3Wu Jia Pi - Acanthopanax Schors - Cortex Acanthopanacis

Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax Bark) is a warm, acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for strengthening the sinews and bones, expelling wind-dampness, and supporting overall vitality. It is derived from the root bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus and has long been used to treat weakness, pain, and stiffness in the lower back, knees, and joints. Wu Jia Pi is especially suitable for elderly individuals or those recovering from chronic illness, as it both tonifies the Liver and Kidneys and improves mobility. It is also valued for reducing edema and promoting urination, making it useful in cases where joint pain is accompanied by swelling.

Functies en voordelen

Strengthens Sinews and Bones
Improves mobility and stability in cases of chronic weakness, degeneration, or post-injury recovery affecting the lower back and knees.

Expels Wind-Dampness
Relieves pain, stiffness, and heaviness in joints caused by wind-damp obstruction, particularly in cold, damp climates.

Bevordert urineren en vermindert oedeem
Helps alleviate swelling in the lower limbs, especially when accompanied by joint pain or weakness.

Supports Vitality and Recovery
Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, restoring energy and resilience in chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Elderly individuals with weakness and stiffness in the back, knees, or joints.
✔ People with arthritis or rheumatic pain worsened by cold and damp weather.
✔ Those recovering from chronic illness or injury affecting mobility.
✔ Patients with joint pain accompanied by swelling and heaviness.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Pale or slightly purple with a thin white coating, indicating deficiency with dampness.
Pulse: Deep and weak or moderate, reflecting deficiency with damp obstruction.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Liver and Kidney Deficiency – Leads to chronic weakness of the sinews and bones.
Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome – Causes joint pain, stiffness, and heaviness.
Edema from Dampness – Produces swelling in the lower limbs and reduced mobility.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Arthritis and Joint Pain – Strengthens the body while relieving stiffness.
Lower Back and Knee Weakness – Improves support and stability.
Edema with Joint Pain – Reduces swelling and heaviness.
Post-Illness Rehabilitation – Restores strength and mobility.

Common Herbal Formulas with Wu Jia Pi
Often combined with Du Zhong and Xu Duan for musculoskeletal weakness, or with Sang Ji Sheng and Niu Xi for chronic joint pain and stiffness.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Vermijden in gevallen van Yin-deficiëntie met hitteverschijnselen.
Not suitable for dry, hot joint pain without dampness.
Voorzichtig gebruiken tijdens de zwangerschap.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Eat warming, nourishing foods such as lamb, black beans, and walnuts.
✔ Avoid excessive cold, raw, or greasy foods that contribute to dampness.
✔ Engage in gentle exercise like walking or Tai Chi to keep joints flexible.
✔ Protect the lower back and knees from exposure to cold and damp weather.

Conclusie
Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanax Bark) is a warm, strengthening herb in TCM that supports the sinews and bones, dispels wind-dampness, reduces swelling, and promotes mobility. It is especially beneficial for elderly individuals, those with chronic musculoskeletal weakness, and joint pain with edema.