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TCM kangtai

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  • Meniscus and knee pain

    Osteoarthritis: slow joint degeneration

    The knee joint is a special joint. It consists of numerous structures, which are finely coordinated to guarantee the two functions of the knee joint: stabilizing and moving. A joint which must be stable and mobile at the same time tends to overload and injury. A structure in the knee that is sensitive to overload is the meniscus (majority: menisci). In each knee joint there are two such crescent-shaped cartilaginous discs, which stabilize the joint when walking and standing. By pressure and twisting of the knee joint the menisci can get small cracks, which become bigger with time and destroy the cartilaginous discs. Those affected suffer from lateral knee pain, movement impairment, knee swelling as well as the feeling of instability. After an injury to the meniscus, there is a risk that knee arthrosis will develop over the years. In Western medicine meniscus injuries are usually treated surgically. The doctor repairs or removes parts of the affected meniscus during the joint reflection.

    Acupuncture causes energy to flow

    In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute knee pain is called joint bi syndrome. There are several subtypes, such as Wind-Bi syndrome or the moisture bi syndrome. The TCM specialist will find the right syndrome by carefully surveying the affected persons as well as by assessing the pulse and tongue. The therapy has several goals: directing wind, cold and moisture from the body, moving the life energy «Qi» and the blood, as well as the conduction channels. This is mainly achieved with acupuncture in TCM. At the knee joint, the acupuncture is also used. Heat in the form of moxibustion is suitable for problems caused by a cold bi syndrome. A TCM therapy works primarily in meniscus injuries before and after a knee surgery.

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