Winter In The Body
Arthritis…. The Obstruction of Qi (Energy)
Inflammation is a natural response of the body when tissue has been injured, irritated or damaged. Arthritis is an inflammatory process of one or more joints with the most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Spondyloarthropies and Gout. The main signs & symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and/or decreased range of motion. Some cases may advance to joint destruction and deformity.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, arthritis belongs to the category of “BI” syndromes (pronounced Bee). “BI” generally means “obstruction, and or stagnation.” In Chinese medicine, it means pain, soreness or numbness due to the lack of circulation of Energy (Qi, pronounced Chee) and blood in the body channels.
This is often considered to be caused by an invasion of wind, cold or dampness from the outside climate. People with arthritis often say that they are a barometer for the weather. Their bodies can sense when a storm, cold, or rainy day is on its way. When the weather changes to a slightly damper or colder day, our bodies may be stiffened, our joints may feel creaky and painful, and we often feel like there is an enormous heavyweight over our whole body. Many arthritis sufferers also usually have a lack of body energy (Qi) as well, which may present itself as fatigue or depression.
How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help With Arthritis?
When observing arthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the symptoms are carefully organized to determine the main influence (i.e. wind, damp, cold, heat). The root of the problem is also taken into consideration to find what the constitutional weakness or deficiency may be. Treatment plans are designed individually to do two things:
Minimize the impact of external influences to help relieve the symptoms.
To find effective ways to support the body as a whole.
Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines can be very effective in pain management. Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed based specifically on each individual patient to assist with long-term prevention. Acupuncture helps with immediate pain control and can increase joint mobility.
Tips To Support Arthritis In The Body
It is important to avoid exposure to wind, damp and cold. Exercising outdoors with very little clothing, when the weather is cold and damp should be avoided. Living in a damp and wet environment is also not recommended. Excessive exercise, repetitive/overuse injuries and accidents often predispose people to arthritic symptoms.
Everyone needs to take an active role in the maintenance and prevention of arthritis, especially because the cold of winter slows the body and increases obstruction (BI) in the joints. There are numerous dietary recommendations and herbs (both eastern and western), vitamins, minerals and other forms of supplementation, which can be of help to the joints. Regular exercise such as bicycle riding, walking and water exercises are good choices. Avoid weight-bearing or impact exercises. Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi are effective ways to increase and improve the flow of energy and blood in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine offers another effective treatment to those patients suffering from arthritis.
Judy R. Mazurin B.Sc, D.TCM
R.Ac.
