Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common degenerative joint conditions, affecting millions worldwide. Characterised by cartilage breakdown, joint stiffness, and chronic pain, it can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. While conventional treatments often rely on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic, time-tested alternative: acupuncture and moxibustion.
Understanding Osteoarthritis Through the Lens of TCM
In TCM, osteoarthritis is often viewed as a manifestation of bi syndrome—a blockage in the flow of Qi and Blood due to external pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Damp. This stagnation leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The knee, being a weight-bearing joint, is particularly vulnerable.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the meridians to disperse stagnation, invigorate Qi and Blood, and restore balance. Moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on acupuncture points, adds warmth and penetrative heat to expel Cold and Damp, enhancing the therapeutic effect.
Why Seek Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis?
- Pain Relief and Improved Function
Modern research supports acupuncture’s efficacy in reducing pain and improving joint function. A large-scale meta-analysis published by Evidence Based Acupuncture found acupuncture to be superior to sham acupuncture and standard care. It also showed long-term benefits in physical function, even if pain relief tapered over time, (Barzilay. G. 2025).
- Holistic and Individualised Care
Unlike one-size-fits-all pharmaceutical approaches, acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual’s constitution and symptom pattern. This personalised care often leads to better outcomes and fewer side effects.
- Enhanced Results with Moxibustion
A 2025 meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture combined with moxibustion significantly improved pain scores and physical function compared to other treatments. The combination therapy also had fewer adverse events, making it a safer long-term option, (Zhu.R et al. 2025).
- Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Points like GB34 (Yanglingquan) and ST36 (Zusanli) are commonly used for knee pain. GB34, in particular, is known in classical texts for its ability to treat joint stiffness and pain. Moxibustion applied to these points warms the meridians and enhances circulation, promoting healing from within, (Firebrace.P. 2024)
What Does the Research Say?
- The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) highlights that acupuncture for knee OA is supported by some of the highest quality evidence available. A 2018 individual patient data meta-analysis involving over 20,000 participants confirmed acupuncture’s superiority over placebo and standard care, (BAcC 2021)
- A 2023 review comparing moxibustion and acupuncture found fire needle moxibustion to be particularly effective in reducing pain and improving treatment success rates, (Xin. S et al, 2023).
- Despite NICE’s 2022 guideline excluding acupuncture, experts argue this decision was based on flawed comparisons with sham acupuncture, which is not inert and may underestimate acupuncture’s true effects, (BAcC, 2022).
Conclusion: A Gentle Yet Powerful Approach
Acupuncture and moxibustion offer a gentle, non-invasive, and holistic approach to managing knee osteoarthritis. Rooted in centuries of clinical practice and increasingly validated by modern research, these therapies can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.
If you’re considering acupuncture for knee OA, and would like to discuss further to how it could benefit you personally contact Michelle at Bespoke Acupuncture to arrange a complimentary consultation.
michelle@bespokeacupuncture.co.uk
Tel: 07775273399
References
Barzilay. G. Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis- Evidence Based Acupuncture https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-osteoarthritis/ (Accessed: 29th November 2025).
British Acupuncture Council (2021) Fact Sheet Osteoarthritis – Knee https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/osteoarthritis-knee/ (Accessed: 29th November 2025).
British Acupuncture Council. (2022). Response to the latest NICE Guideline for Osteoarthritis in over 16s. https://acupuncture.org.uk/news/response-to-the-latest-nice-guideline-for-osteoarthritis-in-over-16s/. (Accessed: 29th November 2025).
Firebrace.P. (2024) Just my point: GB 34- British Acupuncture Council. https://acupuncture.org.uk/acu/articles/just-my-point-gb-34/ (Accessed: 29th November 2025).
Xin. S et al, (2023) Comparative effectiveness of moxibustion and acupuncture for the management of osteoarthritis knee: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Zhu.R et al. Systematic Reviews (2025). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture with moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.