Skip to main content

NCCIH Clinical Digest

for health professionals

The NCCIH Clinical Digest is a monthly e-newsletter that summarizes the state of the science on complementary and integrative health practices for a health condition (diabetes, cancer, sleep disorders, etc.)—clinical guidelines, literature searches, continuing medical education, and information for patients.

In each issue, you'll find evidence-based information for several complementary health practices used for the highlighted condition.

If a friend or colleague has directed you to this resource, we encourage you to subscribe to NCCIH Clinical Digest.

Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches

September 2023older man with cane walking with caregiver

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.

Read the Full Digest

See More