Psoriatic Arthritisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms, Rheumatic and Arthritic Disorders
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a condition characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. This arthritis often involves painful swelling and stiffness in the joints and areas surrounding them.
It can affect any part of the body, including fingertips and spine, and ranges from relatively mild to severe. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flare-ups may alternate with periods of remission. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing or limiting joint damage that might occur in later stages.
How Does TCM View Psoriatic Arthritis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches psoriatic arthritis differently from Western medicine. TCM sees it as a condition stemming from imbalances within the body's energy system and vital substances.
According to TCM, the disharmony of Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and the presence of pathogenic factors like Wind, Dampness, and Heat contribute to the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and harmony in these areas, rather than just addressing the joint inflammation and skin symptoms associated with the condition.
Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis According to TCM
In TCM, psoriatic arthritis is often associated with the invasion of Wind-Damp and an imbalance of Cold in the body, leading to the obstruction of Qi and Blood in the joints and muscles. This disharmony results in the characteristic pain, swelling, and stiffness of psoriatic arthritis.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Psoriatic Arthritis
To address psoriatic arthritis, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs aimed at correcting the underlying imbalances. One such formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, which includes key herbs like Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi). This formula is used particularly for patterns like Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp, targeting joint pain and stiffness.
TCM treatments aim to dispel Wind-Damp, warm the meridians, and promote the circulation of Qi and Blood to relieve symptoms. These herbal formulas are selected based on a thorough TCM diagnosis, reflecting the holistic and personalized nature of treatment in TCM.
See more details below about Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, a herbal formula used to address psoriatic arthritis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Psoriatic arthritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Psoriatic Arthritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address psoriatic arthritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Psoriatic arthritis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Thunder God Vines (Lei Gong Teng), which is directly recommended for psoriatic arthritis.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Psoriatic arthritis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for psoriatic arthritis, like Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.