Bone And Joint Painaccording to TCM

What is Bone and Joint Pain?

Bone and joint pain affect countless individuals, characterized by discomfort, aching, and sometimes debilitating soreness in various parts of the musculoskeletal system. This pain can be acute, stemming from injury or infection, or chronic, often associated with age-related conditions like osteoarthritis or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. These symptoms can severely impact the quality of life, limiting mobility and daily activities.

How Does TCM View Bone and Joint Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bone and joint pain as manifestations of deeper imbalances within the body's energetic pathways. It sees the bones as governed by the Kidney Channel and the joints as hubs where Qi and Blood gather and flow.

TCM posits that pain arises when these flows are disrupted by disharmony between the fundamental elements of Yin and Yang, the presence of pathogenic factors like Dampness or Cold, or a deficiency in life-essential substances like Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang.

Root Causes of Bone And Joint Pain in TCM

TCM identifies various patterns that could lead to bone and joint pain. One such pattern involves Yang Deficiency, where there's not enough 'warming' energy, leading to Cold-Damp accumulation in the bones and joints, resulting in pain, heaviness, and stiffness, particularly in cold conditions.

Treatment in TCM focuses on correcting the underlying disharmony through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary advice, and Qi Gong exercises.

Explore below more details about what might cause Bone and joint pain according to TCM.

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp	Aching bones and joints, Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Cold extremities, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more	Fu Zi Tang

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Bone ache, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp	Aching bones and joints, Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Cold extremities, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more	Fu Zi Tang

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp	Aching bones and joints, Body pain, Bone and joint pain, Cold extremities, Absence of thirst, Aversion to cold, Migraine, Cluster headache, Trigeminal neuralgia, Piriformis syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis... see more	Fu Zi Tang

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Bone And Joint Pain

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency	Bone ache, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more	Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2 | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bone And Joint Pain

In addressing bone and joint pain, TCM practitioners may prescribe formulas like Fu Zi Tang, a warming concoction featuring Prepared aconite, to combat Cold-Damp that stagnates in the body, leading to pain. Herbs that expel Cold and Dampness, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the bones and sinews are commonly used. Each herbal prescription is tailored to the individual's presenting pattern, ensuring a targeted approach to restore balance and alleviate pain.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bone and joint pain, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause bone and joint pain, such as Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp

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Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause bone and joint pain, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Bone And Joint Pain Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang 2	Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan	Kidney Yin Deficiency

Top Formula for Cold:
Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause bone and joint pain, such as Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp

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Top Formula for Dampness:
Fu Zi Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause bone and joint pain, such as Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp

Learn more

Acupoints for Bone And Joint Pain

Explore below some acupoints used to address bone and joint pain, organized by meridian.

Qiangu SI-2

On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx.

Xiaohai SI-8

Between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Jianzhen SI-9

Posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint. When the arm is adducted, Jianzhen SI-9 is 1 cun above the posterior end of the axillary fold. Naoshu SI-10 is located directly above Jianzhen SI-9.

Naoshu SI-10

When the arm is adducted, Naoshu SI-10 is directly above JianZhen SI-9, in the depression inferior and lateral to the scapular spine.

Tianzong SI-11

In the intrascapular fossa, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the distance between the lower border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula.

Bingfeng SI-12

In the center of the suprascapular fossa, directly above Tianzong SI-11. When the arm is lifted, the point is at the site of the depression.

Quyuan SI-13

On the medial extremity of the suprascapular fossa.

Jianwaishu SI-14

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic verrtebra (T1), on the vertical line drawn from the levator scapulae muscle.

Jianzhongshu SI-15

2 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7).

Dazhu BL-11

On the level of the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), 1.5 cun (about 2 finger-breadths) lateral to the posterior midline.

Fufen BL-41

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Pohu BL-42

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

Yixi BL-45

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 6th thoracic vertebra (T6).

Wushu GB-27

In the lateral side of the abdomen, in the front of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 3 cun below the level of the umbilicus.

Weidao GB-28

Anterior and Inferior to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 0.5 cun anterior and inferior to Wushu GB-27.

Zigong REN-19

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 2nd intercostal space.

Tianliao TB-15

Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.

Tianquan P-2

2 cun below the end of the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of biceps brachii muscle.