Arthritis as viewed by Chinese Medicine
Western medicine defines arthritis as inflammation in one or more joints. Typically this happens in areas where two bones meet. While arthritis mostly occurs in our hands and feet, because of its broad definition arthritis can apply to anywhere in the body.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), when there is healthy qi(energy) and blood flow, there can be no pain. Whenever there is a blockage of either qi or blood, then pain will occur. Arthritis arises from this same theory. When wind, cold, and dampness penetrate the body’s defenses and enter the muscles, tendons, and joints, this can cause stiffness and pain. Because of these different etiologies, we can separate arthritis into 4 different types.