TCM Pain Management

Managing Pain with TCM

TCM pain management uses the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine for pain relief. TCM practitioners believe blocked or imbalanced qi can lead to pain. As such, it aims to treat the underlying imbalances believed to cause pain and not just the pain symptoms.

Several TCM techniques aim to restore this balance and promote healing, from acupuncture to cupping therapy and herbal medication. At Healing Health TCM, our experienced practitioners will access your general health and customise a TCM pain management treatment for your individual needs and preferences.

By addressing both the symptoms and root causes, TCM offers a natural and holistic approach to pain management.

Common Pain Conditions We Manage

Headache / Migraine

TCM views headaches as blockages in the flow of qi or blood flow, causing the obstruction of meridian points. TCM pain management can help unblock these pathways, reducing pain and tension.

Neck Pain

Similar to headaches, TCM attributes neck pain to meridian imbalances. TCM pain management can help correct qi flow to loosen tight muscles, improve blood flow and reduce pain.

Lower Back Pain

TCM considers back pain to be caused by the weakening of qi in the kidneys as we age. The kidneys are believed to store the body’s essential qi and blood, which are crucial for maintaining the health of the lower back pain. TCM pain management targets specific acupuncture points associated with the kidney to strengthen kidney energy and alleviate back pain.

Muscle and Joint Pain

TCM views wind, cold, dampness and heat as the causes of joint pain, including arthritis. The joints have an abundance of vital energy and blood, and any imbalance or stagnation of the qi can cause joint pain. TCM pain management can all work to relieve pain, improve flexibility and promote healing.

Shoulder Pain

Muscle and joint imbalances, from an old injury to long-term wear and tear, can contribute to qi blockages along the shoulder meridians, resulting in pain. TCM pain management aims to correct qi flow and shoulder movements to improve circulation to the affected area.

Menstrual Cramps

In TCM, menstrual cramps are often attributed to qi and blood stagnation, which can cause uterine contractions and pain. TCM pain management alleviates menstrual cramps by improving blood flow and balancing hormonal levels, promoting the relaxation of the uterine muscles to provide pain relief.

Types of TCM Pain Management

Acupuncture

Acupuncture aims to clear energy blockages and restore balance in Qi flow. Thin needles are inserted at specific acupoints along channels of energy (Qi) relating to the site of pain, stimulating the release of endorphins that alleviate pain.

Gua Sha

A smooth-edged tool is used to scrape the skin to release stagnant or congested qi energy that results in inflammation, creating temporary redness. This TCM pain management technique is believed to stimulate blood flow and reduce inflammation, which in turn eases discomfort and aches.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a TCM pain management therapy whereby a cup is heated and placed on the body to create a vacuum inside that produces suction. This draws up underlying tissues, which are thought to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension to promote healing.

Tuina

A non-invasive form of TCM pain management involving kneading, pressing and rolling movements to trigger direct accupressure points that relax tense muscles and improve circulation. It is used often by athletes to treat muscle-related injuries and pain.

Herbal Medication

Herbs with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties are commonly used for TCM pain management, such as YanHuSuo and DanShen. Prescriptions are customised to target specific body constitutions, addressing underlying imbalances and improving qi and blood flow.

Who Should Not Do TCM for Pain Management

TCM pain management is generally safe, but there are some precautions to consider. People with certain health conditions may need to discuss TCM with their doctor first.

• Pregnant Women: Certain acupressure points and herbal remedies might not be suitable during pregnancy.
• People With Bleeding Disorders: Acupuncture and Gua Sha may not be recommended due to the risk of minor bleeding.
• People On Medication: Some herbs used in TCM pain management can interact with blood thinner or anti-seizure medications. Discuss this with your TCM practitioner and doctor before booking a treatment.

If you have any concerns about your suitability for TCM pain management, speak to your doctor or our qualified TCM practitioners for personalised advice.