Arthralgiaaccording to TCM

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What is Arthralgia?

Arthralgia, commonly understood as joint pain, is a symptom that encompasses a range of discomforts in the joints. This pain can be transient or chronic, localized or widespread. It is a symptom frequently encountered by individuals of various ages and is often associated with stiffness, inflammation, or a reduction in joint mobility.

How does TCM view Arthralgia?

Traditional Chinese Medicine sees arthralgia not just as a physical ailment but as a disruption of the body's harmonious balance. It is thought to arise from the Stagnation of Qi and Blood, or from the invasion of external pathological factors such as Wind, Cold, Dampness, or Heat into the channels and muscles. Recognizing the precise pattern of disharmony is vital in TCM, as it guides the bespoke treatment plan.

Root Causes of Arthralgia in TCM

According to TCM, arthralgia may result from external climatic factors invading the body, leading to blockages in the flow of Qi and Blood within the joints. For instance, an invasion of Cold can lead to Stagnation, manifesting as sharp, fixed pain that worsens with cold weather.

Alternatively, Dampness accumulation can cause a sensation of heaviness, numbness, and swelling in the joints. These patterns are assessed through careful examination of symptoms, tongue diagnosis, and pulse-taking to tailor an effective treatment strategy.

Explore below more details about what might cause Arthralgia according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Cold
  • Dampness
  • Heat
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Arthralgia

Common Symptoms: Cold Extremities Fever Body Pain Bone And Joint Pain Absence Of Thirst Aversion To Cold Migraine Cluster Headache

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold invading the Channels joints and muscles Joint pain, Arthralgia, Joint stiffness, Muscle pain, Swollen joints, Muscle numbness, Stiff neck... see more Wu Tou Tang | Xiao Huo Luo Dan
Damp-Cold Joints pain, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles Joints pain, Arthralgia, Anemophobia, Fever Da Fang Feng Tang | Xiao Huo Luo Dan | Ge Gen Tang
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 Arthralgia

TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas to address arthralgia, chosen based on the underlying disharmony. Formulas like Wu Tou Tang are used to dispel Cold and invigorate the circulation in the channels, while Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang may be prescribed to invigorate the blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, providing relief from pain and stiffness in the joints. Herbs are carefully selected for their ability to target specific patterns and are often used in combination to enhance their therapeutic effects.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address arthralgia, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Cold
  • Dampness
  • Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Arthralgia Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Huo Luo Dan Cold invading the Channels joints and muscles, Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles... see more
Wu Tou Tang Cold invading the Channels joints and muscles
Da Fang Feng Tang Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Fu Zi Tang Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
Ge Gen Tang Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Acupoints for Arthralgia

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment for arthralgia, with specific acupoints selected to unblock Qi and blood stagnation. Points such as Shangqiu SP-5 are utilized to strengthen the Spleen, which in TCM is involved in the transformation of Dampness, while also soothing the mind and easing pain. Each point is chosen based on its location and action to form a holistic approach to treating joint pain.

See more details below about Shangqiu SP-5, an acupoint used to address arthralgia.

  • By Meridian
  • Spleen Channel
Shangqiu SP-5

Shangqiu SP-5

In the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, midway between the navicular bone tubercle and the tip of the medial malleolus.

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