Chinese Remedy for Joint Pain
- The most important step in finding a remedy for joint pain, an ailment that affects 8 out of 10 adults in their lives, is identifying the underlying problem. There are dozens of maladies that can lead to inflammation of the joints, ranging from simple overuse and overpressure to more serious issues. Arthritis is the most common cause, specifically osteoarthritis (osteo = "bone"). This occurs when the cartilage is gradually worn down and the feeling of bones rubbing together is the root of discomfort.
- An unhealthy diet can also lead to joint pain. Obesity can put excess pressure onto the joints, pushing bones together and wearing away the cartilage. An unhealthy diet rich in uric acid can also lead to a condition known as gout, which involves acidic crystals building up in the joints. This ailment can spread rapidly to other joints.
Pain can also stem from simple, temporary issues such as the common cold and the flu, or from more serious, long lasting issues such as sickle cell disease and bursitis. - With so many different causes, countless different treatments of varying effectiveness have arisen. Anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids have been employed to ease pain with success, though some people are made uneasy by the idea of pharmaceutical or chemical treatments. Additionally, simple remedies such as restricting oneself from putting pressure on the joint in question, employing a splint, or alternating hot and cold compresses can provide temporary relief.
- Common and long-standing mainstream medical practices in China and much of Eastern Asia are considered alternative medicine in much of the rest of the world. Common Chinese practices include acupuncture, herbal treatment and forms of intensive massage. Chinese medical theory includes the idea that the body is full of interconnected systems and that a form of homeostasis needs to be maintained amongst them.
- Different forms of energy flow among the various systems and methods such as acupuncture target these energy flows. Acupuncture points are located throughout the body in these spots. The treatment is most effective in dealing with discomfort and inflammation, two common symptoms of joint pain.
Holistic Chinese herbs are also popular for those seeking alternative treatment to joint pain. They can be bought for very specific conditions, with some designed for pain caused by arthritis, muscle pain and the discomfort that comes from a cold, wet environment, while others target more severe forms of arthritis and rheumatism. The latter supplements are meant to improve circulation, an idea common in Chinese medical theory since poor circulation can inhibit the body's systems from working in harmony.
Such herbal supplements contain a variety of roots, rhizomes and even flowers. Ginger is a common ingredient and is meant to treat rheumatism and clear the throat and nasal cavities, while citrus targets poor circulation and works to reverse it.
