Exploration of the Academic Experience of Shanghai-Style Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Arthralgia Diseases

WANG Huijuan; ZHANG Feng; LIU Zhaoyi; XU Jiaoya; HE Dongyi

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-3250.2026.02.016

Abstract：As a distinctive regional medical school in modern Chinese medical history,Shanghai-style traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has developed unique practical experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of arthralgia diseases under the specific social,economic,and cultural background of Shanghai,guided by the academic philosophy of"openness,inclusiveness,harmony in diversity".This article reviews the academic experience of Shanghai-style TCM in treating arthralgia diseases from the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China to the modern era,summarizing its trajectory from traditional inheritance to modern development.Shanghai-style TCM proposes the etiology and pathogenesis of arthralgia diseases as"deficiency of Yang Qi and depletion of Ying blood","malnourishment of the liver,spleen,and kidneys",and"phlegm and blood stasis as pathogenic factors".In terms of therapeutic principles and approaches,it demonstrates notable diversity and distinctiveness.Key features include the consistent emphasis on kidney-tonifying,Yang-warming,and blood-harmonizing therapies.Additionally,it incorporates the use of insect-based and proprietary medicines specifically for arthralgia.The approach also involves the combined application of classical and empirical formulas,as well as the integration of internal and external treatments.Furthermore,it highlights the adept utilization of herbal pairs in clinical practice.Exploring the academic experience of Shanghai-style TCM in treating arthralgia diseases not only enriches the connotation of its academic thought but also provides valuable insights for the integrated treatment of modern rheumatological diseases and the innovative research and development of TCM.