What is Rheumatism?
Rheumatism is a common chronic condition that affects joints, muscles, and tendons. It causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness and can lead to significant limitations in daily life over time. But what exactly causes rheumatism? Depending on the medical perspective, the cause is interpreted differently. In this comprehensive blog, we analyze the causes and symptoms of rheumatism from various viewpoints.
Rheumatism is an umbrella term for over a hundred conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. While symptoms can vary from person to person and by condition, there are several common complaints that most rheumatism patients experience.
Common Symptoms of Rheumatism:
Joint pain and swelling
Morning stiffness
Fatigue
Movement restrictions
Warm sensation in the joints
Muscle weakness
Causes of Rheumatism from Different Medical Perspectives
Western Medicine: Autoimmune Disease and Genetic Factors
In Western medicine, rheumatism is considered an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue. This leads to chronic inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and progressive damage. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic predisposition plays a significant role. Additionally, environmental factors such as infections, smoking, and hormonal fluctuations can act as triggers. Treatments focus on symptom relief through anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and painkillers. In some cases, biologic medications are used to specifically modulate the immune system to slow disease progression.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: Imbalance of Qi and Meridians
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rheumatism arises from a disruption in Qi, the life energy that flows through the body. This disruption can be caused by an imbalance of the five elements—Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Rheumatism is often linked to an excess of ‘Dampness’ and ‘Cold,’ resulting in stiff, painful joints. TCM suggests that inadequate circulation of Qi and blood leads to blockages, causing inflammation and pain. Treatment includes acupuncture to unblock energy pathways, herbal formulations to reduce inflammation, and dietary recommendations to restore internal balance. Additionally, Tuina massage is applied to remove blockages in the body and improve circulation.
Germanic Medicine: Biological Conflict as a Cause
Germanic Medicine (German New Medicine) does not view rheumatism as an independent disease but as a biological response of the body to an unresolved emotional conflict. These conflicts often relate to self-worth issues or movement restrictions. According to this perspective, inflammation occurs during the healing phase after the conflict has been resolved. The body attempts to repair damaged tissue, which manifests as pain and swelling. The key to healing, according to Germanic Medicine, lies in becoming aware of and resolving the underlying conflict. This can be achieved through psychological support, stress management, and emotional healing.
Functional Medicine: Gut Health and Chronic Inflammation
Functional medicine considers rheumatism a symptom of a deeper systemic disorder, often related to gut health. A ‘leaky gut’ (increased intestinal permeability) allows unwanted substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering an overactive immune response and inflammation. Diet plays a crucial role; processed foods, sugar, and gluten can damage the intestinal lining and exacerbate inflammatory reactions. Functional medicine focuses on restoring gut flora through an anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, supplements such as L-glutamine and turmeric, and reducing toxic exposure through stress management and detoxification methods.
Holistic Medicine: Body, Mind, and Environment
Holistic medicine sees rheumatism as a condition influenced by physical, emotional, and energetic factors. Stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotions can weaken the immune system and contribute to chronic inflammation. Holistic treatment methods include a combination of dietary adjustments, meditation, breathing techniques, herbal therapy, and energetic healing methods such as Reiki. The goal is to bring body and mind into harmony and activate the body's self-healing abilities.
Orthomolecular Medicine: Nutrition and Supplements
Orthomolecular medicine focuses on optimizing bodily functions through targeted nutrition and supplementation. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium, and antioxidants can promote inflammation and worsen rheumatic symptoms. Orthomolecular therapy involves a personalized diet plan supplemented with anti-inflammatory substances like turmeric, Boswellia, and collagen to support joint health.
Epigenetics: Environmental Factors and Gene Expression
Epigenetics studies how environmental factors influence gene expression. Although rheumatism may have a genetic basis, research shows that lifestyle, nutrition, and stress play a crucial role in activating or suppressing these genes. With the right lifestyle adjustments—such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding environmental toxins—the severity of rheumatism can be reduced or even prevented.
Mesology: Individual Cause Investigation
Mesology combines insights from Western and Eastern medicine and posits that rheumatism has different causes for each individual. Through extensive measurements, such as electro-acupuncture and kinesiology, the body's energetic and physical balance is analyzed. Based on this, a personalized treatment plan is created, which may include dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, supplements, and osteopathic treatments.
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