Osteoarthritisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Rheumatic and Arthritic Disorders, Bone and Skeletal Symptoms and Disorders
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, a common chronic condition, marks the gradual deterioration of joint cartilage. This process leads to the painful and restricted movement of the affected joints, commonly the knees, hips, and fingers. It is characterized by a breakdown of cartilage, changes in the bone, and deterioration of tendons and ligaments, causing pain and stiffness. Unlike other forms of arthritis that involve inflammation, osteoarthritis is primarily associated with wear and tear, making it prevalent among the aging population.
How does TCM view Osteoarthritis?
In contrast to Western medicine's focus on physical wear and tear, Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets osteoarthritis as a disruption of the flow of Qi and Blood within the joints, due to imbalances in the body's fundamental substances and disharmony among its organ systems.
This pathology is typically characterized within TCM by patterns of disharmony, each presenting a distinct constellation of symptoms and underlying imbalances that must be identified for targeted treatment. Addressing the specific TCM pattern rather than the symptomatic joint deterioration alone is considered essential for truly effective management of osteoarthritis.
Causes of Osteoarthritis According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine discerns several patterns that may lead to osteoarthritis, focusing on systemic imbalances rather than localized joint wear. For instance, a pattern of Wind-Cold-Damp invading the body can result in joint pain and immobility, akin to the stiffness and swelling seen in osteoarthritis.
Another TCM pattern, Liver and Kidney Deficiency, reflects a deeper root of osteoarthritis, where the body's foundational Yin and Yang energies are depleted, affecting bone health and joint function. These patterns underscore the TCM belief that osteoarthritis symptoms are external manifestations of internal imbalances that must be addressed holistically.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Osteoarthritis
Based on the identified pattern, TCM offers a rich pharmacopeia to treat osteoarthritis. For patterns involving Wind-Cold-Damp, a formula like Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang, which includes herbs like Prepared aconite to warm the body's interior, may be prescribed.
When osteoarthritis is seen as stemming from Liver and Kidney Deficiency, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, with herbs such as Pubescent Angelica Roots, is favored for its ability to nourish the organ systems and dispel pathogenic influences. These formulas, among others, are chosen with precision, seeking not just to alleviate joint pain, but to harmonize the patient's overall energy and restore functional mobility.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address osteoarthritis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, with pubescent angelica root as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Er Miao San, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Xiao Huo Luo Dan, with prepared kusnezoffii aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Zhen Wu Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Osteoarthritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address osteoarthritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoarthritis, like Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for osteoarthritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang | Zhen Wu Tang |
| Prepared Kusnezoffii Aconite (Zhi Cao Wu) | Xiao Huo Luo Dan |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoarthritis, like Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for osteoarthritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo) | Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang |
| Prepared Sichuan Aconite (Zhi Chuan Wu) | Xiao Huo Luo Dan |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Osteoarthritis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for osteoarthritis, like Er Miao San.