Advances in the Theoretical Basis and Clinical Research of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Chinese and Western Medicine

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and bone erosion. This paper elucidates the pathogenesis of RA from the perspective of integrating Chinese and Western medicine, and reveals the central role of acupuncture in the reconstruction of immune homeostasis through multi-target regulation. Studies have shown that acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects by regulating Th17/Treg balance, inhibiting inflammatory factors (IL-17, TNF-α) and activating the HPA axis. Clinical practice has confirmed that characteristic therapies such as electro-acupuncture and fire-acupuncture combined with western medicine can synergistically improve joint symptoms. This article provides theoretical basis and practical path for the treatment of RA by combining Chinese and Western medicine.