» Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for joint inflammation. The main symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are several types of arthritis, but there are two basic forms mentioned in modern literature that occur frequently: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by autoimmune attacks that usually come and go, and it may be influenced by numerous factors that alter the immune functions, including infections, dietary components, and stress. Osteoarthritis also involves some autoimmune responses, but is characterized by a gradually worsening degradation of the joint spaces, leading to sharp, fixed pain that persists. Although both disorders can begin at any of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the upper body first (fingers are frequently the first site), while osteoarthritis most often affects the lower body first (hips and knees are commonly affected). Rheumatoid arthritis tends to be felt for the first time at a somewhat earlier age than osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis usually starting before age 50 and osteoarthritis usually starting after age 50. Women are more likely than men to suffer from arthritis of both types.
Arthritis has been a recognized medical condition since ancient times, and the Chinese had developed numerous formulas for its treatment. Chinese herbal formulas were not specifically designed for either of the two major types of arthritis defined today. The basis for Chinese doctors differentiating arthritis into subgroups was not the microscopic details of the pathology. Instead, arthritis was divided into traditional medicine categories: hot and cold types, upper and lower body involvement, deficiency or excess syndrome, pain characteristics (such as variability and severity), and whether the site of the arthritis was fixed or "moving." Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis fall under the heading of bi syndrome, a disorder of qi and blood circulation that leads to symptoms of pain, numbness, swelling, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis fits most closely those syndromes characterized by the Chinese as wind-damp invasion affecting the joints. Osteoarthritis more closely fits the syndrome of liver/kidney deficiency syndrome causing weakness and stiffness in the legs with painful joints.
In China, syndromes similar to rheumatoid arthritis were an area of special concern, generating considerable literature on the subject, since the condition could arise suddenly and could rapidly become severely debilitating. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, tended to be lumped together with other disorders of aging, in which stiffness and pain, especially of the legs, was considered just one part of the gradual deterioration of body functions that occurs with old age. As such, it is usually not the subject of much discussion separate from anti aging therapies. The formulas described in this article mainly fit the category of rheumatoid arthritis treatments. There are three key pathological factors addressed by the formulas: wind, damp, cold.
One of the methods that Traditional Chinese Medicine uses against arthritis is acupuncture - the insertion of superfine, disposable, sterilised needles to stimulate vital energy, promoting pain relief and restoring essential balance allowing a feeling of well-being.
To help keep your body's nutrients in balance we recommend at least three cups of a good quality, pure organic green tea or oolong Tea a day. Drink the tea without milk, cream or sugar.
Arthritis sufferers can improve their situation by changing their eating habits. Seek advice from a qualified nutritionist for your own specific situation but as a rule, if you suffer from any form of arthritis you should cut down on all cheese and dairy. Smoking and black coffee is a dire combination and if this describes you, you must quickly look for better and healthier alternatives.
Provided that the arthritis has not progressed too far, exercise is a recommendation that is often made - yoga is perfect. So is walking. Go for a walk daily for at least half an hour. Give it a try for a few weeks and you will notice the difference.
Give it a try, your body and you deserve a better chance.
We fully appreciate you giving us the opportunity to assist you and we hope we will be able to make a difference in your life. It takes a little time but we are certain that it can bring you good results.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me through In-Nature.
Best Wishes
Doctor Wei
In Nature
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice, this is for information
only. Should you have this condition, we strongly recommend that you consult
a qualified physician.
