a decade of experience in holistic health to his practice. His passion is to connect ancient healing traditions with modern scientific knowledge. Gavin earned his doctorate of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine from the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences and has received comprehensive training in acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Gua Sha. He is committed to assisting individuals in attaining optimal health, fitness, and well-being by integrating holistic approaches supported by scientific research.
