Arthritis is categorized in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as a blockage in the smooth flow of Blood and Qi, all throughout the energetic pathways in your body.
The disorder is classified as Bone Bi, which is an impediment that affects the joints and bones. Reduced range of pain and motion in Traditional Chinese Medicine, indicates the presence of a blockage; and conditions such as arthritis, therefore, are called Painful Obstruction Syndromes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Treating Arthritis:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is known to be one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. Its origins dating back to China more than 2,000 years ago. When properly administered, acupuncture can have naturally relieve arthritic conditions, such as inflammationa and pain of the joints.
The latest study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the longest and largest clinical trials to show conclusive effects, and patients who underwent acupuncture treatment reported at a 40% improvement in mobility and 44% average reduction in pain.
Also, according to a new study that was conducted by Dr Brian Berman, from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, and which was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), combining acupuncture with the usage of standard drug therapy can help in relieving pain and improving movement in people with arthritis of the knee.
How this Works:
Acupunture treatment points for arthritis are found all over the body, and not just directly over the affected area.
1. During the treatment, tiny needles are place along the patient’s arms, legs, shoulders and even toes. The needles are so tiny that multiple acupuncture needles can fit inside a human hair.
2. The needles stay on the area for a determine amount of time, and then removed.
3. Most people relax and may even fall asleep during the treatment. The number, length and frequency of treatments will vary according to the intensity of the pain, and also its pervasiveness and severity, with the patient.
2. Diet
If the pattern involves dampness, which is the most common pattern and cold respectively, the diet should consist mostly of cooked foods using moderate amounts of warming anti-inflammatory spices, including ginger and cayenne. Coffee should be avoided due to its irritating nature, though it is warming,.
3. Exercise
A good form of exercise for anyone suffering from arthritis is yoga. Yoga is excellent for maintaining flexibility of the joints, muscles and pain reduction.
Studies have reported that regular exercise, specifically gentle, stretching exercises including yoga and tai chi, can help reduce a lot of the discomfort and pain that is experienced by arthritis sufferers.
4. Herbal Therapy
Herbal therapy is most especially important as part of the treatment of chronic cases of arthritis. The treatment strategy may vary, depending on whether the condition is due to cold or heat, or if there is a deficiency of any vital substances.
Using herbal remedies, in chronic cases of dampness and cold, one need to nourish the underlying deficiency, and remove the dampness and cold. The patent formula for this condition is Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan. The most effective formula is one which is custom-made for the patient’s individual pattern and constitution of disharmony.
Description of Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan:
Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan is another classic formula, which was first put into writing about 1,200 years ago. This not only relieves pain, but also strengthens any underlying deficiencies that make one susceptible to injury.
The specific indications for the formula are pain in the knees, lower back and accompanied by stiffness, general weakness and a desire for warmth, most especially in the areas of pain. This is useful for anybody with arthritis, sciatica or chronic low back pain.
Ingredients:
The formula derives its name from 2 of the principal ingredients, sang ji sheng (Loranthus parasiticus) and du huo (Angelica pubescens). Du huo is specific for rheumatic pain which is sensitive to cold, most especially if it occurs in the lower body.
While Sang ji sheng contains dual functions; as it strengthens the kidneys and liver while subsequently nourishing the tendons and bones, and it relieves the pain of arthritis.
Dosage: 6 pills, for 3x daily
Causes of Arthritis:
The various types of arthritis fall typically under the category of “painful obstruction syndrome”, in traditional Chinese patterns of disharmony. Acute painful obstruction can be due to cold, wind, dampness or heat, although it is usually a combination of dampness, cold and wind.
In an acute attack of cold, dampness, and wind, symptoms include joint pain that gets worse with cold and is relieved with warmth, limited mobility of the affected area, a feeling of heaviness or numbness in the limbs and, possibly, a slow pulse.
While a more chronic arthritis condition is generally linked with an underlying deficiency of the vital substances, which involves the kidneys and liver, in view of their relationship to the bones and tendons.
Read More:
1. Study Says You Can Relieve Arthritis Symptoms With Fish
2. 7 Alternative Remedies for Arthritis Pain
3. Carom Seed the Only Herb You Need for Arthritis Pain, Acidity and Cough