What's Damp Bi Syndrome?

by AnnaLouise
(Petaluma, CA)

Can you please explain what Damp Bi Syndrome is?

Matthew's reply: Hi AnnaLouise, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) damp bi syndrome is the name given to conditions involving sore, painful, possibly numb, muscles, tendons and joints. It most closely corresponds to Western medical conditions like rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

"Bi" means obstruction - obstruction of the body's circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood. In TCM, when qi and blood flow are obstructed, pain results. So, what causes this obstruction in people with Damp Bi Syndrome?

These people usually live and/or work in damp environments, i.e. in damp weather and/or damp areas such as basements. Over time, the dampness "invades" the body, leading to numbness, soreness, etc of the muscles and joints. Damp environments may also be hot or cold. So, people in damp-hot environments tend to also have hot, red, swollen joints, while people in damp-cold environments will tend to have severe pain with limited movement, because cold is very obstructing.

TCM treatment involves a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle advice. Certain foods and liquids are damp and hot or cold in nature so it's important to avoid these until your condition has been brought under control. Alcohol, for example, heats the body so if you have hot, red, painful joints, consuming alcohol will worsen your condition.

This is just a basic outline of Damp Bi Syndrome and its treatment with TCM. If you have more questions feel free to post them.