Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Wang, meanwhile, argues that this disease is closely related to factors such as family history, cold-damp, trauma, the common cold, infection, overstrain, etc. To the extent that the disease is the result of a weak constitution being attacked by wind-cold and pathogenic-dampness, it is attributable to a congenital defect in physique.(3)

Clinical Application:
The formula is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, tetanic arthritis, osseous arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Shu treated 105 cases of gouty arthritis with this formula, and reported satisfactory therapeutic effect.(4) In addition, data collected on 332 cases of arthritis treated with this formula shows a total effective rate of 70.8%. Clinical observation in 37 medical units in China showed the total effective rate of 70.8%. And, according to a pamphlet put out by the manufacturer of this formula, it is also suitable for treating osteoarthrosis deformans endemica, tuberculous arthritis, and bone fluorosis.(5)

Wang, et al. treated 68 cases of RA with Tuina in combination with an external application of Chinese herbs. The Chinese herbs used were Ma Qian Zi (Poison Nut), Sheng Jiang (Ginger), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Zi (Gargenia), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Sheng Cao Wu (Wild Aconite Root), and Chuan Wu (Sichuan Aconite Root). These herbs were wrapped in gauze and decocted in water. Patients with affected finger joints were instructed to immerse their hands in the decoction for 10 minutes after it had cooled down to 50-60 degrees Celsius (122-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Patients with other affected areas applied the wrapped herbs to the local areas by the hot compress method. After the local areas had warmed up enough to turn reddish, various Tuina manipulations, including palm-rubbing, rotatory kneading, push-rubbing, foulaging, and holding-and-twisting were performed on them for 10-15 minutes. These treatment sessions were conducted once every other day, and ten sessions constituted one unit of treatment. The results: out of a total of 68 cases treated, 3 cases recovered, 26 cases significantly improved, 34 cases improved, and 5 cases with no response; the total effective rate was 92.2%.(10)

Patients of rheumatoid arthritis in general, and those of late-stage rheumatoid arthritis in particular, often have had osteoporosis and bone deformity. Therefore, the key to treating rheumatoid arthritis is to regulate the body's immune function, and to put the internal organs' intrinsic compensatory mechanism to work. TCM's advantages in treating RA lie in its efficacy, safety and ability to adjust bodily functions in both directions. Through treatment with Chinese herb medicine, it is possible to postpone and even stop the deterioration of rheumatoid arthritis, thus improving the quality of life of RA patients.

Wang, et al. compared the effects of treating rheumatoid arthritis with indirect moxibustion and with oral administration of penicillamine. Finding that the two treatments had similar percentages of patients responding in similar fashions (while the indirect moxibustion treatment was effective in 90.48% of the cases treated, and significantly effective in 39.68% of the cases, the corresponding percentages for the penicillamine treatment were 80% and 32%), the authors concluded that the two treatments were similar to each other and both could be regarded as effective treatments.(12)

Xu, et al. used "midnight-noon ebb-flow bee-sting acupoint therapy" to treat 86 cases of rheumatosis and RA. The results: 7 cases (8.14%) fully recovered and 78 cases (90.7%) improved. The total effective rate was 98.84%. The authors believe that this therapy can lower blood sedimentation, render tests of antistreptolysin O and rheumatoid arthritis factors negative, and therefore improve the biochemical environment of the human body.(13)

Liang treated 30 cases of RA patients with acupuncture and moxibustion during the three hottest ten-day periods of the year. All patients received treatment at acupoints Fenchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Taixi (KI 3), Fengshi (GB 31), Quchi (LI 11), and Hegu (LI 4). In addition, patients with elbow joint pain also received treatment at Waiguan (SJ 5), Yanggu (SI 5), and Yangchi (SJ 4); patients with knee joint pain were also treated at Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (SP 9), Lianqiu (ST 34), and Zusanli (ST 36); those with ankle joint pain were treated at Jiexi (ST 41), Qiuxu (GB 40), Kunlun (BL 60), and Shangqiu (SP 5); patients with joint pain in the little fingers were treated with penetration needles from Neiguan (PC 6) to Waiguan (SJ 5), and from Hegu (LI 4) to Houxi (SI 3); and patients with toe joint pain were treated with penetration needles from Sanyinjiao (SP 6) to Xuanzhong (GB 39) or Bafeng (EX-LE 10). After insertion and a needling sensation was achieved, the needle was retained, and a segment of moxa stick was attached to the filiform needle handle and ignited for moxibustion. The results: after receiving the treatment for 1-3 seasons, out of a total of 30 patients, 20 fully recovered, 8 significantly improved, and 2 with no response. The treatment was considered effective in patients without joint deformity.(14)

Li treated 35 cases of RA with thermal needling therapy. RA patients are known to have experienced pathological changes to their blood rheology, and SOD and LPO levels. The author found that the treatment was conducive to remedying those changes.(15)