Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
At a glance
Preliminary reading: What is a pattern? The concept of Wind
Key attributes
Chinese name: 行痹 Pinyin name: Xíng Bì
Pattern nature: Full
Causes
Common causes: 1. External Wind, 2. Weak constitution
Diagnosis
Common symptoms: Fever Joints pain Aversion to wind
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu)
Tongue description: Pale tongue with thin white coating
Treatment
Treatment principle: Release Wind from the Exterior, Unblock Channels, expel Cold and Dampness.
Common formulas: Da Fang Feng Tang Xiao Huo Luo Dan Ge Gen Tang
Pathology
It is a type of the Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome 痹证). The Chinese name is called Xing Bi or Feng Bi (行痹 / 风痹).
This patter is similar to Cold invading the channels and joints. Both patterns evolve joints pain and stiffness, but the pain with Cold mostly occurs in one single joint, while the pain related to Wind moves around between the upper and lower limbs.
The Wind penetrates the Defensive Qi and obstruction the Qi and Blood circulation in Channels. It then settles down in the Joints and causes its pain and swollen.
The Wind Evil can also combines with Cold Damp and invade the Channels and joints together.
Causes
External Wind : Prolong or sudden exposure to a windy environment can cause this pattern.
Weak constitution : Weak constitution means the Defensive Qi is not strong enough to fight against the external Pernicious Influence invasion. It can be due to genetic defect, overwork, lack of exercise, or long term sickness.
Diagnosing Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Diagnosing a pattern in Chinese Medicine is no easy feat and should be left to professional practitioners. In particular one has to know how to differentiate between different types of pulses and tongue coatings, shapes and colors as well as learn to read from a long list of seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu)
Tongue description: Pale tongue with thin white coating
Main symptoms: Fever Joints pain Aversion to wind
Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the joints pain which moves between the upper and lower limbs.
Treating Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Treatment principle
Release Wind from the Exterior, Unblock Channels, expel Cold and Dampness.
Herbal formulas used to treat Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles
Xiao Huo Luo Dan
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Dispels Wind. Eliminates Dampness and transforms Phlegm . Invigorates the Blood. Removes Stagnation and relieves pain.
Formula summary
Xiao Huo Luo Dan is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind.
Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Xiao Huo Luo Dan is also used to treat Cold invading the Channels joints and muscles or Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles.
Da Fang Feng Tang
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Key actions: Expel Wind Damp. Relieve pain. Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys. Tonify the Blood and Qi.
Formula summary
Da Fang Feng Tang is a 14-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Wind-Damp.
Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Da Fang Feng Tang is also used to treat Painful Obstruction.
Ge Gen Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior and muscle layer. Forms Body Fluids.
Formula summary
Ge Gen Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold.
Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Ge Gen Tang is also used to treat Wind-Cold invading the Lungs.