Rheumatoid Arthritis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different rheumatoid arthritis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and, over time, potential loss of mobility. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA involves the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues, specifically the synovium, the lining of the joints. This can lead to joint damage and deformities. The disease can vary in severity and may also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views Rheumatoid Arthritis as a disorder arising from the obstruction of Qi and Blood flow within the meridians, often due to the invasion of pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, Dampness, and Heat.
TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the underlying pattern of disharmony causing these symptoms. This holistic approach seeks to identify and treat the root cause of the condition, rather than just alleviating the symptoms, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body's energy system.
Herbal Formulas for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address rheumatoid arthritis
Da Fang Feng Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Expel Wind Damp
- Relieve pain
- Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys
- Tonify the Blood and Qi
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Resolves Dampness
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Anti-rheumatic, clears Wind, Cold and Damp Stagnation
- Strengthens the function of the Liver and Kidney
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
- Tonifies the Spleen Qi
- Calms External Wind
Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Warms the Meridians
- Assists the Yang
- Dispels Cold
- Transforms Dampness
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and inflammations
- Unblocks the flow of Yang Qi and promotes movement (in areas with painful obstruction)
- Clears Wind and Damp
- Relieves pain
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Juan Bi Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Tonifies and harmonizes the Protective and Nutritive Qi
- Dispels Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Unblocks painful obstruction
- Relieves pain
- Invigorate Qi
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Unblock Channels
Wu Tou Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Warms the channels and remove obstruaction
- Disperse Cold and Dampness
- Warms the joints
- Relieve joints pain
Xiao Huo Luo Dan
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Eliminates Dampness and transforms Phlegm
- Invigorates the Blood
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Xuan Bi Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
- Unblocks the meridians
- Disbands painful obstruction
Zhen Wu Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys
- Eliminates Dampness
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Traditional formula for rheumatoid arthritis
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction