Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

At a glance

Key attributes

Chinese name: 行痹      Pinyin name: Xíng Bì

Pattern nature: Full

Causes

Common causes: 1. External Wind, 2. Weak constitution

Diagnosis

Common symptoms: Fever Joints pain Aversion to wind

Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu)

Tongue description: Pale tongue with thin white coating

Treatment

Treatment principle: Release Wind from the Exterior, Unblock Channels, expel Cold and Dampness.

Common formulas: Da Fang Feng Tang Xiao Huo Luo Dan Ge Gen Tang

Pathology

It is a type of the Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome 痹证). The Chinese name is called Xing Bi or Feng Bi (行痹 / 风痹). 

This patter is similar to Cold invading the channels and joints. Both patterns evolve joints pain and stiffness, but the pain with Cold mostly occurs in one single joint, while the pain related to Wind moves around between the upper and lower limbs. 

The Wind penetrates the Defensive Qi and obstruction the Qi and Blood circulation in Channels. It then settles down in the Joints and causes its pain and swollen. 

The Wind Evil can also combines with Cold Damp and invade the Channels and joints together. 

Causes

External Wind : Prolong or sudden exposure to a windy environment can cause this pattern.

Weak constitution : 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.

Diagnosing Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Pulse type(s): Floating (Fu)

Tongue description: Pale tongue with thin white coating

Main symptoms: Fever Joints pain Aversion to wind

Diagnosis commentary: Key characteristic symptoms of this pattern are the joints pain which moves between the upper and lower limbs.

Treating Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Treatment principle

Release Wind from the Exterior, Unblock Channels, expel Cold and Dampness. 

Herbal formulas used to treat Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles

Xiao Huo Luo Dan

Source date: 1107 AD

Number of ingredients: 6 herbs

Key actions: Dispels Wind. Eliminates Dampness and transforms Phlegm . Invigorates the Blood. Removes Stagnation and relieves pain.

Formula summary

Xiao Huo Luo Dan is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind.

Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Xiao Huo Luo Dan is also used to treat Cold invading the Channels joints and muscles or Dampness invading the Channels joints and muscles.

Read more about Xiao Huo Luo Dan

Da Fang Feng Tang

Source date: 1107 AD

Number of ingredients: 14 herbs

Key actions: Expel Wind Damp. Relieve pain. Tonify the Liver and the Kidneys. Tonify the Blood and Qi.

Formula summary

Da Fang Feng Tang is a 14-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Wind-Damp.

Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Da Fang Feng Tang is also used to treat Painful Obstruction.

Read more about Da Fang Feng Tang

Ge Gen Tang

Source date: 220 AD

Number of ingredients: 7 herbs

Key actions: Releases the Exterior and muscle layer. Forms Body Fluids.

Formula summary

Ge Gen Tang is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula. Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that clear Wind-Cold.

Besides Wind invading the Channels joints and muscles, Ge Gen Tang is also used to treat Wind-Cold invading the Lungs.

Read more about Ge Gen Tang