痛风 TONGFENG – GOUT – 毕正 BI ZHENG – BI PATTERNS
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE
In Chinese medicine, the clinical features of gout, such as frequent attacks of swelling, redness, heat and pain in the joints, and improper movement of limbs, place gout in the category of Bi-Syndrome. The Suwen ─The Book of Plain Questions, states that Bi-syndromes are due to a combined attack by Wind, Cold and Dampness evils. Attacks on the meridians in the superficial areas of the body such as the feet and hands by Wind, Cold and Dampness evils lead to stagnation of Qi and blood circulation. It is an obstructive disorder.
Bi means obstruction or blockage. Bi pattern describes a set of patterns in which the invasion of external evils such as Wind, Cold, Dampness and Heat obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood through the channels and connections. This affects the muscles, bones, tendons and joints, presenting symptoms of aching, pain, heaviness, numbness, difficulty of movement or redness and swelling. Bi patterns include several disorders known in Western medicine as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, among others.