My son has autoimmune arthritis. Can TCM help?

Autoimmune arthritis, which includes juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a form of arthritis caused by abnormalities in the immune system.

These include the malfunctioning of the immune system, which leads to the body being unable to differentiate between healthy body tissue and bacteria and viruses, and producing antibodies that destroy normal tissue.

The body attacks its own joints and connective tissue, resulting in symptoms such as fever and, in severe cases, twisted fingers and a bent spine.

JIA is the most common type of persistent arthritis in children and may be temporary or chronic.

Symptoms include persistent swelling of affected joints, such as knees and ankles, as well as lethargy, poor appetite and a high fever.

The condition is due to a deficiency in the functions of the liver and kidney, poor 'qi' and blood circulation, as well as insufficient 'yang' and blood.

Pathogenic factors such as cold, heat and dampness are also responsible.

Acupuncture and cupping therapy can improve your son's condition by strengthening his organs and dispelling the pathogenic factors.

Chinese medicine such as Largeleaf Gentian Root (Qinjiao) and Chinese Clematis Root (Weilingxian) are prescribed to reduce joint pain, while Gypsum (Shigao) and Common Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu) help reduce heat and inflammation.

Common Floweringqince Fruit (Mugua), Safflower (Honghua) and Chinese Honeylocust Spine (Zaojiaoci) enhance blood circulation.

In addition, Manchurian Wildginger (Xixin) is used to dispel cold, while Atractylodes Rhizome (Cangzhu) and Coix Seed (Yiyiren) are used to dispel dampness.

Keep your son warm and ensure he is always dry. Regular exercises such as walking and swimming can improve joint circulation.

He should also have a well-balanced diet, which includes easily digestible food high in protein, such as fish, lotus seeds, walnuts, soybeans, fresh green vegetables and fruit such as avocado.

This ensures he gets adequate nutrients to minimise joint inflammation. Avoid cold and raw food as these weaken blood circulation.

Information provided by Ms Lim Lay Beng, a TCM physician at YS Healthcare TCM Clinic in The Adelphi.

This article was first published in The Sunday Times.