Acupuncture for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inclusion Criteria: * Fulfilled The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)\[10\] criteria of RA * Active disease affecting the hands and wrists defined as having at least 4 tender joints and 2 swollen joints * Early morning stiffness of greater than 45 minutes * ESR \> 28 mmHg or CRP \> 10 * Patients taking disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were eligible if they were on a stable dose for at least 3 months before screening. * Patients on stable doses of one non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or up to 10 mg daily prednisone were also included. Exclusion Criteria: * Under the age of 18 years * Pregnancy * Previously had acupuncture * Localized skin infections * Anticoagulated * Bleeding diathesis * Intra-articular corticosteroid within 4 weeks preceding the study * Any severe chronic or uncontrolled co-morbid disease * Fear of needles