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- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine ? - How does Traditional Chinese Medicine work? - Can Traditional Chinese Medicine be used to treat arthritis symptoms? - How do I find a provider?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an approach that some people use totreat their arthritis symptoms. The information below will help you understand more about this therapy, if it can help with your symptoms of arthritis, and how to find a provider.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine ?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a holistic approach to healing and wellness. It involves thinking about the body systems as part of a holistic energy flow known as qi [pronounced chee] that flows along pathways called meridians. It is thought that when these meridians are blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. TCM uses many methods to try and restore balance and strong qi to the meridians.
Qi is thought to be influenced by external and internal forces as well as lifestyle factors. External forces include environmental factors such as wind, cold, heat, dampness, and dryness, while internal forces include emotions such as joy, anger, and fear. Lifestyle factors could include poor diet, lack of exercise, or too much alcohol.
According to TCM practice, rheumatoid arthritis belongs to a group of diseases caused by the penetration of wind, cold, and dampness in muscles, sinews, bones, and joints. This can result in pain, soreness, and heaviness.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture, herbal medicines, cupping therapy, exercise, and tui na (a form of massage) to help restore balance to qi and re-establish health. TCM can also be used as preventative care.
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine be used to treat arthritis symptoms?
While there areresearch studies on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, its helpfulness remains unclear due to limitations in study control variables as well as study size and effect size. Further research is required before the impact of TCM on arthritis can be determined.
How do I find a provider?
If you decide to try Traditional Chinese Medicine, it should be used to complement the arthritis treatment plan advised by yourmedical team, not as a substitution. It is recommended to inform your primary care provider about any medications or herbs prescribed by your TCM provider to prevent any interactions or unwanted side effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a regulated profession in Canada. To find more information about registered practitioners in your area, visit The Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada.
FAQs
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Bi-Qi capsule (Bi-Qi) is a commonly prescribed drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of Bi-Qi-mediated amelioration of RA pathogenesis is still a mystery.
What is the best Chinese medicine for osteoarthritis? ›
Du-zhong (Eucommia bark) was the most commonly prescribed Chinese single herb, while Du-huo-ji-sheng-tang was the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula for osteoarthritis.
Is traditional Chinese medicine scientifically proven? ›
Chinese herbal products have been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold). Because many studies have been of poor quality, no firm conclusions can be made about their effectiveness.
What is arthritis medicine from China? ›
A Chinese herbal preparation, SiMiaoFang (SMF), has been used clinically for treating arthralgia by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activities. However, no evidence base links SMF to anti-osteoarthritis (OA), particularly its link to inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation.
Is there anything that actually works for arthritis? ›
There is no cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment options include medicines, weight reduction, exercise, and surgery.
What is the golden herb for osteoarthritis? ›
Curcumin for Arthritis
Turmeric is a staple of traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine and a prime ingredient in curries. Claims: Turmeric for arthritis reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA); treats bursitis.
What is the number 1 treatment for osteoarthritis? ›
Exercise. Exercise is one of the most important treatments for people with osteoarthritis, whatever your age or level of fitness. Your physical activity should include a combination of exercises to strengthen your muscles and exercises to improve your general fitness.
What are the best Chinese herbs for inflammation? ›
This review tries to summarize the effect of HCCHs which have shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and their mechanisms of action.
- Scutellaria baicalensis (黃芩 Huáng Qín) ...
- Coptis chinensis (黃連 Huáng Lián) ...
- Flos Lonicerae (金銀花 Jīn Yín Hūa) ...
- Forsythia suspensa (連翹 Lián Qiào) ...
- Isatidis folium (大青葉 Dà Qīng Yè)
Frankincense Resin (Ru Xiang) This TCM classic not only alleviates acute or chronic pain + trauma to the body, but it can also treat inflammatory diseases. Interestingly enough, this hardened, gum-like material comes from the trunk of the Boswellia carteri tree, which is native to India + Africa.
Is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine a real doctor? ›
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine or other alternative therapies should not call themselves “Dr” unless they possess a general medical qualification and are registered with the GMC.
In summary, when utilizing Chinese medicine for any ailment, it's advised to steer clear of raw, cold, greasy, strongly scented fish, pungent, barbecued, roasted, and fried oily foods. Opting for lighter, blended meals is highly recommended during this period.
How do Chinese people treat arthritis? ›
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture, herbal medicines, cupping therapy, exercise, and tui na (a form of massage) to help restore balance to qi and re-establish health. TCM can also be used as preventative care.
What drug is used to reverse arthritis? ›
There are several subsets of DMARDs, including conventional synthetic DMARDs, which are commonly used to treat arthritis, often in pill form, but sometimes as an injectible. Methotrexate is the most well known and most used conventional synthetic DMARD.
What do Chinese use for inflammation? ›
Frankincense Resin (Ru Xiang) This TCM classic not only alleviates acute or chronic pain + trauma to the body, but it can also treat inflammatory diseases. Interestingly enough, this hardened, gum-like material comes from the trunk of the Boswellia carteri tree, which is native to India + Africa.
What is Chinese liniment for arthritis? ›
Zheng Gu Shui (Chinese: 正骨水; lit. 'bone-setting liquid') is a traditional Chinese liniment. This external analgesic is believed to relieve qi and blood stagnation, promote healing, and soothe pain.
What is the Japanese herbal medicine for arthritis? ›
Boiogito (Japanese herbal medicine, Tsumura Co. Tokyo, Japan) contains sinomenin which inhibits inflammatory reactions. Since sinomenine is a principle component of the Boiogito, there is a possibility of it being effective on osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee with joint effusion.
What is the Tibetan herbal medicine for arthritis? ›
Qi-Sai-Er-Sang-Dang-Song Decoction (QSD, ཆུ་སེར་སེང་ལྡེང་སུམ་ཐང་།), a Tibetan classical herbal formula, is commonly used in Tibetan hospital preparation for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its efficacy is to relieve inflammation, dispel cold, remove dampness, and alleviate pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a holistic approach to healing and wellness. It involves thinking about the body systems as part of a holistic energy flow known as qi [pronounced chee] that flows along pathways called meridians. It is thought that when these meridians are blocked or unbalanced, illness can occur. TCM uses many methods to try and restore balance and strong qi to the meridians.
While there areresearch studies on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, its helpfulness remains unclear due to limitations in study control variables as well as study size and effect size. Further research is required before the impact of TCM on arthritis can be determined.