Pain Management

Pain can be a distressing and disruptive experience that affects our quality of life. In Western Medicine, pain is primarily attributed to causes such as trauma, inflammation, and pressure on soft tissues and nerves. These factors are also considered in Chinese Medicine. However, in Chinese Medicine, pain management follows a holistic approach that goes beyond simply blocking the nerve receptors to alleviate pain in a specific area. 

 

In Chinese Medicine theory, the body is identified as a unified entity with Qi (energy) and blood, flowing through meridians to nourish the entire body. There are two main categories for the causes of pain: ‘blockage’ and ‘depletion’. It is stated in Chinese Medicine that ‘blockage leads to pain, and pain leads to blockage.’

 

Blockage refers to obstruction in the meridians, resulting in poor circulation of Qi and blood, which leads to pain. It’s common to see a body out of alignment from poor posture, excessive use of particular muscle groups or stress nowadays, which results in an imbalanced body alignment and obstructs the free flow of Qi and blood. Also, a blockage could be due to improper diet or lack of exercise, leading to Qi stagnation and the generation of phlegm and dampness in the body. Common conditions such as back pain and rheumatoid arthritis can arise from such blockage.

 

In addition to lifestyle factors, pain can also be caused by injury or trauma, resulting in local weakness, swelling, and inflammation. Weather changes, such as wind, cold, dampness, or heat, can also contribute to the obstruction in the meridians and manifest as symptoms such as acute whiplash injury, headache, or Trigeminal Neuralgia. These kinds of acute pain conditions usually get relieved quickly with Chinese Medicine treatments. 

 

On the other hand, pain caused by ‘depletion’ is often a consequence of overwork without sufficient rest, poor organ functions, degeneration, or prolonged illness. It is expected that the healing time for chronic pain will possibly be longer. Both ‘blockage’ and ‘depletion’ can take place at the same time, this is because a weakness in the body makes it more susceptible to external pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, and dampness. When there are more factors involved, it can lead to a mixed pattern of pain and a more complex condition.

 

Before administering treatment, Chinese Medicine practitioners typically assess the tongue, pulse, and body alignment to determine the nature and root cause of the pain. Acupuncture, or combined with cupping, scrubbing, or herbal medicine, can help improve circulation to the affected area, reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve muscle spasms, and improve overall health. 

 

The following pain conditions are among the most common reason why people seek acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treatments: