Muscle Pain
Chinese Medicine View on Muscle Pain:
- Muscle pain in TCM often stems from Qi and Blood stagnation due to physical overexertion, trauma, or exposure to Cold and Damp.
- Pain manifests when the free flow of Qi and Blood is disrupted.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Qi and Blood Stagnation: Physical strain or injuries block Qi and Blood flow, causing pain.
- Cold and Damp Invasion: External Cold and Damp can settle in the muscles, increasing stiffness and pain.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Using herbs like Mo Yao (Myrrh) to invigorate Blood and relieve pain.
- Electro-Acupuncture: Applied to local points (e.g., Bladder 23) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Cupping Therapy: Cupping on the affected areas to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension.
- Blood Letting Therapy: Small punctures on painful areas to relieve Qi and Blood stagnation.
Nerve Pain
Chinese Medicine View on Nerve Pain:
- Nerve pain, such as sciatica, is seen as Qi and Blood stagnation often combined with Damp-Heat or Wind, which affects the channels and nerves.
- Pain radiates due to blocked Qi flow in the affected meridian.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Qi and Blood Stagnation: Obstructions from trauma or overuse result in pain along nerve pathways.
- Damp-Heat and Wind: External factors can invade the body, causing inflammation and nerve irritation.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Use of herbs like Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) to alleviate pain.
- Electro-Acupuncture: Points like Bladder 40 and Gallbladder 30 for sciatic nerve pain.
- Cupping Therapy: Applied along the meridian pathway to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation.
- Tui Na Massage: Stimulates circulation, relaxes muscles, and releases stagnation.
Arthritis & Joint Pain
Chinese Medicine View on Arthritis & Joint Pains:
- Joint pain in TCM is typically due to the invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness into the joints, blocking Qi and Blood flow.
- Chronic joint issues may also relate to Kidney deficiency, as the Kidneys support bone health.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Wind, Cold, and Damp Invasion: Causes stiffness, pain, and swelling in joints.
- Kidney Deficiency: Weak Kidney energy can lead to chronic joint pain and weakness.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Du Huo (Angelica) to dispel Dampness and relieve pain.
- Electro-Acupuncture: Points like Bladder 23 and Kidney 3 to strengthen joints and reduce pain.
- Cupping Therapy: Applied around joints to alleviate stiffness and increase circulation.
- Moxibustion/Warm Compresses: Warm herbal packs on affected areas to dispel Cold and reduce pain.
Sports Injury
Chinese Medicine View on Sports Injury:
- Sports injuries in TCM are attributed to Qi and Blood stagnation in the affected area due to trauma.
- TCM focuses on pain relief, swelling reduction, and restoring mobility.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine :
- Qi and Blood Stagnation: Injury blocks the flow of Qi, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Dampness and Cold Accumulation: Chronic injuries can attract Dampness and Cold, slowing recovery.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Formulas containing Ru Xiang (Frankincense) to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Electro-Acupuncture: Points near the injured area to accelerate healing and relieve pain.
- Cupping Therapy: Applied around the injury site to release stagnation and promote circulation.
- Herbal Soaks or Compresses: Using warm herbal soaks or compresses on the injured area to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Herbs like safflower or pepper may be added for additional anti-inflammatory effects.
Headaches & Migraines
Chinese Medicine View on Headaches & Migraines:
- They are often attributed to imbalances in the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney meridians. These imbalances can be caused by emotional stress, Qi stagnation, or external factors like Wind and Heat.
- Headaches are seen as symptoms of blocked Qi and Blood flow, especially in the head and neck.
Common Causes in Chinese Medicine:
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress or frustration can lead to tension-type headaches, particularly around the temples or forehead.
- Wind Invasion: External factors such as Wind, Cold, or Damp can disrupt Qi flow, triggering headaches.
- Kidney Deficiency: A deficiency in Kidney energy may lead to chronic or dull headaches, often accompanied by fatigue and weakness.
- Blood Deficiency: Can result in migraines with symptoms like dizziness or blurred vision.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Herbs like Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica) are often used to invigorate blood flow, disperse Wind, and alleviate headache pain.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Gallbladder 20 (Feng Chi) and Liver 3 (Tai Chong) help to clear Wind, release tension, and relieve headache symptoms.
- Cupping Therapy: Applying cupping to the upper back, shoulders, or neck helps to release tension and improve blood flow, which can reduce headache frequency.
- Lifestyle & Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding cold and damp foods, managing stress, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or Tai Chi can help maintain balanced Qi and reduce headache recurrence.
Stomachache
Chinese Medicine View on Stomachache:
- Stomachaches in TCM are usually a result of imbalances in the Stomach and Spleen channels. Disruptions in Qi flow, often due to diet, emotions, or external Cold and Dampness, are common causes of stomach discomfort and pain.
Common Causes in Chinese Medicine:
- Cold and Damp Accumulation: Eating cold or raw foods, or exposure to cold weather, can block Qi flow in the digestive tract, leading to pain and cramping.
- Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress or frustration can cause Qi to stagnate, which often leads to bloating, cramping, or sharp pain.
- Food Retention: Overeating or eating heavy, greasy foods can cause indigestion and block the flow of Qi.
- Spleen Qi Deficiency: Weak Spleen Qi from poor diet or overwork can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and a heavy feeling.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) are commonly used to warm the Stomach, promote digestion, and relieve pain.
- Acupuncture: Points like Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) and Ren 12 (Zhong Wan) are beneficial for enhancing digestion, relieving pain, and strengthening the Stomach and Spleen functions.
- Warm Compresses: Applying warm ginger compresses over the stomach area helps to alleviate pain, reduce cold, and improve circulation in the digestive organs.
- Dietary Adjustments: Avoiding cold, raw, and greasy foods while incorporating more warm, easy-to-digest meals can support digestion and alleviate symptoms.