Chinese Medicine considers joint pain can be caused by two factors; by the external environment or the internal yin and yang disruption. To discover the cause of the joint pain is essential in being able to treat the condition successfully.

1. Joint attacked by the external wind
If the external wind is very strong, it can attack the joints and effect the circulation to the joints resulting in pain. This type of pain can move around the body to different joints. It is tends more painful on a windy day.

2. Joint attacked by the external cold
If the body stays in a cold environment for long-term or has enters a sudden cold condition, it can affect the joint circulation, causing pain. This type of pain, usually is located in the one joint, tightness and stiffness is felt, the pain is more serious during the cold season.

3. Joint attacked by heat
This type of pain can be caused from external heat, increased body temperature, fever, virus or the cold/flu. All of these causes can effect the circulation to joints leading to joint pain. This pain is associated with localized burning sensation, redness and swelling. In hot climates or when eating hot and spicy foods, the condition can worsen.

4. Liver, kidney disorder (weakness)
Chinese Medicine considers the liver to dominate the ligaments and joints. The kidneys energy support the bones. If there is disruption to the liver or kidneys, it may cause a joint problem. This type of pain is more serious after doing things and is more of a dull ache. The body may also have the following symptoms: lack of energy, lower back and knee pain, stiffness in most of the joints, dry skin, or swelling around the ankles.

Common suggestions for lifestyle and diet
1) If your pain is more serious in cold and windy conditions, please keep your body warm, wash your hands in room temperature/warm water, avoid swimming and exercise in cold water, avoid cold or windy conditions such as fans, cold air-conditioning, working in lower temperatures, especially while you are sleeping. We suggest that you exercise in warm and sunny conditions. The following foods are suitable for this type of condition: onion, ginger, garlic, lamb, prawns, mild chili, mandarin). If you would like more information about diet therapy please see my articles.

2) If your pain is associated with burning, heat and swelling it is best to avoid eating hot and spicy or warm characteristics of food (such as chili, ginger, onion, garlic, lamb, prawns) or deep-fried foods. The following foods are more suitable for you: celery, carrots, cucumber, peppermint or green tea, all green vegetables, duck. If you would like more information about diet therapy please see my articles. It is also best to try to avoid hot conditions.

3) Suggestion for exercise: if you have pain it is best to only do a moderate intensity as if it is too strong will aggravate the condition. Especially if you have a weaker liver or kidney.