Arthritis: Bi Syndrome
(痹症, Bi Zheng)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), arthritis is not seen as a standalone disease but rather as a symptom of deeper imbalances affecting the joints, muscles, and meridians. Known broadly as Bi Syndrome (痹症, Bi Zheng), arthritis is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility—all of which are understood as disruptions in the flow of Qi and Blood, often due to external pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, Dampness, or Heat invading the body. These factors obstruct the meridians, leading to stagnation and pain. Additionally, internal weaknesses—particularly of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen—can make a person more susceptible to arthritis by failing to nourish the tendons, bones, and muscles properly.
One of the most common patterns in arthritic conditions is Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, where joint pain migrates, becomes stiff and worse with cold, or feels heavy and swollen. For example, rheumatoid arthritis, with its wandering joint pain, aligns with Wind-Damp-Heat Bi, where inflammation, redness, and warmth suggest an excess of Heat combined with Dampness. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, frequently corresponds to Cold-Damp Bi or Kidney and Liver deficiency, where chronic wear and tear reflect a decline in the nourishing essence (Jing) that sustains bones and cartilage.
TCM treatment for arthritis focuses on expelling pathogenic factors, restoring smooth Qi and Blood circulation, and strengthening the underlying deficiencies that contribute to joint degeneration. Herbal formulas are tailored to the specific pattern. For Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sangjisheng Decoction) may be used to dispel cold and dampness while strengthening the Liver and Kidney. For Wind-Damp-Heat Bi, Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang (White Tiger Plus Cinnamon Twig Decoction) can clear heat and reduce swelling. In cases of chronic arthritis due to Kidney and Liver deficiency, Du Zhong Wan (Eucommia Bark Pill) or You Gui Wan (Restore the Right Kidney Pill) may be prescribed to tonify Jing and reinforce bones.
Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM arthritis treatment, used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Points such as GB34 (Yanglingquan, Gallbladder Meridian) and LI4 (Hegu, Large Intestine Meridian) are often selected to alleviate pain and promote Qi movement, while local points around affected joints help release stagnation. Moxibustion—the burning of mugwort near the skin—is particularly useful for Cold-type Bi to warm meridians and drive out cold.
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments are also emphasized. Since Dampness and Cold can aggravate arthritis, TCM recommends avoiding cold, raw foods and damp environments while favoring warm, cooked meals with spices like ginger and turmeric to promote circulation. Gentle exercises such as Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong help maintain joint mobility without overexertion, while topical herbal plasters or liniments (e.g., Zheng Gu Shui or Dit Da Jow) may provide external relief.
Ultimately, TCM treats arthritis as both an external invasion and an internal weakness, aiming not just to suppress symptoms but to correct the root imbalances. By combining herbs, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, TCM offers a holistic approach to reducing pain, slowing degeneration, and improving quality of life—aligning with its philosophy that true healing comes from harmonizing the body with nature’s rhythms.
