Traditional Chinese Medicine for Arthritis

The distance between bones within joints becomes narrower and the special cartilage that forms a smooth lining at the ends of the bones becomes thinner and irregular. There is a restriction in the range of movement toghter with the characteristic cracking and creaking noises that are caused by the rubbing together of the two irregular surfaces. The affected joints usually feel stiff after a period of immobility(e.g. in the morning after sleep) and are more mobile after some activities.

There are two major types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid is more severe with the development of marked deformity and loss of function. Osteoarthritis is more common and results from normal wear and tear,which tends to affect joints that have been subjected to overuse,trauma or excessive weight bearing.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) arthritis is classified as 'Bi Zheng',which means 'painful obstruction'. Arthritis is due to a blockage in the normal free flow of blood and Qi (energy) in the body. The ancient Chinese were aware of the circulation of both blood and energy throughout the body via a complex network of vessels and channels (meridian). Normal for a healthy person there is a free flow and normal distribution of these substances to all parts of the body. Diseases are a disruption to this flow. For arthritis,the Qi and blood are obstructed by the invasion of climactic influence from the environment such as wind,cold,heat and dampness. These factors usually gain access to the body because of a pre-existing weakness or imbalance. In this way the environment influences become lodged in various places in the body. The combination of factors from the outside with imbalance within the body causes the Qi and blood flow to become blocked in some of the joints. Each person's particular symptoms give an indication of the type of pathogens that are present. Pain that moves from one location to another is due to wind;fixed pain which feels numb and heavy is due to dampness;inflammation with red and hot joints is due to heat;severe pain without redness or heat is due to cold.

In practice,arthritis is mainly due to wind and dampness. In many cases cold or heat are also involved. The individual's overall state of health plays an important part,and if the blood,the Qi,the Liver or the Kidney are in a weakened condition,this will predispose an individual towards the invasion of the external pathogens and allow them to take hold.

TCM treatment is usually a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The main mechanism is to restore the normal flow of Qi and blood and to strengthen and underlying weaknesses. This provides thecquickest and most complete approach to the relief of pain and the healing of damaged tissues.

Chinese herbal medicine includes dry herbs and herbal tablets. Dry herbs are prescribed after a consultation and vary according to the person's need. Ready made herbal tablets may aslo be purchased over the counter.

Also available is massage oil and Chinese herbal plasters,which can be used in conjunction with the ready made herbal tablets.