Rheumatoid Arthritis — The Possibilities of Combined Korean Medicine Care

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks one's own joints. It typically causes symmetric swelling and pain in both finger and wrist joints, with morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. Unlike osteoarthritis, it can also occur in younger people.

How Korean medicine views rheumatism: Bi syndrome (痺證)

Korean medicine views rheumatism as Bi syndrome (痺證), in which wind-cold-dampness (風寒濕) pathogens invade the joints and obstruct the circulation of qi and blood.

• Wind-bi (風痺): Pain that migrates from one place to another — treated with herbs such as Saposhnikovia root (防風).
• Cold-bi (寒痺): Pain that worsens with cold — treated with warming herbs such as aconite (附子) and cinnamon twig (桂枝).
• Dampness-bi (濕痺): Heavy and numb pain — treated with damp-dispelling herbs such as Job's tears (薏苡仁) and atractylodes (蒼朮).

Principles of combining with Western medicine

For rheumatoid arthritis, Western immunosuppressants (MTX, biologics) are the core treatment that controls disease progression. Korean medicine does not replace this but supports it — its roles are easing side effects, improving circulation around the joints, and maintaining overall condition.

Use of Gwanjeoldan

• Taking Gwanjeoldan during stable periods, rather than acute flares, helps reinforce the tissues around the joints.
• Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture relieve swelling and pain and help maintain joint range of motion.
• Always consult your Western-medicine physician before combining treatments.