Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles
Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles
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Diagnostic Signs
Stick white coating
Slow (Chi), Soggy (Ru)
Key Characteristic Symptoms
Diagnostic Considerations
Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the joints pain, stiffness and swollen that worsen during rainy weather or in damp environments.
Causes & Pathology
Common Causes
External Cold, Wind and Damp can penetrate the Body's Defensive Qi and settle down in the joints.
Weak constitution means the Defensive Qi is not strong enough to fight against the external Pernicious Influence invasion. It can be due to genetic defect, overwork, lack of exercise, or long term sickness.
Pathological Mechanism
It is a type of the Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome 痹证). The Chinese name is called Shi Bi or Zhe Bi (湿痹 / 着痹).
The most typical manifestation of the pattern are the swollen, pain and numbness of the joints or muscles. These conditions get worse during raining weather or when the patients enter into some humid spaces.
When the discomfort occurs to one joint only, it is often due to Cold and Dampness combined invasion. While if several joints are concerned, it is more due to Damp and Heat together.
Treatment Approach
Treatment Principle
Remove Dampness, unblock Channels, disperse Wind Cold
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