Chinese Medicine Strategies Arthritis, Joint Pain, and Stiffness | Acupressure TCM

Chinese Herbs and Acupressure for Arthritis

Causes of Arthritis According to Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, there are several different patterns and underlying conditions that can lead to arthritis. The organ systems according to Chinese medicine are interrelated, and when one becomes imbalanced it affects the other organs. Therefore, one condition such as arthritis can manifest itself in many different syndromes. Here are some of the common patterns associated with arthritic conditions: Liver imbalances, Qi Deficiency, Liver-Kidney imbalances, Liver-Spleen imbalances, trauma, or genetic disposition (Ancestral Q).

General Acupressure Points for Arthritis and Joint Pain with the Four Gates Combination:

Apply Even Pressure to Acupressure Point LI 4 (Hegu or Union Valley):

Large Intestine 4 is located

on the dorsum of the hand

between the first and second

metacarpal bones in the

middle of the second metacarpal

bone on the radial side.

Acupressure Directions

Release Acupressure Point LV 3 (Taichong or Great Surge) to Resolve Liver Qi Stagnation:

Liver 3 is located on the

dorsum of the foot, in

the depression just distal

to the junction of the first

and second metatarsal bones.

Acupressure Directions

Acupressure Point for Arthritis or Joint Pain Aggravated by Dampness:

Tonify Acupressure Point Sp 6 (Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Meetings) to strengthen the Spleen Qi, Liver, and Kidney Energy:

Spleen 6 is located 3 cun above

the tip of the medial malleolus

on the posterior border of the

medial aspect of the tibia.

Acupressure Directions

Osteo-Arthritis

Many believe that osteo-arthritis is a degenerative condition that is inevitable with aging; this characterizes a lack of knowledge concerning healthy aging strategies in our culture. It is wholly realistic to expect to maintain flexibility and mobility in to our senior years.

Development of Osteo-Arthritis

Osteo-arthritis will develop in different ways and at different rates for each individual; however, this is a general guide to describe the development of this chronic condition.

Stage 1

Initially, Qi Deficiency develops due to overwork or poor eating habits and the body is unable to circulate adequate Qi to all of the organ systems. The Lungs circulate Wei Qi , or Defensive Qi on the exterior of our bodies to protect us from the invasion of exterior pathogens. Qi Deficiency and the deterioration of Wei Qi leads to the invasion of wind, cold, and damp evils that lodge in the joints. Typically, the development of arthritis also indicates a long standing imbalance in the Liver Organ System, as the Liver govern over the joints.

Stage 2

Chronic exterior pathogens lodged in the joints create obstructions and cause Qi and Blood stagnation. When Qi and Blood are unable to circulate freely, they area begins to heat up and creates redness and swelling. If the arthritis is not addressed and treated correctly, the condition oscillates between wind invasions with wandering pain, dampness with achy joints during wet weather, cold invasions causing stiffness, especially in the winter, and pain and swelling.

Stage 3

Chronic Qi stagnation and Blood stagnation indicate an impediment of the circulation; the joints are not moistened or nourished and become brittle, malformed, and deteriorate.

Chinese Medical Patterns Associated with Osteo-Arthritis

In Chinese medicine, there are several different patterns and underlying conditions that can lead to arthritis. The organ systems according to Chinese medicine are interrelated, and when one becomes imbalanced it affects the other organs that are most vulnerable. Therefore, one condition such as arthritis can manifest itself in many different syndromes. Here are some of the common patterns associated with arthritic conditions:

Liver Imbalances

Most arthritic conditions have an underlying Liver disorder, as the Liver organ system governs over the tendons. It is important to keep the Liver nourished so that it can produce abundant ‘Liver Blood’ to keep the tendons and ligaments moist and flexible. Also, if the Liver energy becomes stagnant, often referred to as Liver Qi (Chi) Stagnation, the Liver begins to heat up and attack other vulnerable organs leading to other diseases. Soothing the Liver with herbs such as bupleurum is a common strategy when treating oseo-arthritis with Chinese medicine.

Qi Deficiency

Qi, or Chi, is the vital energy that flows through our bodies. Where Qi goes, blood follows. Qi is Yang in nature, therefore, we feel cold if we are Qi deficient. Organs depend on abundant Qi for nourishment that allows them to function properly. Muscles and tendons rely on Qi and Blood for nourishment so they do not become weak and susceptible to disease. Because Qi Deficiency causes coldness in the body, arthritic conditions due to, or partially due to, Qi Deficiency may be aggravated by the cold conditions in winter.

Liver – Kidney Imbalances

In Chinese medicine, the Liver and Kidney are closely interrelated, as the Kidney is the mother of the Liver according to the Supporting (Shen) Cycle. This type of syndrome typically leads to gout type arthritic conditions that are due to improper water metabolism.

Liver – Spleen Imbalances

The Liver and Spleen organ systems are closely related through the Controlling (Ko) Cycle in Chinese Medicine. The Spleen is one of the organs, when deficient, that is responsible for internal dampness. This type of arthritis would be aggravated with damp conditions and changing weather conditions. Often, rheumatoid arthritis has elements of dampness and damp heat.

Ancestral Qi, or Genes

While DNA was only discovered in Western medicine in the 1950’s, Chinese medicine has recognized for thousands of years the influence of familial disease patterns. Many people feel as though they are simply destined to suffer when a disease is due to genetic abnormalities, but this like a person who has heart disease in the family history deciding that he/she has no influence over whether or not he/she will be stricken down with a heart attack early in life. Obviously, lifestyle can play a large role in offsetting chronic diseases due to heredity. As with any chronic disease, arthritis can improved or reversed using herbs for arthritis, Qi Gong Exercises, and a whole foods diet.

Trauma or Injury

According to Chinese Medicine, if an injury is not properly treated Qi Stagnation can occur at the sight of the injury. You can see this happen in muscles and joints often occurring with stiffness. Pain is a common sign of Qi Stagnation. As the sight of the injury becomes more chronic without the proper application of herbs, acupuncture, moxibustion, or other therapies that move Qi and Blood, an accumulation of calcium, uric acid crystals, or other substances can occur. It’s much like a sticky spot on the floor; if you do not mop it up, more and more debris accumulates there. The longer the arthritis is left untreated, the longer it will take to reverse the condition and permanent deformation can occur.

Herbs for Arthritis

Mllettia

Spatholobus spp

Millettia refers to several climbing legume plant species found in Asia. The stems which contain a reddish-brown sap are the part harvested and used for this application, but the leaves and roots also have traditional healing value. Millettia is considered a highly nourishing tonic herb.

Millettia is used to treat muscle and joint pain by opening obstructions to Qi flow in the meridians. Because it both nourishes and moves the blood, millettia is a good choice for those who are weak or deficient. Sharp pain is considered a key symptom of Blood Stagnation in Chinese medicine, and Milettia helps to break up this type of Blood Stagnation. Arthritic conditions are also complicated with internal damp conditions that are aggravated by damp weather and mellettia clears damp painful obstructions.

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

Meadowsweet is a perennial herb native to Europe that grows in low lying meadows. Meadowsweet is a famous Western anti-inflammatory herb and is rich in salicylic acid (natural form that aspirin was synthesized from). Unlike aspirin though, meadowsweet does not create stomach disorders and is actually used to treat ulcers. Like aspirin, it is an effective anti-inflammatory, and can ease pain associated with inflammation. Meadowsweet also stimulates circulation and relieves joint and muscle pain. It is a gentle diuretic that clear toxins, uric acid, and edema. Meadowsweet is considered to be safe and effective taken as a single herb and would be categorized as a general herbs, rather than a tonic. In a formula, meadowsweet acts as a supporting deputy herb.

Cynomorium

Cynomorium spp

Cynnomorium is a small red parasitic plant shaped like a club that grows on the roots of other plants. There are several species, but the type used in Chinese medicine often comes from high altitudes in Tibet and Mongolia.

Cynomorium is a superb tonic herb that builds the primal yang essence and is used in many tonics for both men and women. It is widely used in the Orient as a superb longevity herb and an excellent sexual tonic and stimulant. It is said to strengthen the bones, benefits joints and reverses motor impairment. It is a key herb for joint pain and arthritis.

Rubber Tree Bark

Eucommia ulmoides

Eucommia is a small tree native to China that is widely cultivated as a medicinal herb. While the leaves of this tree do exude latex that can be made in to rubber, the plant is not related to the South American tree that is cultivated for rubber production.

Eucommia is considered a primary tonic herb used to increase yang functions in the body. It strengthens the bones and muscles, heals injured and weakened tissues, and can treat lower back and leg pain. Eucommia is an important addition to formulas that treat arthritis due to its ability to alleviate stiffness.

Essential Oils for Topical Application

Pure essential oils should be diluted to 5% in a carrier oil or cream before applying to the skin to avoid burns. There are many ways to improve osteo-arthritis using essential oils applied topically to the joints. Rosemary and frankincense essential oils are two of the best essential oils for increasing circulation and blood flow to the joints. Palmarosa and marjoram essential oils are natural anti-inflammatory substances. Black pepper essential oil, clove essential oils and camphor essential oil all work as counter-irritants that bring pain relief to joints. Ginger essential oil is especially warming for stiff joints and increases blood flow to the joints.

Lifestyle Practices that Help to Prevent Osteo-Arthritis

Emotions

Pent up resentment leading to suppressed anger and frustration would relate to the Liver, and could likely lead to Liver Qi Stagnation. In Chinese medicine, emotions play a central role in disease processes; the mind and body can not be separated. Working through anger with flower essences, breathing exercises, and forgiveness work can be vital in the reversal of arthritic conditions.

Diet and Osteo-Arthritis

Processed foods and fast foods laden with saturated and hydrogenated fats increase the inflammatory response in the body and should be avoided. Most whole foods are appropriate to utilize with osteo-arthritis, but some people have sensitivities to vegetables in the nightshade family such as eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, and these vegetables may increase inflammation in those individuals.

Exercise and Osteo-Arthritis

Movement increases blood flow to the joints and is vital in the prevention and treatment of osteo-arthritis. Gentle Qi Gong exercises such as Tai Qi can be performed by those at any stage of osteoarthritis, even if restricted movement is presenting. Yoga also improves flexibility through stretching and can improve the range of joint movement and local classes are common. A brisk walk helps to alleviate Liver Qi Stagnation, and 9-12 miles of walking per day would be idea.

Information on conventional treatments for arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation, the CDC, or the Medline. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

Chinese Herbs and Acupressure for Arthritis

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Herbs for Joint Health:

Morinda officinalis -ba ji tian - Morinda Root and Vine

Morinda is highly nutritious and is used in Chinese medicine as a

superior tonic for strengthening the body's Yang function. It

tonifies the Kidney energy and corrects soreness of the lower back, knees, and joints. Morinda root is said to strengthen the entire skeletal system and reinforce bone density. Morinda is a top Chinese herb for strengthening the joints.

Spatholobus spp - ji xue teng

Millettia is used to address muscle and joint pain by opening obstructions to Qi flow in the meridians. Because it both nourishes and moves the blood, millettia is a good choice for those who are weak or deficient. Sharp pain are considered a key symptom of Blood Stagnation in Chinese medicine, and Milettia helps to break up this type of Blood Stagnation . Arthritic conditions are also complicated with internal damp conditions that are aggravated by damp weather and mellettia clears damp painful obstructions.

Lophatherum gracile - dan zhu ye - Bamboo

Stagnation in the joints eventually creates heat and inflammation and bamboo is used to Clear heat and eliminate irritability.

Angelica pubescens - du huo

Du huo is a traditional Chinese herb used to support mellitia in drying out dampness and alleviating pain.

Foeniculum vulgare - xiao hu xiang -Fennel Seed

Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm & gas, supports Kidney Qi, warms the uterus, relieves coughs and boosts the immune system.

Filipendula ulmaria - Meadowsweet

Medowsweet is a famous Western anti-inflammatory herb and is rich in salicylic acid (natural form that aspirin was synthesized from). Unlike aspirin though, meadowsweet does not create stomach disorders and is actually used for ulcers. Meadowsweet has also been used historically to stimulates circulation and relieves joint and muscle pain. It is a gentle diuretic that clears toxins, uric acid, and has been used to adress edema.

Cynomorium-suo yang

Eucommia ulmoides-du zhong- Rubber Tree Bark

Eucommia is considered a primary herb used to increase yang functions in the body. It is used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the bones and muscles, heal injured and weakened tissues, and for arthritis.

Boswellia carterii-ru xiang-Frankincense

Breaks up blood stagnation and invigorates blood. It is used in Chinese mediicne to reduce swelling, benefit the joints, alleviate chest pain, and alleviate pain from trauma. Boswellia is an excellent herb for reducing joint pain and improving osteo arthritic conditions.

Atractylodes-bai zhu

Atractylodes is an important Qi tonic famous for regulating the digestive functions. It has a mild diuretic action and drains dampness.

Achyranthes bidentata-niu xi

Achyranthes root is used in many Kidney tonic formulations to improve circulation in the lower part of the body. Achyranthes is used in Chinese medicine to invigorate the blood and break up blood stagnation, to strengthen joints and relieve lower back pain.

Dipsacus spp.-xu-duan-Teasel

Teasel promotes the circulation of blood for injuries or immobility from bone fractures with swelling & pain. It also treats pain and swelling in the lower back, and joints.

Poria cocos-fu ling

Poria is a fungus that grows on the roots of pine trees widely used in Chinese herbalism to leach out dampness, drain phlegm, and move fluid stagnation.

Commiphora myrrha-mo yao-Myrrh

Breaks up blood stagnation, reduces swelling and moves blood. In Chinese medicine, myrrh is used to alleviate pain from trauma.

Epimedium spp.-yin yang huo-Horny Goat Weed

According to Chinese medicine, Epimedium strengthens bones and joints and reduces numbness in the extremities. Recent research indicates that Epimedium is a strong immune system regulator.

Gentian longdancao-long dan cao

Drains damp heat from the Liver and clears Liver Fire. This bitter herb increases the flow of bile. Liver Fire resulting from Liver Qi Stagnation is a key contributor to arthritis in Chinese medicine.