Bone And Joint Painaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Bone Pain and Discomfort, Joint Pain and Discomfort
Sub-symptom(s): Bone Pain Hip Bone Pain Clavicle Pain Scapula Pain
What is Bone and Joint Pain?
Bone and joint pain affect countless individuals, characterized by discomfort, aching, and sometimes debilitating soreness in various parts of the musculoskeletal system. This pain can be acute, stemming from injury or infection, or chronic, often associated with age-related conditions like osteoarthritis or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms can severely impact the quality of life, limiting mobility and daily activities.
How Does TCM View Bone and Joint Pain?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bone and joint pain as manifestations of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic pathways. It sees the bones as governed by the Kidney Channel and the joints as hubs where Qi and Blood gather and flow.
TCM posits that pain arises when these flows are disrupted by disharmony between the fundamental elements of Yin and Yang, the presence of pathogenic factors like Dampness or Cold, or a deficiency in life-essential substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang.
Root Causes of Bone And Joint Pain in TCM
TCM identifies various patterns that could lead to bone and joint pain. One such pattern involves Yang Deficiency, where there's not enough 'warming' energy, leading to Cold-Damp accumulation in the bones and joints, resulting in pain, heaviness, and stiffness, particularly in cold conditions.
Treatment in TCM focuses on correcting the underlying disharmony through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and Qi Gong exercises.
Explore below more details about what might cause Bone and joint pain according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Cold
- View More Causes
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp | Aching bones and joints, Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Cold extremities, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more | Fu Zi Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Bone And Joint Pain
In addressing bone and joint pain, TCM practitioners may prescribe formulas like Fu Zi Tang, a warming concoction featuring Prepared aconite, to combat Cold-Damp that stagnates in the body, leading to pain. Herbs that expel Cold and Dampness, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the bones and sinews are commonly used. Each herbal prescription is tailored to the individual's presenting pattern, ensuring a targeted approach to restore balance and alleviate pain.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bone and joint pain, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Yin Deficiency
- Cold
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Fu Zi Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause bone and joint pain, such as Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Learn moreAcupoints for Bone And Joint Pain
Explore below some acupoints used to address bone and joint pain, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Small Intestine Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
Qiangu SI-2
On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx.
Jianzhen SI-9
Posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint. When the arm is adducted, Jianzhen SI-9 is 1 cun above the posterior end of the axillary fold. Naoshu SI-10 is located directly above Jianzhen SI-9.
Naoshu SI-10
When the arm is adducted, Naoshu SI-10 is directly above JianZhen SI-9, in the depression inferior and lateral to the scapular spine.
Tianzong SI-11
In the intrascapular fossa, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the distance between the lower border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula.
Bingfeng SI-12
In the center of the suprascapular fossa, directly above Tianzong SI-11. When the arm is lifted, the point is at the site of the depression.
Jianwaishu SI-14
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic verrtebra (T1), on the vertical line drawn from the levator scapulae muscle.
Jianzhongshu SI-15
2 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7).
