Why Should Fijians Care About Knee Health? Knee osteoarthritis is a common challenge in Fiji, worsened by humid climates and physically demanding lifestyles. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes this condition to liver-kidney deficiency and cold-damp stagnation, leading to symptoms like morning stiffness, pain when climbing slopes, and joint crepitus. Early intervention is key to preserving mobility. Four TCM Strategies Tailored for Fiji’s Lifestyle 1. Herbal Remedies: Internal & External- Heat-Damp Type (redness, swelling): Use Simiao Wan (clears heat/dampness) with mashed noni leaves for topical anti-inflammatory relief. – Cold-Damp Type (worse in cold): Apply ginger-cinnamon honey paste or mugwort steam therapy. 2. Acupressure for Daily Relief – Press Xuehai (SP10) (inner knee) and Zusanli (ST36) (below outer knee) daily with coconut oil to boost circulation. 3. Diet Adjustments – Eat More: Papaya (natural anti-inflammatory), reef fish (omega-3), turmeric coconut milk soup (blood flow). – Avoid: Excessive kava (aggravates dampness), iced drinks (worsen cold). 4. Innovative Local Therapies – Seawater Herbal Steam: Boil lemongrass and mugwort with seawater minerals to reduce stiffness. Practical Tips for Fijians – Wear breathable knee pads during farming/fishing. – Use warm salt compresses in rainy seasons. – Seek professional care if pain persists over 2 weeks or joints “lock.” About Dr. Pai Changhsin A fifth-generation TCM practitioner from a century-old medical family, Dr. Pai specializes in blending ancestral techniques with Fiji’s natural resources for personalized knee care; that includes pressure point medical massage, cupping, Acupuncture, and herbs. Vuda Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic (TCM) • Lot 20, Valetia Street, Lautoka • 800 2727 / 725 1314 This article is provided by By Dr. Pai Changhsin (Vuda Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic)