Does acupuncture work for severe arthritis?

No long term basis: Acupuncture may give short term hours to days of relief but it will not change the long term inflammatory aspects of rheumatoid or prevent deformities. Other theraoy will be necessary for that kind of relief.

Possibly: Acupuncture can be helpful with the pain of arthritis however it will not change the damage that has been done to the joint by the arthritic process. Also acupuncture will not stop the natural progression of the arthritis.