Aunt Li is 65 years old this year, and she has always paid great attention to maintenance, eating a healthy diet and living an orderly life. However, a conversation at a family gathering made a subtle change in the trajectory of her life. On the same day, she was pleasantly talking with friends when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her leg. She added lightly: "Maybe it's just standing too long." Her friends didn't think much of it, and simply advised her to take a break. Aunt Li could have taken this opportunity to understand and treat this pain signal, but she chose to ignore it.
After a few months, the pain became more frequent and even began to affect her walking. The hospital's diagnosis showed that she had osteoporosis and that her condition was already quite serious. If the initial pain signs are paid attention to early, the worsening of bone disease may be avoided through proper prevention and treatment. Aunt Lee's case is a cautionary tale that we should not take any abnormal signs in our bodies lightly, especially as we enter middle and old age.
Types and potential risks of bone disease: health hazards that should not be overlooked
Bone disease includes many different pathologies and types, and they can have a long-term and far-reaching impact on a person's quality of life. The most common bone diseases include osteoporosis, arthritis, fractures, and osteitis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and prone to fractures, especially in the lumbar spine, hips and wrists. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain, swelling, limited movement, and in severe cases, disability.
Risk factors for bone disease include increasing age, genetic predisposition, lack of proper physical activity, poor eating habits, and other health problems such as increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries or abnormal glucose metabolism. For middle-aged and elderly people, the risk of bone disease cannot be ignored. Bone disease not only affects the physical health of the patient, but also their social and mental health, such as restricting daily activities, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety, and causing long-term pain and inconvenience.
Given the severity and prevalence of bone diseases, it is crucial to understand the nature of these diseases and their potential risks. Not only does this help individuals take preventive measures, but it also helps with early identification and treatment, which can reduce symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
The relationship between muscles and bones from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine: an analysis of the principle of interdependence of muscles and bones
In traditional Chinese medicine, musculoskeletal health is regarded as the cornerstone of overall health. According to TCM theory, the principle of "interdependence of muscles and bones" emphasizes the interdependence of muscles and bones. Tendons and ligaments are the key structures that support and move the body, while bones are the hardest tissues in the body and provide the main scaffolding for the body. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, bones are the "trunk of the body" and tendons are the "strings of the body".
Bones are related to the basic structure and support of the body, while tendons are responsible for connection and movement, and the health of these two not only affects the individual's motor ability, but also relates to the normal function of blood circulation and internal organs. When musculoskeletal dysfunction, such as weakened tendon flexibility or osteoporosis, not only affects physical activity, but also causes pain and other related diseases. Therefore, TCM promotes overall health by harmonizing muscles and bones when treating related diseases.
The secret of strengthening muscles and bones: the mystery of Taichong acupoint and Yangling spring acupoint
Among the many methods of strengthening muscles and bones, TCM acupoint stimulation is a treatment method with remarkable results. In particular, the Taichong and Yanglingquan acupoints are of special significance for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases.
Taichong acupoint: located on the dorsal side of the foot, when the posterior depression of the first and second metatarsals. In traditional Chinese medicine, the Taichong acupoint belongs to the foot syncope yin and liver meridians, and is often used to regulate liver qi and dredge tendons and veins. The liver belongs to wood in the theory of the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, and wood can make fire, so the liver directly affects the heart and blood circulation. By stimulating the Taichong acupoint, it can help relieve the stagnation of liver qi, which affects the elasticity and strength of the muscles and bones, and effectively prevents the problems of the muscles and bones caused by poor liver function.
Yanglingquan Point: Located on the outside of the knee, when the anterior lower depression of the fibula head. This acupoint belongs to the stomach meridian, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that the qi and blood of the stomach meridian directly affect the health of the spleen and stomach, and then affect the muscles and bones. The stimulation of Yanglingquan acupoint helps to strengthen muscles and bones, especially for middle-aged and elderly people who often feel weakness in their legs and feet or have chronic knee joint pain. Regular massage or acupuncture can improve blood circulation in the lower limbs, strengthen the legs, and combat the symptoms of osteoporosis and arthritis.
When performing these acupuncture point stimulations, you should be guided by an experienced TCM expert to ensure proper technique and safety. In addition, regular stimulation of these activities can significantly improve musculoskeletal health and reduce the risk of bone disease. A simple daily massage or acupuncture, combined with proper physical activity and a sensible diet, can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce the deterioration of muscles and bones caused by aging.
Through in-depth understanding and application of these TCM principles of interdependence of muscles and bones and the stimulation methods of specific acupuncture points, middle-aged and elderly people can not only prevent the further deterioration of bone diseases, but also enjoy more freedom of movement and improve their quality of life in their daily lives.