Rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of chronic and general immune disease, clinically marked by pain, swelling, stiffness and deformity of the joints. It usually invades the distal small joints in the early stage and is often migra-tory. Consequently it involves the wrist, knee, elbow, ankle and shoulder, leading to muscular atrophy around the joints and irregular fever. This disease is seem more in women than in men. It pertains to the conceptions of severe and migratory arthralgia and gout in TCM. It is usually caused by weak constitution and invasion of patho-genic wind, cold, dampness and heat into the meridians and joints, hindering the flow of qi and blood; or by dys-function of the liver in dispersion and conveyance, stagna-tion of qi and unsmooth circulation of blood. Prolongation of the pathological conditions will lead to asthenia of the liver and kidney, failure of the liver to govern the tendons and the kidney to govern bones as well as infusion of phlegm and blood stasis into the joints, resulting in mus-cular atrophy and deformity of joints.
Treatment
Prescription: Dazhui (GV 14) and Zusanli (ST 86 ). Upper limbs: Jianyu (LI 15), Shousanli (LI 10), Quchi(LI 11), Waiguan (TE 15), Hegu (LI 4), Yangxi (LI 5), Yangchi (TE 4), Wangu (SI 4) and Baxie (EX-UE 9). Lower limbs: Huantiao (GB .30), Juliao (GB 29), Liangqiu (ST 34), Xiyan (EX-LE 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Ququan (LR 8), Xuanzhong (GB 89), Kunlun (BL 60), Jiexi (ST 41) and Bafeng (EX-LE 10). Neck: Cer-vical Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Fengchi (GB 20).
Modification: For migratory pain, Fengchi (GB 20), Xuehai (SP 10) and Geshu (BL 17) are added; for heavi-ness of limbs, Yinlingquan (SP 9) is added; for fever, Hegu (LI 4) and Quchi (LI 11 ) are added; for prolonged duration, Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added.
Performance. Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenshu (BL 23) and Pishu (BL 20) are needled with reinforcing needling technique and combined with moxibustion. The other acupoints are needled with reducing needling technique. Moxibustion can be applied to the location of pain. Local area with evident swelling can be punctured to let out blood.
2. Chinese Herbs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pills for Arthritis, Gout and Rheumatism
This unique, natural formulation combines the ancient healing benefits of herbs and other untrients with that of modem science, forming an advanced technology.
Sinew-bone regulation Liquid (external use)
This natural remedy helps reduce inflammation, soothe sore muscles, increase circulation, promote healing and reduce discomfort.
Arthritis Care Formula (Du huo Herbal tea)
Benefits :
Alleviates rheumatic pain, soreness,pain and numbness,Dispenses limbs and relives swelling.
