Chronic muscle inflammation in Chinese medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine the condition that is congruent with muscle inflammation is called  "Wei syndrome". Wei syndrome includes weakness of the limbs, impairment of movement of the limbs, and at late stages muscular atrophy. It is most often seen affecting the lower extremities. In translation "Wei" means withered, as in plants when they fail to receive a sufficient supply of water and nutrients. Similarly, atrophy can be seen when muscles, tendons and bones are deprived of nourishment.

Wei syndrome can be caused by ‘invasion’ of pathogenic factors – wind, damp, cold, heat and their combinations. The highest prevalence of Wei syndrome is in cold damp countries. The pathogenic factors obstruct free flow of energy and blood and cause insufficient nourishment of limbs.

Another possible cause of Wei syndrome is weakness of digestive system, irregular food intake or overeating. Overeating and irregular food intake results in weakening of digestive system. If the digestive system is weak, it fails to produce sufficient nutrients for muscle nourishment.

Overworking, congenital insufficiency, longstanding illness and excessive sexual activity may damage the energy of liver and kidneys. This leads to insufficiency of energy, blood and body fluids and malnutrition of tendons, muscles and meridians.

Chinese medicine has been used very successfully for reducing swelling and inflammation in muscles. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help balance the immune system and pacify the overactive autoimmune immune response. They can also help manage the further deterioration of muscles.

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