Inflammation of the joints, or arthritis in western medicine, causes suffering for many people. But the ancient Chinese health system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM has been aiding people with this problem for centuries. A combination of herbal formulas, dietary changes, acupuncture/acupressure and massage may help deal with arthritis.
Herbal Formula
To a Chinese herbalist, arthritis is one of several possible patterns of Impediment (known as Bi). Osteoarthritis is most commonly Wind Damp Cold Bi. In this case the arthritis flares up on cold, damp days, and a formula to warm and dry is appropriate. For example, cinnamon, a well known spice, is found in many of the herbal formulas for cold, damp arthritis. But it will be one of 6-15 ingredients, carefully chosen to suit the individual. Rheumatoid arthritis is more often a result of Heat Bi. Hot swollen joints need a more neutral formula. A TCM herbalist will spend a lot of time asking questions about overall health before developing a formula for an individual. Most importantly, in all cases the underlying issue is the Impediment, so all arthritis formulas focus on moving the Blood and Qi.
Dietary Changes
While western medicine focuses on diet to control weight gain which puts pressure on arthritic joints, a TCM herbalist utilizes foods to enhance the effects of the formula. Invigorating foods such as turnips which stimulate both Blood and Qi may be suggested.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is routinely used in arthritis cases. Needles are placed at appropriate points along the meridians to move Blood and Qi. Other specific points may be needled depending on other aspects of the client¡¯s health. It will generally take several weeks for long term relief to take effect but often clients feel better after the initial treatment.
Don't like needles?Acupressure may be the answer. Finger pressure over the same points, while not as powerful as acupuncture, will help do the job. One point, called Kunlun Mountain, is also known as Aspirin Point. It is located within the area between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Massaging the area between two fingers may provide some relief.
Tui Na
Chinese massage is based on the same principles as acupuncture and herbal therapy. The appropriate channels or meridians are massaged to stimulate Blood and Qi flow and strengthen weaknesses. This is the form of massage on which reflexology is based. A Tui Na therapist will often use cinnamon based oils when massaging cold damp arthritic joints.
