Ankylosing spondylitis in Grenoble: when the Du Mai stiffens

A stiffness of the lower back that worsens at night and improves with movement, painful awakenings, a suppleness that dwindles: ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory rheumatism that progressively 'welds' the spine. Traditional Chinese medicine sees in it the very axis of vitality stiffening.

Why ankylosing spondylitis? The perspective of Chinese medicine

In TCM, our spine is the path of the Du Mai, the vessel that governs the Yang and runs along the dorsal axis. Ankylosing spondylitis is described as a wind that, instead of stiffening the surface, settles into the foundations: it attacks the sacroiliac joints and the segments of the spine. The Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) is compounded by a deficiency of the Kidney — which governs the bones and the marrow — and by a stagnation that ankyloses.

Two patterns frequently seen in practice

Inflammatory flare-up (ankylosing Cold-Dampness)

Marked morning stiffness, sacroiliac pain, worse at rest and at night, improvement with movement. Marked sensitivity to cold and damp.

**Tongue**: pale, moist · **Pulse**: wiry, deep

Kidney deficiency pattern (established phase)

Chronic pain, stiffness of the whole spine, deep fatigue, sensation of cold in the lower back. The Yang axis lacks resources.

**Tongue**: pale, thin · **Pulse**: deep, weak

What traditional Chinese medicine offers

Acupuncture and moxibustion along the back axis

Du Mai and Bladder points to restore circulation along the stiffened axis; moxibustion supports the Yang and warms the depths.

Dietetics

Foods that warm and nourish the Kidney (millet, nuts, well-cooked pulses), avoiding raw and cold food.

Lifestyle

Movement is central: it is better to move a little every day, especially in the morning, than to force once a week. We work on extension, never on prolonged flexion.

The acupuncture points most often used for this complaint: DM14, IG3, V62, V11, V17, RT9.

The combined approach of sophrology and Chinese medicine in Grenoble

Traditional Chinese medicine and sophrology complement each other: the first acts on the body's energetic balance, the second on the nervous system and stress management. Combining the two makes it possible to treat the ground — the one that sustains the symptom — and the emotional state that accompanies it. In Grenoble, at the Centre Équilibre, this combined approach is built session after session, according to your profile.

Frequently asked questions

Is movement recommended?

Yes, in TCM as in rheumatology: it is movement — especially extension — that preserves mobility. The support aims to make it more comfortable.

Why does my pain worsen at night?

Rest favours stagnation; night is also when Cold-Dampness acts most. It is a classic marker of the pattern.

Can it slow the disease?

No — progression is a matter for rheumatological follow-up. The support aims at comfort, suppleness and sleep.

Learn more

→ [TCM practitioner in Grenoble](/praticien-en-medecine-traditionnelle-chinoise-a-grenoble)

→ [Chinese medicine and sleep in Grenoble](/medecine-chinoise-et-sommeil-a-grenoble)

→ [Acupuncture in Grenoble](/l-acupuncture-a-grenoble)

**Ghislaine Morin**, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and sophrologist, welcomes you at 29 Quai Claude Bernard, 38000 Grenoble. Book on 06 24 90 04 98 or online at https://calendly.com/centre-equilibre-sophrologie

Ghislaine Morin's website in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/medecine-chinoise-a-grenoble-38000-38100