Arthritis from the TCM Perspective: An Excerpt from The Secrets of Self Healing
Arthritis is a condition in which chronic swelling and inflammation damage joints and it is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 65. Of the many forms of arthritis conditions—including rheumatoid, psoriatic, and gout-related arthritis—osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form, affecting at least 21 million Americans.
Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, in which there is an active inflammatory process occurring at the joints, OA is a degenerative disease in which the soft cartilage of the joints is slowly degraded. The causes of OA may include aging, wear and tear, genetic predisposition, obesity, metabolic and hormonal disorders, repetitive-use injuries, and even gout.
The onset of OA is gradual and symptoms usually appear after the age of 50. The most common symptoms include deep, aching joint pain—most often in the back, knees, hips, spine, and fingers—that gets worse with movement, stiffness upon waking or after inactivity, joint swelling and warmth, and inflexibility or a limited range of motion in the joints accompanied by crunching or crackling noises with movement. In severe cases, abnormal bony growths such as bumps on the outermost finger joints may be present. Research has shown that with moderate exercise, pain and inflexibility can be reduced by 25 percent and that one of the best ways to prevent OA is regular exercise and maintaining a normal weight.
Inflammation produced by a faulty immune system can lead to rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. The causes of the immune reaction are unknown, however, clinical observation suggests that pathogens, environmental toxins, and emotional stress when coupled with genetic predisposition, are the most likely triggers.
According to Chinese medicine theory, several disease factors can cause arthritis. These include Cold invading the joints, pathogenic Wind disturbing the joints, Dampness congealing in joints, and Heat scorching them. Chinese medicine categorizes arthritic conditions into four types based on their symptoms: Cold, Wind, Damp, and Heat.
COLD arthritis symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain in fixed locations and Coldness in the joints. The complexion of those suffering from Cold arthritis is usually pale, and their pain is relieved by heat.
WIND arthritis manifests with pain that shifts locations, comes and goes suddenly, and sometimes causes dizziness—behaving much like the wind.
DAMP arthritis symptoms include sluggishness, heavy sensations in the extremities, swelling, obesity, and dull, deep, lingering pain.
Heat arthritis is characterized by red, swollen, painful joints that are warm to the touch, often occurring suddenly, which is generally disabling.
Sometimes these condition types are seen together, as in the case of Dampness and Heat, or Dampness and Cold.
At Tao of Wellness, we work with rheumatologists and orthopedists and have taken care of many patients suffering from arthritis. Our approach focuses on proper differentiation of the type of arthritis according to Chinese medicine theory and then modulating the immune system—by reducing Excess or nourishing Deficiency—to support healthy immune function. Acupuncture works well in managing pain and inflammation, while herbal and nutritional therapies nurture the healing process. Tai chi and qi gong exercises can enhance flexibility and strengthen painful joints.
To learn more about arthritis self-care essentials, read Arthritis: Secrets of Natural Healing.