Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Reduce Osteoarthritis Pain

By Richard Shank Herbal Medicine

Researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and University of Maryland recently assessed the efficacy of external qigong therapy (EQT) in reducing pain and improving functionality of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study is a novel attempt to test the impact that EQT has on osteoarthritis in the knee through a randomized controlled trial.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and osteoarthritis is the most common form, impacting nearly 21 million Americans. Pharmacotherapy has proved to have only limited effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis, causing many patients to seek out complementary and alternative medical techniques, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and Tai Chi. Qigong therapy is a form of traditional medical practice in China where it has been used to treat arthritis. However, very few randomized controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate its effectiveness.

Qigong is a general term for a family of traditional Chinese therapies and exercises. Traditional Chinese medicine assumes the existence of a subtle form of energy (qi) that is present throughout the body and in the surrounding environment. Good health is thought to be the result of a well-balanced qi, while pain and illness are thought to result from a blockage in the flow of qi between the body and its environment. Nearly all traditional Chinese medicines are built upon this assumption, including acupuncture, massage, herbs, and qigong. Qigong

Qigong therapy can be conducted in both external and internal forms. Internal qigong therapy refers to self-practice involving the integration of the mind and body through breathing exercises or meditation. On other hand, EQT involves hand movements similar to therapeutic touch and acupressure. There is considerable variation in how EQT is practiced. Earlier studies indicate that EQT can help alleviate severe symptoms of arthritis by relaxing diseased tissues and enhancing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow leads to more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients, as well as aides in the removal of the metabolic waste products that contribute to pain.

The authors of this report conducted a randomized, placebo trial with patients recruited from the rheumatology clinic at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Eligible participants had an existing diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. The research coordinator randomly assigned qualified patients into treatment groups. Two qigong therapists were invited to perform EQT in this study. These therapists were both trained in China; however, in vastly different traditions. Research participants who were assigned to the control group were subjected to a placebo EQT treatment, where a research confederate emulated EQT movements but carried no training or education background in EQT.

Research participants in both the treatment groups experienced significant reductions in pain. Patients with healer number 2 experienced the greatest reduction in pain and exhibited significantly improved functionality. Their gains were also significantly greater than those in the placebo control group. These results persisted during the three-month follow up evaluation after completion of the therapy.

The researchers concluded that EQT may play an important role in the treatment of osteoarthritis; however, the efficacy of the treatment is highly dependent upon the skills of the healer. More research is needed to further test the efficacy of EQT and to determine best practices in EQT therapy.

Source: Kevin W Chen, Adam Perlman, Jason G. Liao, Alex Lam, Joy Staller, Leonard H. Sigal. 2008. Effects of external qigong therapy on osteoarthritis of the knee. Clinical Rheumatology Online First, July 25.

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