Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. This inflammation is the result of a malfunction in the body's immune system that causes the body to attack its own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that usually affects the smaller joints of the body, such as those in the fingers and toes. According to MayoClinic.com, rheumatoid arthritis is almost twice as common in women than in men.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Alone, or used in combination with other therapies, certain herbs have been shown to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginger and turmeric were shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may possibly slow down the progression of the disease. Boswellia, or frankincense, has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory agent and immune system booster.
In China, thunder god vine has been used for centuries, but due to its unpredictable side effects, its use in the United States has been limited.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. According to Acupuncture.com, once a patient has been examined and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an individual treatment plan is designed. Specific acupuncture points are chosen, according to the cause. Acupuncture is performed along with changes to diet and the supplementation of herbs that coincide with the type of condition, or "bi."
Traditional Chinese medicine bases the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis on four basic conditions called "bi." These four bi patterns are wind, cold, damp and heat. Each bi condition has specific symptoms and herbs that correlate to its individual pattern.
Dietary Changes
Changes in the diet or supplementation of required nutrients work in conjunction with other traditional Chinese therapies to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Incorporating foods with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce joint tenderness and stiffness. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, individuals who consume high levels of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids had lower risk of inflammation and pain, due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is found in plants and seeds. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is abundant in evening primrose, flax and borage oils. Once GLA enters the body, it is broken down and converted into components that reduce inflammation.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a form of martial arts developed in China as a means of self-defense. Over the years, it has developed into an exercise tool to promote health and balanced living.
Tai chi is comprised of several movements that are slow, deliberate and fluid. These movements require concentration and focus. Performing tai chi allows the body and mind to relax. Deep breathing and meditation are used to move energy along pathways throughout the body.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, tai chi strengthens muscles, improves flexibility and increases overall well-being. It can also improve balance and coordination.
Environment
The four environmental "bi" patterns in traditional Chinese medicine correspond to four specific sets of symptoms. Each set of symptoms has corresponding herbal remedies that are prescribed to treat them.
The wind pattern condition occurs when an individual is exposed to winds for long periods of time. Wind bi is characterized by pain that moves from joint to joint and is accompanied by fever. Ephedra and ledebouriella are often used for treatment, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Symptoms of the cold pattern include severe joint pain that remains in one area. Warmth may alleviate pain, while cold can cause it to worsen. Aconite and ephedra are prescribed for the cold pattern.
Exposure to dampness can cause symptoms of the damp bi. Soreness and swelling, accompanied by heaviness and numbness, comprise the symptoms associated with the damp pattern. Lancea atractylodes and coix are used for the damp pattern, according to the NCCAM.
The heat pattern is caused from prolonged exposure to heat or warmth. This pattern can develop as a result of a combination of the other three bi patterns. Red swollen joints that are hot to the touch and extremely painful are characteristic of the heat bi. Applying cold to the joints may relieve the symptoms. Associated with the heat pattern are gypsum and cinnamon.
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