Rheumatoid Arthritis with Chinese Medicine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis- A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder which can lead to progressive destruction of the articular and periarticular joints
Main Symptoms
Inflammation of the peripheral synovial joints, sinews and flesh,
Usually symmetrical
Worse in the morning (stiffness)
Fatigue
Rheumatic factor
Radiographic changes
Disease Mechanisms
The list above highlights the main symptoms however, the exact individual diagnosis is determined through the diverse disease categorizations. Generally speaking RA combines a deficiency of Spleen Qi energy as the root of the disease, with the addition manifestations of excess pathogenic cold, wind, heat or damp which invades, lodging in the channels and small spaces in the joints. This impedes the circulation of Qi and blood which adversely affects the joint mobility.
Acute RA presents with the characteristic swollen, painful joints with restricted movements, these pains typically follow changes in the weather. The combination of heat or cold will require the appropriate treatment plan.
Wind Cold Damp Pattern-
May feel cool to the touch, stiff in the morning and better with warmth or in summer. It can frequently present with loose stool, frequent urination and absence of sweating. This combination has a background of Spleen Qi deficiency which leads to Wei Qi deficiency which allows the external damp pathogenic invasion in to the joints.
Treatment Principle:
Expel wind and dispel dampness, warm the channels and scatter cold.
Wind Heat Damp Pattern-
Will look and feel hot to the touch, will feel better for cooling or in winter, worse with heat or in summer, and can be seen with fever, sweating, thirst & vomiting. This pattern has a background of Spleen Qi deficiency plus Liver Qi Stagnation, which creates heat and creates the internal damp pathogen.
Treatment principle:
Clear Heat and dampness, dispel wind and free the flow of the networks.
Yin Deficiency with heat Pattern-
Along side the previously stated standard symptoms this pattern is initially eased by cooling the inflammation, which after a while seizes to improve the condition and instead it is soothed with warmth. The accompanying signs include, dry mouth, bitter taste, parched throat, insomnia and agitation.
Treatment Principle:
Scatter cold, eliminate dampness, clear heat and free the flow of the networks.
Chronic episodes of RA combine extreme deficiency of Qi or blood with complications of stasis and phlegm, formed due to the lack of movement and circulation in the channels. when phlegm is not resolved it becomes nodules and deformity’s.
Qi & Blood Deficiency, Phlegm & Blood Stasis Pattern-
Chronic RA like this pattern will show signs of deformity and joint rigidity along side the swollen, achy, painful, restrictive movements of the joints, and in addition there will be shortness of breath, lassitude, heart palpitations.
Treatment principle:
Boost Qi, Nourish Blood, Transform Phlegm, dispel stasis, and improve the flow of the channels.
Liver blood kidney yin and yang deficiency with phlegm and stasis Pattern-
Also chronic condition, this yang deficient pronounced pattern is worse with exposure to cold weather and includes back and knee pain, dizziness and tinnitus with chills and frequent urination.
Treatment Principle
supplement the kidneys and invigorate yang, nourish the liver and sooth the sinews.
Like most autoimmune disorders, RAs aetiology is somewhat varied, although diet, allergies, lifestyle, genetics, microorganisms and abnormal bowel function can all play their part.
correct diet is extremely important to support the weak spleen organs energy, which requires avoiding sugary, fried foods, raw, cold foods and drinks, processed foods and dairy when possible. When damp heat predominates then bland, clear, yeast free diet will assist, which means avoiding all fermented foods and anything which moulds easily.
Autoimmune diseases have times of remission and fluctuation. When looking for long term solutions then Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture should be used long term, not just when acute episodes flare up but continuously even through the remission periods, this enables all the underlying conditions to be addressed sufficiently, along side the branches of disease.
