Heat impediment

1. An impediment (bì) pattern attributed either to heat toxin pouring into the joints or externally contracted wind-cold-damp evil contending with internally brewing heat. It is characterized by hot red swollen painful joints sometimes accompanied by heat effusion and thirst.

Biomedical correspondence: rheumatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; gout.

Medicinal therapy: Clear heat and dispel dampness; diffuse impediment and relieve pain. Use formulas such as Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction (桂枝芍药知母汤 guì zhī sháo yào zhī mǔ tāng).

Acumoxatherapy: Main points: GV-14 (Great Hammer, 大椎 dà zhuī), LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), and LI-11 (Pool at the Bend, 曲池 qū chí). Needle to a shallow depth and drain, or use cutaneous needle. For selection of points according to affected area, see impediment (bì).

2. Vessel impediment.