Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as chronic rheumatic joint disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the joints. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues—specifically, the joints. Over time, this leads to painful inflammation and damage to the joint structures, resulting in a progressive loss of mobility.

In traditional Chinese medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is known as Bi Zheng, a chronic painful obstruction syndrome characterized by pain, numbness, and heaviness in the muscles, bones, tendons, and joints. It is associated with dysfunction, stiffness, swelling, and joint deformities, and in severe cases, it can cause intense burning sensations. In milder cases, only the joints and muscles of the limbs are affected, while in more severe cases, internal organs can also be involved. The disease often follows a flare-up pattern, with periods of relative symptom relief, followed by phases of flare-ups (acute phases).

Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects multiple joints simultaneously. The most commonly affected joints include the hands (especially the small joints), feet, knees, wrists, elbows, and/or shoulders. The condition often affects both sides of the body symmetrically, meaning the same joints on both sides are affected at the same time.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, like other joint disorders in their early stages, include external factors such as wind, dampness, cold, or heat, traumatic injuries, overstrain of a joint, and poor diet. However, unlike Bi Zheng in its early stages, rheumatoid arthritis typically starts as a condition of excess, but over time, the body’s resistance weakens, leading the disease to develop into a mixed syndrome of deficiency and excess. The fundamental pathogenesis of this form of Bi Zheng is obstruction, which causes body fluids to transform into phlegm over an extended period, obstructing the flow of Qi and blood, while simultaneously leading to weakness in the liver (Gan) and kidneys (Shen).

In the individual treatment strategy, the prevalence of pathogenic factors is first assessed, and then either a deficiency or excess syndrome is differentiated. Treatment involves using Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture points, and dietary guidance to clear blockages, resolve stagnation, and restore weaknesses.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.