Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, and is accompanies by pain, swelling
and changes in structure.The distance between bones within joints becomes narrower
and the special cartilage that forms a smooth liningat the ends of the bones becomes
thinner and irregular.There is a restriction in the range of movement togetherwith 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 (in the morning after sleep) and are more mobile after some activities.
There are two majority of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid
is more serve with the development of marked deformity and loss of function.
Osteoarthritis is more common and results from norma ear and tear, which leads to
affect joints that have been subjected to overuse, trauma or excessive weight
bearing.
Perspective of traditional Chinese medicine
In TCM arthritis 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).
Normally, for the health person there is free flow and normal distribution of this
substances to all parts of body,. Diseases are a disruption to this flow.
For arthritis, the QI and blood are obstructed by the invasion of climatic 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 environmental influence become lodged in various places in the body.
The combination of factors from the outside with imbalances 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 duce 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 heath plays an important part,
and if the bloods, the QI the liver or the kidneys 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
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
any underlying weaknesses. This provides the quickest 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 need.
Ready made herbal tablets may also 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.
Help yourself
There are several things that you can do to assist the treatment and help reduce
deterioration. These include dietary and life-style changes:
Avoid or reduce any activities that put too much stress on particular joints. You will
usually notice that certain movements or postures will worsen your condition and
therefore these should be avoided. This may involve a change of accupation or
hobby and correction of posture.
Take gentle daily exercise for the whole body, including gentle stretching.
The joints should be taken through their
whole range of movement and stretched as far as possible within your tolerance of pain.
Certain foods may aggravate arthritis, the common ones being tomatoes, aubergine,
capsicum, spinach, rhubarbs,gooseberries, black and red currents.
These should be avoided for several months and then reintroduced
gradually. If you notice a worsening of the condition, then the offending food
should be omitted entirely. Strongly
acidic foods should be minimized or avoided; these include red meet, eggs,
most cheeses, vinegar, pickles, white flour, white sugar, coffee, tea and alcoholic
beverages. Any foods that cause digestive problems such as heartburn,
wind diarrhea or constipation should also be avoided. Inorganic minerals
such as salt and some spring waters (with a high mineral content) should be
minimized or avoided.
It is important to maintain your correct body weight and reduce it if necessary
as this will help relieve the stress
on the bearing joints.