Bi Syndrome- Painful Joints/Arthritis
    Arthritis- pain in and around joints leading to limited mobility, are categorised under varous types of blockage. The term used for this is Bi syndrome, and the blockages are one or more impediments blocking circulation and nourishment to the joints. The joints are being used and not being regenerated so they wear out and become inflamed (in an attempt to increase circulation). Long term the circulation impairment becomes more physical and the joint becomes structurally deformed.
    Bi means obstruction of circulation of Qi and  Blood, which usually results from invasion of the channels and collaterals by Wind, Cold and Damp impediments. For example- weakness of defensive Qi when one is wet with perspiration and exposed to the Wind, dwelling in Damp places or wading in water.
There are different types of Bi syndromes:

Differentiation
The chief symptom of Bi syndromes is arthralgia. There may be muscular soreness and numbness. In prolonged cases, contracture of the extremities, or even swelling or deformity of joints may be present.
Wandering Bi (Wind): This type is characterized by wandering pain of the joints of the extremities with limitation of movement. There may be chilliness and fever. T- thin yellow coating.  P- rapid.
Painful Bi (Cold): Arthralgia respond to warmth and is aggravated by Cold. There is no local inflammation. T- thin white coat. P- deep wiry
Fixed Bi (Dampness): Numbness of the skin and muscles, heavy sensation of the body and extremities, arthralgia with fixed pain, attacks provoked by cloudy or wet weather. T- White sticky coated. P- Deep, slow.
Febrile Bi (Heat): Arthralgia with local redness, swelling and tenderness in which one or several joints are involved. Accompanying symptoms are fever and thirst. T- yellow coat. P- Rolling rapid.
Heart Blockage: Uncomfortable and congested feeling about the chest, palpitations, asthmatic panting, irritability.

Treatment- Is directed toward restoring balance by opening the channels to spread the Qi and Blood.

Points
Pain in the shoulder joint: Jianyu- LI 15, Jianliao- SJ 14, Jianzhen- SI 9, Naoshu- SI 10.
Pain in the scapula: Tianzong- SI 11, Bingfeng- SI 12, Jianwaishu- SI 14, Gaohuangshu- UB 43.
Pain in elbow: Quche- LI 11, Chize- Lu5, Tianjing SJ 10, Waiguan- SJ 5, Hegu LI 4
Pain in the wrist: Yangchi- SJ 4, Yangxi- LI 5, Yanggu- SI 5, Waiguan SJ 5.
Numbness and pain in fingers: Houxi- SI 3, Sanjian- LI 3, Baxie- Extra.
Pain in the hip joint: Huantiao- GB 30, Yinmen- UB 37, Femur-Juiao- GB 29.
Pain in the knee joint: Liangqiu- St 34, Dubi- St 35, Medial Xiyan- Extra, Yanglingquan- GB 34, Xiyangguan- GB 33, Yinlingquan- Sp9.
Numbness and pain in the leg: Changshan- UB 57, Feiyang- UB 58.
Pain in the ankle: Jiexi- St 41, Shangqiu- Sp5, Qixu- GB 40, Kunlun- UB 60, Taixi- Ki 3.
Numbness and pain in the toe: Gongsun- Sp 4, Shugu- UB 65, Bafeng- Extra.
Pain in the lumbar region: Yaoyangguan - Du 3.
General aching: Houxi- SI 3, Shenmai- UB 62, Dabao- Sp 21, Geshu- UB 17.
Points according to symptoms:
Fever: Dazhui- Du 14
Deformity of the joint- Dashu- UB 11.
Explanation: The above prescriptions are formulated by selection of local points according to the courses of channels to relax the tendons, remove obstruction from channels and collaterals, regulate Qi and Blood and eliminate pathogenic factors.
Remark: Bi syndromes are seen in rheumatic fever, rheumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.