TCM Solutions for Plantar Fasciitis: A Natural Path to Foot Pain Relief
Link copied! Key Takeaways Plantar fasciitis is typically caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. This condition often worsens due to overuse, tight calf muscles, and poor foot mechanics. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), plantar fasciitis is believed to be caused by Qi and Blood stagnation, Organ deficiencies, and external factors. Therapies like acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT), and Cell-Pro Therapy (CPT) address both the symptoms and root causes of heel pain. Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Care Options Plantar fasciitis can make even the simplest movements—like getting out of bed or walking to the bus stop—feel painful. For many in Singapore, this common heel condition disrupts daily life. Some individuals explore TCM as a natural option that focuses on the body’s internal balance, alongside symptom management. This article explores how TCM approaches plantar fasciitis and the therapies that may support recovery and your overall foot health. What Is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a ligament that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition often leads to a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel. This is usually observed during the first steps after waking up or following extended periods of inactivity[1]. Causes of Plantar Fasciitis In Western medicine, common causes of plantar fasciitis[2] include: Overuse or repetitive stress from prolonged walking, running, or standing Irregular foot structures, such as flat feet Tightening of the calf muscles or the Achilles tendon Inadequate footwear or sudden increases in activity levels Plantar Fasciitis from a TCM Perspective In TCM, plantar fasciitis is viewed through a broader lens. Pain and inflammation are the result of internal imbalances, including: Qi and Blood Stagnation One of the foundational texts of TCM, the Huang Di Nei Jing (黄帝内经, Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor), states: “Excessive standing strains the bones; excessive walking strains the tendons.” Prolonged standing and physical strain can cause damage to the musculoskeletal structure of the legs and feet, disrupting the circulation of Qi (vital energy) and Blood in the lower limbs. This causes Qi and Blood stagnation, resulting in pain, swelling, and impaired healing in the affected area. Dampness Accumulation A sedentary lifestyle causes poor circulation, leading to a buildup of Dampness. Dampness tends to accumulate in the lower limbs, often resulting in sensations of heaviness, swelling, and stiffness in the plantar fascia. Liver and Kidney Deficiency In TCM, the Liver directly affects the tendons, while the Kidney supports bone health. Weakness in these Organs can make tendons more prone to injury and slow down the healing process, especially in chronic cases of plantar fasciitis. How Do TCM Physicians Treat Plantar Fasciitis? While Western treatments tend to focus on symptom management through medication, insoles, or physical therapy, TCM in Singapore offers a holistic approach. It focuses on addressing both the pain and the root imbalances contributing to the issue. Here are some common therapies that your physician may recommend as part of a personalised care plan: Acupuncture In Chinese acupuncture, specific acupoints along the meridians are stimulated to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood. This TCM treatment relieves inflammation as well as helps reduce tension in the foot and surrounding muscles, offering a natural approach to foot pain relief. Sessions are customised based on the individual’s condition and body constitution, with treatment durations commonly spanning 4 to 8 weeks. The speed of recovery also depends on supporting factors such as proper lower limb care (such as wearing suitable footwear) and incorporating rehabilitative exercise as part of the overall treatment plan. Cupping Therapy Cupping therapy promotes circulation through a suction effect that draws stagnant Qi and Blood to the surface. This helps alleviate tension by releasing tight calf muscles and easing soft tissue strain on the plantar fascia. This helps to relax the muscles, relieve discomfort, and improve mobility in the affected area. Herbal Medicine A registered TCM physician will prescribe a customised herbal formula based on your individual body constitution and symptoms. These herbs work together to strengthen the tendons, improve the flow of Qi and Blood, dissipate Dampness, and provide pain relief. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) ELT, a tech-enhanced therapy offered by Oriental Remedies Clinic, may be employed for patients with plantar fasciitis. This gentle, non-invasive procedure is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn helps boost the body’s natural process of fluid regulation and waste removal. This enhances the removal of metabolic waste buildup in the foot, which can ease pain and reduce swelling. Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) In CPT, negatively charged ions are delivered through the skin in targeted areas, enhancing tissue repair and cellular recovery. It is commonly used to help reduce inflammation[3], ease discomfort, and support the body in managing issues related to pain. CPT is also often used to complement other TCM treatments like acupuncture, helping patients feel more relaxed and at ease. Taking a Holistic Approach to Healing Heel Pain When it comes to managing plantar fasciitis, addressing only the symptoms may provide short-term relief but might not address the underlying factors. TCM treatments for plantar fasciitis take a broader view, aiming to support your overall well-being by considering circulation, At Oriental Remedies Clinic, each treatment plan is personalised based on your unique condition. Whether you’re managing a recent injury or ongoing heel discomfort, our approach combines TCM principles with modern technologies to support your wellness goals. Get in touch to learn more about how we can help. This article is written by Physician Sun Shuo and Physician Tan Boon Han, registered TCM physicians certified by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB). Sun Shuo Physician VIEW QUALIFICATIONS During her 7 years of study, Physician Sun gained valuable experience working in western clinics and hospitals. However, her strong interest in TCM led her to pursue further studies in this field. After graduating from the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Physician Sun joined the team at Oriental Remedies Group (ORG) to begin her
Preparing for your first Cell Pro Therapy
Link copied! Now that you have booked your first Cell Pro Therapy to #FeelBetterFaster, how can you prepare for your first session? Read to find out how Cell Pro Therapy can benefit you and what you can expect from your first Cell Pro Therapy experience. Getting started Firstly, you start off with a consultation with our physicians who will assess you and tailor a personalised treatment plan to target your health concerns. If your condition is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy, you will be referred to our wellness specialist, who will brief you with more details on the therapy. Conductive plates will then be placed on your body accordingly and Mi Energy machine will begin to pump clusters of negative ions into your body through these conductive plates. Each session is performed in private rooms with lights dimmed to ensure a most relaxing experience. Patients sometimes drift into a nap during their therapy! Prepping for your cell pro therapy Before the session Eat some light snacks about 30-45 minutes before your therapy to make sure that your stomach is not empty before the session. Removal of attire is not necessary so do wear light and comfortable clothes for lying down. During the session Some people, not all, may feel a “buzzing” or “tingling” sensation during the session. This is usually an indicator of poor blood circulation at the area of concern, attributed by different lifestyle or dietary factors. If you are feeling uncomfortable or feel that the sensation is too intense for you, do let our attending therapists or physicians know so we can adjust your therapy accordingly. After the session Patients are recommended to drink more water and rest more after their therapy. As this is a mild therapy, patients can choose to resume their normal daily activities after the session. How often should I do Cell Pro Therapy ? One session per week is recommended for individuals looking for wellness support. Patients with chronic diseases may require more frequencies per week to help alleviate symptoms. Remember, the frequency and duration of therapy is subjected to your body condition as well as specific health concerns, thus, the frequency and duration of therapy vary from person to person and will be advised by physicians. Do you really need Cell Pro Therapy ? On a daily basis, our body is only exposed to ~500 Negative ions/cc of air, which is way lower than the amount we need to help neutralise free radicals that are formed during metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins. In addition, these free radicals surrounding us cause oxidative stress [1] on our body which can in turn damage cells, cause diseases and accelerate ageing. Cell Pro Therapy supplied through Mi Energy would be able to help neutralise free radicals that have accumulated in our body by supplying a high density of negatively charged electrons (antioxidants) via plates (which serve as electrodes) placed at various parts of the body. Thereby helping our body achieve a better self-defence power, empowering it to function optimally and improve on our body’s ability to repair itself. How can you tell if your body received the negative ions? Most people can’t tell when the body is receiving negative ions. And although a person’s experience can be subjective, people who are more sensitive to external stimuli may feel a “buzzing” or “tingling” sensation at a certain body part, or feel lethargy or energised after their session. Whether or not you are a healthy individual or someone with chronic conditions, this usually means your body is responding to the influx of negative ions and is working its way to repair itself! Tracking Progress With Heart Variability Test (HRV) A Heart Variability Test (HRV) is often performed together with your Cell Pro Therapy to help us track and evaluate the effects of the therapy. The HRV test assesses your autonomic nervous system balance and measures your stress index and other indicators to help you and our staff understand your body better. The autonomic nervous system regulates our heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure etc. providing signals to the brain, which then instructs the rest of the body either to stimulate or to relax different functions. If we have persistent instigators such as stress, poor sleep, unhealthy diet, dysfunctional relationships, isolation or solitude and lack of exercise, this balance may be disrupted and your fight-or-flight response can shift into overdrive. By simply measuring the variation in time in between each heartbeat,we will be able to know how much stress your body is undergoing. And with a before and after HVR test report, you will be able to see how effective Cell Pro Therapy affects the stress index level as well as the variation in the autonomic nerve system balance map! Essentially, the HRV test offers a noninvasive peek into your body, allowing us to track how your nervous system is reacting, not only to the environment, but also to your emotions, thoughts and feelings! Who is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy? Cell Pro Therapy is suitable for most people of all ages, including newborns (subjected to physician’s diagnosis). It is therapy well-suited for healthy individuals who are looking for an effective and efficient way to boost their overall wellness as well as for patients with chronic conditions looking for a complementary natural therapy. Lasting about 20 – 30 minutes, this unique therapy is gentle, non-invasive and painless! Contraindications for Cell Pro Therapy While there are many benefits to Cell Pro Therapy, patients with the following conditions are not suitable for Cell Pro Therapy : Pregnancy (first 3 months) Pacemaker You’re all set for Cell Pro Therapy ! With all the negative ion knowledge in your hands, you’re all good to go for your first Cell Pro Therapy – you’ll be in good hands! To fully maximise the benefits of Cell Pro Therapy, we recommend that you come in for weekly sessions. Do also remember that it is just as important to adopt good lifestyle habits such as eating
What is Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) and how can it benefit your wellness
Link copied! What are Negative Ions? Negative Ions are negatively-charged molecules that are naturally found abundantly in nature, especially in densely forested areas, mountains, beaches and waterfalls. They are often called vitamins of the air as they exhibit antioxidant properties that benefit a person’s overall wellness. Type of Air Negative ions/ cc Waterfall/ Forest 10,000 ~ 20,000 Countryside 1,000 ~ 5,000 Park 400 ~ 1,000 Open-window home 500 Office 400 Road (heavy traffic) 300 Industrial Area 0 Why do we need Negative Ions? Because we are surrounded by free radicals! Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons, they are naturally formed during metabolism or by exposure to environmental toxins. In excess, free radicals cause oxidative stress [1] on the body which can damage cells, cause diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes & cancer) [2], and accelerate ageing. Our urban lifestyle exposes us to high amounts of free radicals causing oxidative stress. This is why we need Negative Ions that exhibit antioxidant properties to neutralise free radicals and minimise the effects of oxidative stress on your body. In order to neutralise free radicals, Negative Ions donate electrons to them and bring them to a stable state. And while you can get antioxidants from your diet that also help to neutralise free radicals, chances are, you are still not getting enough. How much negative ions do we need? On a daily basis, we are only exposed to ~500 Negative ions/cc as most of us spend most of our time indoors working or studying. Since we are not getting enough Negative Ions (especially for patients with chronic conditions) naturally, Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is one way to get the amount you need. What is Cell Pro Therapy (CPT)? Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is a treatment that supplies large amounts of Negative Ions to our body via plates (which serve as electrodes) placed at various parts of the body. During the therapy, a high density of negatively charged electrons is supplied to the body to help neutralise free radicals that have accumulated in our body. This helps our body achieve a better self-defence power by: Promoting cellular metabolism (Cellular metabolism refers to the removal of wastes and absorption of essential nutrients and oxygen) Improving peripheral microcirculation Regulating autonomic nervous system and immune balance Reducing inflammation Who is suitable for Cell Pro Therapy (CPT)? Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is suitable for most people* – even healthy individuals, as a form of wellness maintenance to boost our body’s self-defence power. In addition, the therapy acts as an enhancement to other treatments that patients may be undergoing for their acute/chronic conditions. Patients with the following conditions have experienced Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) and reported great improvements in their general well-being: Cancer support Inflammation Female health e.g. UTIs Insomnia / Sleep issues Fertility e.g. patients struggling with getting pregnant due to stressful lifestyles Skin conditions e.g. eczema Sinus Mental health How does Cell Pro Therapy work? 1. Effects on the blood Improves oxygen capacity and blood circulation Live blood analysis comparison The comparison of the live blood analysis above belongs to a patient with a high-fat diet before and after 20 minutes of Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) shows that the initial clumped-up red blood cells were dispersed after the therapy, leading to a more active blood flow. Brings blood pH to optimal level (pH7.35-7.45) Anions (negatively charged ions) facilitate calcium release from our cells to the bloodstream, making blood less acidic. When the blood is acidic, there is a lack of oxygen at a cellular level, providing the perfect environment for bacteria, mold and viruses to grow. Acidity also results in the production of more fat cells.[3] Whereas a slightly alkaline environment allows cells to function and stay alive. 2. Effects on cell metabolism Keeps cells healthy and increases cell activity. Cell rejuvenation is facilitated by stimulating cell metabolism through: increasing cell membrane permeability facilitating the substance exchange across cell membranes promoting oxygen absorption by the red blood cells 3. Effects on the immune system Supports the overall immune system which protects the body: enhances skin regeneration and defence strengthens the sterilisation function of second-line defence (macrophages and natural killer cells*) supplements specific defence systems (B cells and T cells) *Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cells that plays an important role in the host rejection of tumour cells and viruses. 4. Effects on the nervous system Benefits patients with conditions affecting their sleep and hormones: Anions (negatively charged ions) regulate the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. Growing evidence of data would suggest Negative Ions might improve cognitive processes The autonomic nervous system [5] Illnesses are often detected only when symptoms appear or when it is reflected at the blood level, which is often a tad late. Therefore, it is crucial to start keeping our cells healthy, in addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet. At Oriental Remedies Group, our physicians complement TCM with Tech-Enhanced Therapies like Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) to provide patients with better results. Many of our patients with conditions like insomnia, autoimmune disease, pain and inflammation, eczema, cardiovascular disease, stress and anxiety have experienced the therapy and reported feeling better. Hear what our patients are saying about Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) Your healing is the most important! At Oriental Remedies Group, most of our physicians are trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and China for a minimum of 5-8 years before being certified to practice in Singapore. If you would like to find out how you can achieve optimal wellness with TCMxTech-enhanced therapies to #BeTheBestYouCanBe , call/WhatsApp us at +65 8087 0486 for a personalised consultation with our bilingual physicians. Note: * Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is not suitable for individuals who have an open wound/ internal bleeding from recent surgery. Disclaimer: The information on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to
