Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches

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This issue of the digest summarizes current research about complementary health approaches for arthritis. Research to date suggests that some mind and body practices such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi may be helpful for osteoarthritis. Despite extensive research, it’s still uncertain whether glucosamine and chondroitin have a meaningful impact on symptoms or joint structure in osteoarthritis. There is some evidence that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), or the herb thunder god vine may help relieve some rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

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What the Science Says:
Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches

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Additional Resources

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Visit NCCIH’s website to read the full issue of this month’s Clinical Digest


NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on complementary and integrative health, including scientific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded research, fact sheets for patients, and more.

 

NCCIH is 1 of 27 institutes and centers at the NIH. The mission of NCCIH is to define, through rigorous scientific investigation, the usefulness and safety of complementary and alternative medicine interventions and their roles in improving health and health care. For additional information, call NCCIH’s Clearinghouse toll free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCIH Web site at nccih.nih.gov.