There are several kinds of osteoarthritis in Chinese medicine. they are differentiated by symptoms which indicates their character and determines the type of treatment is necessary.
Moving Bi (Wind Predominant) – Characterized by widespread pain in the joints which moves from one area to another and is usually accompanied by joint stiffness. There is often fever and chills and a rapid pulse.
Painful Bi (Cold Predominant) – Characterized by severe pain in one joint or area of the body which is worse when exposed to cold and relieved with warmth.
Fixed Bi (Damp Predominant) – Characterized by Localized pain which does not move. It is often accompanied by numbness, edema, and a feeling of heaviness of the body and limbs. Attacks are often triggered by cloudy or damp weather (change in barometric pressure).
Hot Bi (Heat Predominant) – This occurs when heat accompanies wind and damp, or when during the course of the disease the cold transforms into heat. This condition is characterized by joint pain with local redness, swelling and tenderness The flesh is hot to the touch There is often fever, rapid pulse, thirst, and/or constipation. This pattern is characteristic of a flareup of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Heart Blockage – If the disorder is prolonged, it may enter the internal organs and cause the blood to coagulate and result in circulatory disturbances. This is characterized by an uncomfortable and congested feeling in the chest, palpitations, asthmatic panting and irritability.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating these pathogenic factors (i.e. wind, cold, damp etc.) through the use of acupuncture, moxibustion (heat: used for cold and damp types), and Chinese Herbal Formulas in order to restore the proper circulation of Qi and Blood to the affected area. Chinese herbs are especially important for the weaker patient because an inadequate supply of Qi and/or Blood will also lead to stagnation much like an inadequate supply of water in a river or stream will lead to the water stagnating in pools. Chinese Herbs do a much better job of replenishing Qi and Blood than acupuncture or moxibustion can.
Osteoarthritis is usually fairly easy to treat and most patients experience a noticeable improvement with the very first treatment. As treatment progresses, the improvement becomes more dramatic and longer lasting. The ultimate treatment outcome depends largely on the duration and extent of the disease. Acupuncture cannot regenerate deteriorated joints and is used to best advantage as a preventive measure in the earlier stages of the disease to help keep it from progressing into its more debilitating stages; Even so, severe inoperable degenerated joints (such as a shoulder) can be successfully treated to reduce pain and increase mobility and thus improve the quality of life (sometimes dramatically).
Rheumatoid Arthritis is more difficult to treat (unless its character is more like osteoarthritis) and may take as many as .4-6 treatments before any noticeable improvement is seen. Acupuncture is not a cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it often can significantly reduce the pain, tenderness and swelling associated with the disease thus making the condition more tolerable for the patient. Once the degree of improvement that can be achieved is reached, ongoing care is usually necessary to maintain the improvement (usually once every 3-4 weeks).
In general, the usual treatment regimen is acupuncture 2 to 3 times per week until the improvement achieved maintains itself between visits without backsliding. Then the time between visits is increased as the improvement continues to maintain itself. Once a spacing of every 2 to 3 weeks is achieved, the condition will usually remain improved on its own until some triggering event causes a relapse. Severe cases may require ongoing care.