Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

 

According to the American College of Rheumatology, RA is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans. Of these, about 75 percent are women. The disease is triggered by a faulty immune system and commonly affects the wrist and small joints of the hand (knuckles and joints of the fingers) and feet. The condition is accompanied by joint pain, swelling, stiffness with limited range of motion; and in severe stage, can result in joint damages. Chronic stiffness in the morning (most severe) is a distinguishing sign which differentiate RA from other forms of arthritis condition.

 

In western medicine, the cause of RA is unknown. Immune cells in the body release chemicals that cause inflammation in the tissues that line joints (or synovium). Inflammatory chemicals cause damages to cartilages and bones. Diagnosis of RA is based on complete medical and family health history, physical examination, laboratory tests and radiography. Current western medical treatments provide relief of symptoms and/or slow damage to joint tissues. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine are often prescribed along with physical and occupational therapy. Other drugs such as NSAIDS and/or low dose corticosteroids will be used to controll swelling, pain and fever.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is no equivalent name for RA. The signs and symptoms of RA is classified as Bi syndromes. Bi means obstruction and it is caused by pathogens creating blockages in the channels. Channel obstruction prevents Qi and Blood from traveling through the channels smoothly and perform their functions of warming and nourishing the joints and extremities, thus causing discomforting symptoms.

Bi syndromes can be caused by external factors (such as Wind, Cold, Heat, and Dampness) attacking the body system due to weakened Qi and Blood. For this reason, a strong immune system requires strong Qi and Blood in the body. For treatment, a Chinese medicine practitioner would have to determine the attacking external factors (Wind, Cold, Heat, and/or Dampness) and whether Qi and/or Blood is deficient. The treatments involve clearing obstructed channels by eliminating the aggravating factors and tonifying body systems (most commonly Liver and Kidney) that cause the body to be vulnerable to invasion by external factors. Treatments can be accomplished using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

 

Many people have found long term relief with the help of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The therapies are all natural with much less side effects than western medical interventions.