Greetings!

As many of you know, a drunk driver smashed into me when I was 19, leading me to my career in Chinese medicine. That accident caused damage to my spine, resulting in osteoarthritis and disc degeneration. 30 years of doing massage therapy has also caused some arthritis in my hands. So in addition to acupuncture, I've recently added more posture and mobility exercises. Try just 5 minutes a day and you'll notice less stiffness and improved movement overall.

Many of my patients have found an anti-inflammatory diet reduces their pain. It's amazing how much sugar, gluten, and white flour can make my joints feel old and creaky!

If you have arthritis in your hands, doing the sign language alphabet several times a day can help improve mobility. Soaking in a bath or bowl of epsom salts helps ease the pain (I use 4 cups in a bath!).

As I've seen repeatedly over 28 years in practice, acupuncture can be beneficial for arthritis patients. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate pain.

Acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation from arthritis via:
  1. Pain modulation: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers, helping to reduce the perception of pain associated with arthritis.
  2. Inflammation reduction: Acupuncture can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in affected joints, leading to decreased swelling and discomfort.
  3. Improved blood circulation: By targeting specific acupuncture points, blood circulation is enhanced, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected areas, and supporting tissue repair.
  4. Enhanced joint mobility: Acupuncture can relax tight muscles and tendons around arthritic joints, increasing joint flexibility and range of motion.
  5. Stress reduction: Acupuncture calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety, which can often exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

When combined with good nutrition, such as an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, the effects of acupuncture can be further amplified. A healthy diet, great sleep, gentle exercise, and consistent meditation can help reduce overall inflammation, providing additional relief for arthritis.

Please take a look at the remedies below as well as some great exercise videos on mobility, posture, and hand flexibility. I love the upbeat chair workout!

"If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?" Dr. Wayne Dyer

In health,

Dr. Chantelle DeShazer, L.Ac. Ph.D. MTOM
Relief from Arthritis
Did you know:

  • Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S.
  • An estimated 50 percent of adults living in the U.S. who are over the age of 65 now report receiving a diagnosis of arthritis from their doctors.
  • Arthritis doesn’t just impact the older groups of Americans either — almost 300,000 babies and children have arthritis or a rheumatic condition! Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65.
  • It’s now estimated that by 2030 there will be 67 million Americans over the age of 18 suffering with arthritis.
  • Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is more common among women.

There are a variety of natural treatments that can potentially provide relief and improve the quality of life for arthritis sufferers. To see these treatments as well as scientific research on the use of acupuncture, go to Relief from Arthritis.
5 Minute Daily Mobility Routine! | Follow Along | Full Body
Hand Arthritis Exercises | Ease Pain and Stiffness and Increase Mobility | 8 Exercises in 8 Minutes
"The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen." Mick Kremling - Fitness Trainer
PERFECT Posture Routine To Unlock Your Neck, Shoulders and Back (10 Min/Day)
Upbeat Chair Workout!

Need to workout while seated? Here's a fun, short chair workout. He has lots of different music videos. Collect the videos that work for you and aim to do at least 5 or more minutes every day if exercising is new to you.
Relief by BodyHealth - Excellent, Natural Pain Reliever for Arthritis and More!
ALL NATURAL. Supplement for joint discomfort contains natural Turmeric, Boswellia, and Organic Ginger, to deliver safe joint relief

HIGH ABSORPTION. Joint relief capsules with BioPerine patented technology ensures every last drop is absorbed quickly and effectively

DOCTOR FORMULATED. Joint supplement is formulated by Dr. Minkoff for joint relief that you can trust

CHRONIC RELIEF. Pills for joint relief can help deliver consistent and safe relief

POWERFUL YET GENTLE. With high quality CO2 extracts, bone and joint vitamins are a fusion of high potency plant chemistry, efficacy, and bioavailability
Chantelle's Roasted Veggie mix
"You are what you eat, so don't be fast, cheap, easy, or fake." - Unknown
Want to eat more veggies but tired of salads? Try this air fry mix! Use any vegetables you like - I like broccoli, red onion, red bell pepper, zucchini and carrots. I coat them in olive oil, Himalayan salt and ground rosemary.

I'll either add the fried veggies as a side to chicken or use them in a salad adding figs, goat cheese, beets, and roasted cashews or walnuts - so yummy!

You can also make an amazing
soup by blending the air fried veggies with chicken broth. Blend with a stick or Vitamix blender to your preferred thickness. The amounts are up to you!
Need a Relaxing Massage?
We're excited to have Jessie Hogue, our new massage therapist, here at Meridian.

Schedule your 60 or 90 minute massage today!!

Call us at 619-325-0771
Radiant Aging and Skin Rejuvenation Services
For more information on these services go to


To find out about pricing for individual light sessions and packages, or to make an appointment, call us at 619-325-0771 or text Andy at 858-945-1737 
Meridian Acupuncture & Wellness Center Inc
2831 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 218, San Diego CA 92108