Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation of the joints. It can also affect other parts of the body including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood and kidneys.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system starts to attack the body’s own tissues, specifically the joints, and causes the synovium (thin membrane that lines the joints) to become inflamed. As a result, synovial fluid builds up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation in the joints that eventually damages damage the joint itself, the cartilage and nearby bone. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease meaning it can occur throughout the body.

The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, warmth in the affected joints, stiffness and restricted movement of the joints especially in the morning, weak muscles, as well as general feeling of fatigue and ill-health.

In Chinese Medicine conditions that are congruent with arthritis are classified as Bi, or painful obstruction, syndromes. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bi syndromes are the result of the body being invaded by the external pathogenic factors such as Wind, Cold, Heat, and/or Dampness, which then contributes to causing the blockage of the meridians, or energy channels of the joints, as well as the stagnation of Qi (energy) and stasis of blood and fluids.

Bi syndromes manifest symptoms such as are pain, soreness, or numbness of muscles, tendons and joints, with the actual symptoms manifested by the individual dependent on which external pathogenic factor is strongest, along with other conditions and causes.

For example in a cold type arthritis, symptoms often include acute pain that fixed locations and difficulties in joint movement, often worse in cold weather. The symptoms of heat type arthritis can include red and swollen joints that feel scorching hot and cannot be touched, as well as limited movement because due to pain. With a "damp type" of arthritis, dull pains that move around without a fixed location, and the pain increasing on wet and windy days may be experienced.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, as well as Chinese Massage, Nutrition and Exercise (such as Tai Chi (Taiji Quan) and Qi Gong (Chi Kung) can help with all forms of arthritis and arthritis pain management and bring the body into better harmony by expelling pathogenic wind, clearing away cold, removing dampness and clearing up heat, which will all help to remove obstruction in meridians and improve local circulation, which in turn can decrease inflammation in the surrounding soft tissue and joints, to help in stopping or lessening the pain, promoting recovery where possible.

Studies show that acupuncture can stimulate the body to release endorphins (natural pain-killers), and produce natural steroids (anti-inflammatory hormone) that reduce pain and inflammation. Chinese herbal medicine has proven to be effective for relieving pain, as well as nourishing and strengthening the joints. It has been used by millions of people for thousands of years.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can also be used on an ongoing basis manage arthritis and lesson it's effect, as can self help activities such as Chinese Exercise & Chinese Nutrional principles to manage the condition and aim for restoration of pain free joint function.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can assist in improving the quality of life for people with the condition. An underlying theory of Chinese Medicine, including Acupuncture, is that essential life force energy, or "Qi", flows around the body through channels called meridians and that a blockage in the smooth free flow of Qi, as well as blood and other essential body fluids, such as lymphatic fluid, results in pain or illness. With Acupuncture, a practitioner stimulates acupuncture points or uses Chinese Herbal Medicine to restore the the circulation and free flow of Qi, Blood and Fluids to alleviate symptoms, and restore balance and harmony in body.