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“I can feel it in my knees when rain is coming.”

“My back always flares up when the temperature drops.”

If you’ve ever said something like this, you’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone. As we transition into fall with its fluctuating temperatures, increased humidity, and dropping barometric pressure, many people experience a noticeable increase in joint pain, stiffness, and general achiness. But why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

 

The Science Behind Weather-Related Pain

For years, people dismissed the connection between weather and joint pain as an old wives’ tale. But research has validated what our bodies have been telling us all along: weather changes really do affect how we feel.

Barometric Pressure: When a storm system moves in, barometric pressure drops. This decrease in atmospheric pressure can cause tissues around joints to expand slightly, putting pressure on nerves and resulting in pain. People with arthritis, previous injuries, or inflammation are especially sensitive to these changes.

Temperature Drops: Cold weather causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to contract and become less flexible. Synovial fluid—the lubricant in your joints—also thickens in cold weather, making joints stiffer and more prone to discomfort.

Humidity and Dampness: Increased moisture in the air affects how our bodies manage inflammation. High humidity can make joints swell, intensifying pain and reducing range of motion.

The Chinese Medicine Perspective: Understanding “Bi Syndrome”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we’ve understood the weather-pain connection for thousands of years. We call weather-related pain “Bi Syndrome” (pronounced “bee”), which translates to “blockage” or “obstruction.”

According to TCM theory, external pathogenic factors—Wind, Cold, and Dampness—can invade the body, especially when your defensive energy (Wei Qi) is weak. These factors lodge in the channels and joints, blocking the smooth flow of Qi and blood, which causes pain and stiffness.

There are different patterns of Bi Syndrome:

• Wind Bi: Pain that moves around, migratory aches
• Cold Bi: Severe, fixed pain that improves with warmth
• Damp Bi: Heavy, achy sensations with stiffness that’s worse in the morning
• Hot Bi:  Severe burning pain that improves with cold

Understanding your specific pattern helps us tailor acupuncture treatment to your body’s needs.

How Acupuncture Relieves Weather-Related Joint Pain

Acupuncture doesn’t just mask pain—it addresses the underlying factors that make you vulnerable to weather changes in the first place.

Reducing Inflammation: Studies show acupuncture triggers the release of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, including adenosine and endorphins. This natural anti-inflammatory effect can reduce swelling around joints without the side effects of medication.

Improving Circulation: By stimulating specific points, acupuncture increases blood flow to affected areas. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching your joints, promoting healing and clearing away inflammatory byproducts.

Releasing Muscle Tension: Tight muscles around joints amplify pain. Acupuncture releases trigger points and reduces muscle guarding, giving your joints more support and freedom of movement.

Regulating the Nervous System: Chronic pain sensitizes nerves, making you more reactive to weather changes. Acupuncture helps reset pain signals and modulates how your nervous system processes discomfort.

Strengthening Wei Qi: By boosting your defensive energy, acupuncture makes your body less susceptible to external pathogenic factors, essentially weatherproofing your joints from the inside out.

What to Expect from Treatment

Most patients notice some improvement after the first session—often describing a feeling of looseness or ease in previously tight areas. However, for lasting results with chronic weather-related pain, we typically recommend a series of treatments.

Many of our patients come in preventatively at the beginning of fall or before winter, allowing us to strengthen their systems before the challenging weather hits. Think of it as getting your body’s defenses up before the storm season.

Self-Care Strategies to Support Your Joints This Fall

Between acupuncture sessions, these practices can help manage weather-related pain:

Stay Warm and Dry:

• Layer clothing so you can adjust as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day
• Keep joints covered, especially knees, lower back, and neck
• Dry off completely after being in the rain—dampness that penetrates can linger
• Use heating pads on achy areas (20 minutes at a time)

Keep Moving:

• Gentle movement prevents stiffness; try tai chi, yoga, or walking
• Don’t wait until you’re in pain—regular movement is preventative
• Do morning stretches to loosen up joints before starting your day

Anti-Inflammatory Golden Turmeric Paste:

Make a batch of this traditional remedy to have on hand:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup turmeric powder
• 1 cup water
• 1½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup coconut oil or olive oil

Instructions:

1. Mix turmeric and water in a small pot over medium heat
2. Stir constantly for 7-10 minutes until it forms a thick paste
3. Remove from heat and stir in black pepper and oil
4. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

To use: Mix ½ to 1 teaspoon into warm milk, smoothies, or herbal tea daily. The black pepper increases turmeric absorption by 2,000%, and the healthy fats make it bioavailable.

Bone Broth for Joint Health:

In Chinese Medicine, we say “like treats like.” Bone broth is rich in collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin—all components of healthy cartilage and connective tissue.

Simmer bones (chicken, beef, or fish) with vegetables, apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals), and herbs for 12-24 hours. Drink a cup daily, especially in cold, damp weather. For a detailed recipe visit this previous blog.

Stay Hydrated:

It seems counterintuitive when we’re talking about dampness, but dehydration makes joint pain worse. Synovial fluid needs water to maintain proper consistency. Drink warm water or herbal teas throughout the day.

Foods That Help (and Hurt)

Include more:

• Omega-3 rich foods: salmon, sardines, walnuts, flax seeds
• Ginger and turmeric: natural anti-inflammatories
• Dark leafy greens: rich in antioxidants
• Tart cherry juice: studies show it reduces inflammatory markers
• Warming spices: cinnamon, black pepper, cloves

Minimize:

• Refined sugars and processed foods (increase inflammation)
• Excessive dairy (can be damp-forming in TCM)
• Cold, raw foods in cold weather (taxes the digestive system)
• Nightshade vegetables if you’re sensitive (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant)

Stay Hydrated:

It seems counterintuitive when we’re talking about dampness, but dehydration makes joint pain worse. Synovial fluid needs water to maintain proper consistency. Drink warm water or herbal teas throughout the day.

You Don’t Have to Dread Fall Weather

Weather-related pain doesn’t have to be something you just endure season after season. Acupuncture offers a natural, effective way to reduce your pain and make your body more resilient to environmental changes.

If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers every time the forecast calls for rain, or if stiffness is limiting what you can do as the weather cools, it’s time to try a different approach. Let’s work together to help you move through fall and winter with greater comfort and ease.

Ready to feel better, rain or shine? Give us a call at 651-224-6678, or click here to schedule your appointment.

Stay warm and well,
Selby Acupuncture