Wrist Stiffness in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different wrist stiffness patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Wrist stiffness involves a decrease in the suppleness or flexibility of the wrist joint, often making movements such as bending or rotating the wrist painful or difficult. This condition can stem from a myriad of causes, ranging from overuse to underlying inflammatory processes.
Individuals with stiff wrists may struggle with simple activities like typing, turning a doorknob, or even holding a cup. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective management, as it can affect everyday functionality and quality of life.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, wrist stiffness is not merely a physical ailment but a symptom of a deeper, systemic imbalance. TCM suggests that such stiffness may result from the Stagnation of Qi — the vital life force — or Blood within the body's meridians that traverse the wrist.
Cold or Dampness can also obstruct these channels, leading to a lack of flexibility. Identifying the precise pattern causing this disharmony is key in TCM, as it directs the practitioner to the most fitting herbal formula, acupuncture, or other therapeutic techniques.
Herbal Formulas for Wrist Stiffness
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address wrist stiffness