In Chinese medicine, acupuncture meridian theory states that there are 14 primary channels of energy within the body. These channels or meridians are similar to a highway system. Qi, pronounced chee, (energy and information) is transmitted through the meridians so the body can perform specific tasks. When there is an interruption of the flow of energy or information in the meridian systems, one of the first signs can be discomfort or pain. Each of the meridians has internal and external branches or pathways. Acupuncture points lie on the external branches. The internal branches connect to other meridians or channels and to the internal organs. In this way acupuncture points can treat both pain and disharmony in the organs.
How does Tai Chi and Qi Gong help to relieve pain?
Chinese medicine is rooted in several major concepts and laws that govern the physical universe. One of these concepts is that Movement = Health and Non-movement (Stagnation) = Disease. To use this concept we need to understand that the body consists of meridians that transport Qi, blood vessels that transport Blood and tissues/organs that transport specific body fluids or food. These systems are designed to be dynamic or moving. When they cease to move efficiently or effectively, then the body will suffer. Longstanding lack of movement will, eventually, cause pain. To prevent or reduce pain, the ancient Chinese discovered that physical movement was one of the keys to health.
How does Chinese Herbal Medicine treat Pain?
They’re numerous pathogenic causes to pain. In western medicine most of these causes are rooted in nervous system disorders. Chinese Medicine, however, is not based on the nervous system. Therefore, pain can be caused by disharmonies with Qi, Blood, Body Fluids and environmental factors. Some examples of these disharmonies and just a few herbs to treat them are listed below.
Qi (Energy) Deficiency: Pain is worse with exertion; fatigue, weakness, swelling, distending pain; pain alleviated with pressure
Astragulus Root – augments Qi, strengthens blood; for numbness in limbs and painful obstructions
Licorice root – replenishes Qi, reduces toxicity, relieves spasms & pain
Qi (Energy) Stagnation: Achy pain, especially in the rib cage; anxiety, irritability, depression; pain aggravated with pressure
Tangerine Peel – regulates Qi, normalizes Spleen and Stomach functioning
Bupleurum – soothes Liver for pain in abdomen, chest and rib cage
Blood Deficiency: Heart palpitations, restless, irritable, fatigue, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, inability to concentrate, poor memory, muscle weakness, spasms, numbness, irritability; pain alleviated by pressure
Angelica Root – nourishes and invigorates blood to stop pain; especially beneficial for all female disorders
White Peony root – nourishes blood, soothes Liver, stops pain
Blood Stagnation: Heart palpitations, cold extremities (hands, feet, legs, arms), sharp stabbing pain, insomnia, dark or purplish coloration, restless; pain aggravated by pressure
Turmeric – aids with pain due to stagnation of blood
Lovage Root – invigorates blood, moves Qi, stops pain
Heat: Pain is aggravated by heat; red coloration with possible swelling
Phellodendrum bark – clears heat & inflammation, reduces swelling
Gypsum – strongly clears heat and inflammation to stop pain
Cold (Yang Deficiency or Cold Climate): Pain is aggravated by cold; pale, blue or purplish coloration with possible swelling
Peppers – contain Capsaicin (extremely hot): best for pain aggravated by cold
Aconite – dispels cold to stop pain
Damp: Pain is aggravated by damp, humid conditions; swelling or edema
Ginger – aids in resolving damp/phlegm accumulations in joints; also helpful with nausea and vomiting due to damp/phlegm/food
Atractylodes – resolves dampness to stop pain, especially in knee and foot joints
Dry (Yin Deficiency or Dry Climate): Aggravated by dryness, low grade fever, irritability, irritability, dry mouth and throat, dry skin, thirst, restless, low back pain, bone pain, constipation due to dry stools
Foxglove Root – nourishes Blood to stop pain, relieves dryness
Scrophularia root – clears heat nourishes Yin, purges heat, relieves toxity to stop pain
Food Stagnation: Stagnation of food in the gastrointestinal track can cause pain in the chest, abdomen, rib cage, back and intestines.
Pinellia rhizome – dries damp accumulations, lowers adverse Qi to stop nausea, vomiting and pain
Hawthorn fruit – dissipates clumps, reduces food stagnation for abdominal distention, pain, chest pain
Caution! Do not self medicate. To determine the correct herbal combinations for your specific type of pain, obtain an herbal consultation with an Oriental Medical practitioner to get an accurate diagnosis and proper course of treatment recommendation.
