One in fifty of the U.K. population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis alone. This does not include rheumatic arthritis, osteo-arthritis and others. Many people think it is a disease without hope, as one paper puts it, "the cause is unknown and there is no cure."

As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we take different views. We think rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis are controllable and reducible if not completely curable. Appropriate medical care is definitely needed for all arthritis sufferers, no matter how light or severe the case is. The deterioration of the condition and especially one's health can be very quick if the arthritis is left uncared for.

It can cause muscular atrophy, deformities, inability to flex and extend the joint, and, in some cases, can lead to impairment in the use of the joint. Cardiovascular damage, especially heart damage, is also possible in some cases.

Long term experience has revealed that a lack of appropriate medical attention in many cases  caused other problems. Relatively few arthritis patients would have the uncontrolled pain, numbness and the affected joints which can develop into crippling deformity if they had been treated earlier and regularly by effective techniques.

TCM theory thinks that arthritis is closely related to cold, wind and dampness. The typical example might be that some people feel sore joints and pain after sleeping on the floor without an appropriate insulation layer. Some patients get arthritis because of not keeping warm in the cold environment. In general, it is advisable to keep warm and to be away from dampness and cold water.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been clinically demonstrated and accepted by the public as an effective approach to this disease in long time.

In TCM, arthritis falls into the category of "arthralgia-syndrome (A.S.)", which is usually differentiated into wandering, painful, fixed or heat A.S., according to the related pathogenic factors.

Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs and herbal tablets/capsule can be used to tackle these conditions individually. Acupuncture and aromatic oils usually help to relieve the pain, stiffness, and swelling. A special Chinese herbal ointment can be used daily to warm and relax muscle and joints, and to relieve aching and stiffness.

Usually, a quick and obvious improvement in joint movement can be observed after taking acupuncture and the herbs. And the herbal medicine is always tailor-made for each individual. So everybody can get proper treatment by TCM.

Normally, in the early stage of arthritis, the symptoms can be controlled quickly, which may lead to shortened treatment process. In the later stages the pain, stiffness, numbness and swelling can be dramatically reduced. In addition, the deformity of the joints can be controlled, if skilled and careful treatment is given.

For further information, please contact your local branches.