How does traditional Chinese medicine treat knee joint cartilage wear?
Sep 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Generally speaking, knee joint cartilage wear can be treated in traditional Chinese medicine through methods such as massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal fumigation and washing, and cupping. Commonly used treatment acupoints include Zusanli (ST36), Xuehai (SP10), and Xiyan (EX-LE5). When the above conditions occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. After undergoing relevant examinations, treatment should be carried out under a doctor's guidance based on individual symptoms. In daily life, it is important to minimize knee use and ensure adequate rest.
In general, knee cartilage wear and tear can be treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through methods such as massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal fumigation and washing, and cupping. Specific approaches are analyzed as follows:
1. Massage: Poor exercise posture or excessive fatigue may lead to knee cartilage wear. Patients with knee joint wear can, under medical guidance, appropriately massage acupoints such as Xuehai (SP10) and Weizhong (BL40) to help relieve pain and discomfort.
2. Acupuncture: For more persistent cases, patients may seek acupuncture treatment at the rehabilitation department of a specialized hospital. Commonly used acupoints include Liangqiu (ST34), Zusanli (ST36), Xuehai (SP10), Xueyan (EX-LE5), Heding (EX-LE2), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Yinlingquan (SP9), which help unblock meridians, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
3. Moxibustion: The above patients may also undergo moxibustion as directed by a physician. Gentle moxibustion is typically performed at a distance of two to three centimeters from the skin. The acupoints used are generally similar to those used in acupuncture.
4. Herbal Fumigation and Washing: Under medical supervision, patients may use a decoction made from herbs such as turmeric root, rose flower, curcuma, safflower, clematis root, herba siegesbeckiae, notoginseng, and rubia root for fumigating and washing the affected knee. After the solution has cooled to an appropriate temperature, the knee joint is soaked in the liquid and gently pressed, helping to reduce swelling, promote blood circulation, resolve stasis, and relieve pain.
5. Cupping: Patients may also choose cupping therapy on acupoints such as Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), and Yinlingquan (SP9). However, this should only be performed at a qualified medical facility and under professional medical supervision.
When experiencing symptoms of the above condition, individuals should seek timely medical consultation, undergo relevant examinations, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. In daily life, they should minimize knee strain and ensure adequate rest.
