http://www.wholepetvet.com/goldbead.php

Gold injections were a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis back in the late 60s/early 70s - I don't think they were particularly effective and the treatment has, I believe, been discontinued by NHS.   Of course, there may be some people who were helped by it - but two ladies I knew who had it (at NHS hospitals) didn't seem to gain lasting benefit.