Rheumatoid Arthritis
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints — causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the synovial membrane, a thin layer of tissue that lines the joints, causing inflammation and damage to the joint and surrounding tissues. Over time, the inflammation can lead to cartilage and bone damage, and eventually to joint deformity and disability. RA can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in women and people between the ages of forty and sixty.
I.
Conventional Treatment Options
- I.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs NSAIDs
Relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Possible side effects include stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding.
- II.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs DMARDs
Slow or stop the progression of the disease by suppressing the immune system. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and liver damage.
- III.
Biologic Response Modifiers
Target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and joint damage. Possible side effects include increased risk of infections and cancer.
- IV.
Steroids
Reduce inflammation and pain but have significant side effects when used for a long time — such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of infections.
- V.
Surgery
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be needed. Possible complications include infection, blood clots, and nerve damage.
II.
The TCM Perspective
痺證 · Bi Syndrome
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, RA is classified as a bi-syndrome — a group of disorders characterised by pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the muscles, bones, and joints. It is believed to be caused by a combination of external factors (cold, dampness, and wind) and internal factors (qi and blood stagnation) that disrupt the body’s natural balance and flow of energy.
Bi-syndrome is typically classified according to the specific patterns of disharmony involved. Treatment may involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and other TCM modalities to restore balance and promote healing.
III.
Common Chinese Herbs
Some commonly used TCM herbs for rheumatoid arthritis:
Duhuo
Angelica pubescens
Used to dispel wind and dampness; eases pain in the lower limbs and joints.
Sangji Sheng
Taxillus herbaceus
Tonifies the liver and kidneys, strengthens sinew and bone, dispels wind-damp.
Fangfeng
Siler divaricatum
Releases the exterior and expels wind; classical herb for wind-damp bi-pain.
Qinjiao
Gentiana macrophylla
Clears heat from deficiency and relaxes tendons; eases joint stiffness and swelling.
Chuanxiong
Ligusticum chuanxiong
Invigorates blood and moves qi; resolves stagnation and alleviates pain.
These herbs are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and are often combined into specific formulas tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
IV.
Common Acupuncture Points
Specific points on the body are targeted to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. Commonly used points for RA include:
LI 4
Hegu
Master point for pain and the head/face; releases exterior wind.
ST 36
Zusanli
Tonifies qi and blood; foundational point for systemic immunity and joint care.
SP 6
Sanyinjiao
Crossing point of the three Yin channels; nourishes blood and resolves dampness.
GB 34
Yanglingquan
Influential point for sinews and tendons; classical choice for joint and muscle disorders.
BL 23
Shenshu
Back-Shu of the kidney; supports the lower back and strengthens constitution.
V.
Moxibustion at Huatuo
At Huatuo Clinic, besides acupuncture and herbal medicine, we also incorporate moxibustion therapy in our treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves burning mugwort near specific acupuncture points on the skin to promote healing and alleviate pain. This therapy is thought to improve blood circulation and enhance the flow of vital energy — Qi — in the body, ultimately aiding in the relief of RA symptoms.
At Huatuo Clinic
Our goal is to provide effective treatment solutions, promote natural healing, and help patients manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Please contact us for a professional consultation.