Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wisdom for Knee Health

Why Should Fijians Care About Knee Health?

Knee osteoarthritis is a common challenge in Fiji, worsened by humid climates and physically demanding lifestyles. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes this condition to liver-kidney deficiency and cold-damp stagnation, leading to symptoms like morning stiffness, pain when climbing slopes, and joint crepitus. Early intervention is key to preserving mobility.

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Four TCM Strategies Tailored for Fiji’s Lifestyle

1. Herbal Remedies: Internal & External- Heat-Damp Type (redness, swelling): Use Simiao Wan (clears heat/dampness) with mashed noni leaves for topical anti-inflammatory relief.

- Cold-Damp Type (worse in cold): Apply ginger-cinnamon honey paste or mugwort steam therapy.

2. Acupressure for Daily Relief

- Press Xuehai (SP10) (inner knee) and Zusanli (ST36) (below outer knee) daily with coconut oil to boost circulation.

3. Diet Adjustments

- Eat More: Papaya (natural anti-inflammatory), reef fish (omega-3), turmeric coconut milk soup (blood flow).

- Avoid: Excessive kava (aggravates dampness), iced drinks (worsen cold).

4. Innovative Local Therapies

- Seawater Herbal Steam: Boil lemongrass and mugwort with seawater minerals to reduce stiffness.

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Practical Tips for Fijians

- Wear breathable knee pads during farming/fishing.

- Use warm salt compresses in rainy seasons.

- Seek professional care if pain persists over 2 weeks or joints “lock.”

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About Dr. Pai Changhsin

A fifth-generation TCM practitioner from a century-old medical family, Dr. Pai specializes in blending ancestral techniques with Fiji’s natural resources for personalized knee care; that includes pressure point medical massage, cupping, Acupuncture, and herbs.

Vuda Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic (TCM)

• Lot 20, Valetia Street, Lautoka

• 800 2727 / 725 1314

This article is provided by By Dr. Pai Changhsin (Vuda Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic)