Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Introduction

• Focus: Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) using Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
• Covers:
  • Western definition and treatment
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views
  • Acupuncture points and treatments
  • Herbal medicine
  • Ear acupuncture
  • Recommendations for managing RA at home
• Presenter: Clara from AcuPro Academy

Western Definition and Treatment of RA

• Chronic autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
• Predominantly affects women (ages 40-60)
• Treatment Options in Western Medicine:
  • Medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery (in severe cases)

Risk Factors for RA

• Age: Higher risk as one gets older
• Gender: More common in women
• Obesity: Extra joint weight increases inflammation
• Occupation: Jobs with repetitive weight-bearing activities
• Lifestyle: Smoking and poor diet (processed food, alcohol, coffee, sugar)

TCM Perspective on RA

• RA categorized as B Syndrome in TCM:
  • Pain, tingling, numbness, heaviness in limbs
  • Due to external pathogen invasion and Qi stagnation
• Causes according to TCM:
  • Similar to Western risk factors: smoking, diet, lifestyle, genetics
• Research: Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are effective in managing RA
  • Links to studies available

TCM Patterns of Diagnosis

Early Stage: Wind Damp Cold

• Symptoms: Swollen joints, heavy feeling, cold painful joints, stiffness upon rising
• Treatment:
  • Formula: Wen Jing Juan Bi Tang
  • Acupuncture Points: Bladder 17, Bladder 23, REN 4, A-Shi points
  • Techniques: Moxa, LI 4 (if patient not too old)

Middle Stage: Wind Damp Heat

• Symptoms: Hot painful joints, redness, sweating, fever, thirst, dark urine
• Treatment:
  • Formula: Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang
  • Acupuncture Points: DU 14, Large Intestine 11, LI 4, Spleen 9, San Jiao 5, A-shi points

Later Stage: Qi and Blood Deficiency with Phlegm

• Symptoms: Rigid and deformed joints, swelling, palpitations, fatigue, poor memory
• Treatment:
  • Formula: Huang Qi Wu Gui Zhi Tang
  • Acupuncture Points: Stomach 40, Stomach 36, Spleen 6, Gallbladder 34, A-shi points
  • Techniques: Moxa

Late Stage: Kidney Yin and Yang Deficiency with Phlegm

• Symptoms: Muscular atrophy, nodules, stiffness, dizziness, tinnitus, low back/knee pain
• Treatment:
  • Formula: Shen Qi Wan
  • Acupuncture Points: Stomach 40, A-shi points, DU 4, REN 4, Bladder 23, Kidney 3, Kidney 6
• Notes: Use fewer points for very old or frail patients

Additional Treatment Options

1. Ear Acupuncture:
   • Ear seeds can be used for self-pressing
   • Points: Liver, Spleen, Kidney, sympathetic areas, specific joint points
2. Moxa:
   • Beneficial for wind and cold patterns or Yang Deficiency
   • Increases blood circulation to relieve stiffness and pain
3. Exercise:
   • Essential to maintain joint function
   • Gentle exercises like Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, swimming
4. Relaxation Techniques:
   • Manage stress which exacerbates RA
   • Meditation, deep breathing, walking, forest bathing
5. Chinese Herbal Therapy:
   • Teas: Turmeric, ginger, rosemary
   • Adapt to individual's pattern
6. Dietary Adjustments:
   • Avoid processed foods, acidic foods, dairy, gluten
   • Emphasize whole foods, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, omega-3 fatty acids
   • Be cautious with nightshade vegetables

Bonus Tips for RA Management

1. Exercise:
   • Qigong recommended for gentle movement
2. Supplements:
   • Vitamin D, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Omega-3
3. Stress Management:
   • Journaling, meditation, social activities to reduce stress

Conclusion

• RA management with TCM involves acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes
• Check out Clara's book "Chinese Medicine Treatments Made Easy" for more detailed guidance
• Subscribe to AcuPro Academy's channel for more content on Chinese Medicine and acupuncture