According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) arthritis arises when the flow of Qi and Blood are blocked and prevented from passing through the body's energy pathways. The Chinese believe that when wind, cold, and dampness penetrate the body's defenses and enter the muscles, tendons and joints, they can cause stiffness and pain.

 

According to TCM, there are basically four types of arthritis:

 

Zuo Bi-The afflicted parts of the body become heavy and numb, and the pain worsens on damp days.

Re Bi-This produces swelling, tenderness and sharp pain in one or more joints.

Xing Bi-Here, the pain wanders about the body in patients who are often slender.

Tong Bi-Severe pain that settles in one or more joints; cold and in activity will worsen the pain, heat will reduce pain.

Once the type of arthritis is diagnosed, TCM practitioners use a variety of techniques to treat its painful symptoms. Among the most popular techniques are acupuncture, acupressure, herbal remedies, diet changes and Qi Gong massage and exercises.