How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Disease description:
The elderly family member’s primary health issue is rheumatism—particularly severe rheumatoid arthritis—which worsens significantly during rainy weather, to the point of impairing mobility. Could you please advise how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats rheumatoid arthritis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Aihua
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be treated using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including herbal formulas that dispel wind and dampness, relax the tendons and unblock the meridians, and promote blood circulation to resolve stasis. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), and cupping may also be employed. Patients should avoid heavy physical labor and exposure to cold stimuli. Additionally, conventional treatments—including antibiotics, salicylate preparations, and physical therapy modalities—may be used in conjunction to improve clinical symptoms.
