12/09/2025
Cold weather stiffens joints, slows circulation, and makes pain more noticeable. In Chinese medicine, this is understood as cold and dampness entering the channels and blocking the flow of Qi and blood causing joints to become stiff, achy, swollen, or harder to move — especially in wet or freezing weather.
Common signs of cold-weather joint pain:
• Morning stiffness
• Achy or sharp pain that worsens with cold
• Reduced mobility
• Heaviness or swelling in the limbs
How acupuncture helps:
Acupuncture opens the channels, moves Qi and blood, and reduces the constriction caused by cold. This improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and loosens tight, painful joints.
Moxibustion (warming mugwort therapy) is often added in colder months. The heat penetrates deeply, drives out cold, and enhances the effects of acupuncture — especially for arthritic or chronic joint pain.
Herbs and warming foods:
Many formulas warm the body, move blood, and drain dampness. Common warming foods like ginger, cinnamon, bone broths, winter squash, and root vegetables help protect the body in colder seasons.
Avoiding damp-producing foods — dairy, fried foods, and heavy sweets — also makes a noticeable difference.
Winter is the time when cold and damp affect the joints the most. Supporting circulation and warmth is a simple, effective way to stay comfortable and mobile throughout the season.
You can explore more details in the full article:
https://albanacupuncture.com/how-cold-causes-joint-pain/