Many people suffer from joint pain, particularly middle-aged/elderly individuals and those maintaining poor posture over prolonged periods. Dr. Qiu Baorun of Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM explains that joint pain often relates to factors such as pathogenic invasion, qi-blood stagnation, and liver-kidney deficiency. Holistic TCM regulation can address symptoms at their root.
Causes of Joint Pain
Wind-Cold-Damp Invasion: Air-conditioning drafts and humid rainy seasons obstruct meridians, causing pain ("where there’s blockage, there’s pain").
Liver-Kidney Deficiency: TCM states "the liver governs tendons, the kidneys govern bones." Deficiency weakens joint nourishment.
Qi-Blood Stagnation: Prolonged sitting or post-injury immobility leads to "blood-stasis type pain."
Phlegm-Damp Obstruction: Obesity or high uric acid promotes phlegm-damp accumulation, triggering red/swollen/hot joints.
Chronic Strain: Poor posture or excessive exercise causes muscle/ligament microtrauma.
TCM Treatment Approaches
TCM treats joint pain through syndrome differentiation, expelling cold-damp pathogens and unblocking meridian qi-blood flow. Key methods include:
Herbal Therapy: Custom formulas warm meridians, dispel cold, and remove dampness (e.g., Qianghuo (Notopterygium), Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), Guizhi (Cinnamon twig), Fuling (Poria)).
Acupuncture: Stimulating local joint points (e.g., Zusanli ST36, Yinlingquan SP9) activates meridian qi to dispel cold-damp, invigorate blood, and relieve pain.
Therapeutic Massage (Tui Na): Professional manipulation improves local blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces joint pressure.
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Xu, 45
Symptoms: Bilateral knee redness/swelling/pain for 2 years, worsening in damp weather. Western diagnosis: "synovitis" with ineffective repeated fluid drainage.
Initial Consultation: Hot/swollen knees with limited mobility; red tongue with yellow greasy coating → "dampness-heat obstruction syndrome" (Bi Zheng).
Treatment:
Internal Formula: Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction) enhanced with Tufuling (Smilax glabra) and Yiyiren (Coix seed) for dampness removal.
External Therapy: Herbal fumigation (mugwort + Weilingxian/Clematis).
Outcome: Swelling subsided within 1 week; 80% pain reduction after 1 month. Full recovery achieved with complementary bone-setting to correct knee misalignment.
TCM treatment requires personalized syndrome differentiation. Herbal formulas and dosages must be adjusted under professional guidance. Self-medication is strictly prohibited.
