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

TCM Treatment for Chronic Headaches: How They Work

Link copied! Key Takeaways Identifying the type of headaches and the cause is essential for effective management. Common triggers of chronic headaches include stress, poor sleep, diet, and environmental factors. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), headaches may arise from both external and internal imbalances. External factors often involve Wind Invasion, especially when the head is affected. Internal causes include Liver Qi stagnation, Blood and Qi deficiency, Spleen weakness (which leads to Dampness), Kidney weakness (depriving the brain of nourishment), and Blood Stasis (disrupting the brain meridian). Personalised tech-enhanced TCM treatment plans, including acupuncture, cupping, and tech-enhanced therapies, can support long-term headache relief. Understanding TCM Approaches to Chronic Headaches Chronic headaches have varying causes, from stress to posture issues, and unidentified triggers. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views these headaches as signs of internal imbalance and emphasises a holistic approach addressing lifestyle factors alongside targeted therapies. In this article, we’ll explain common headache types, potential triggers, and how treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, and tech-enhanced therapies fit into personalised care plans. Common Types of Headaches Identifying the type of headache you have is an important step in determining suitable ways to manage it. Common types[1] include: Tension Headaches: Often linked to emotional stress and muscle tightness. Migraines: Recurring, pulsating pain that may come with nausea or sensitivity to light. Cluster Headaches: Characterised by intense pain that is typically focused around one eye. It also tends to occur in cyclical patterns. What Triggers Headaches? Knowing the potential causes of your headache[2] can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. Emotional Tension and Stress: These can cause muscle tension, leading to tension-type headaches. Sleep Disturbances: Irregular or poor-quality sleep can affect how the body responds to pain and stress. Dietary Habits: Consuming large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods may be associated with more frequent episodes in some individuals. Weather Changes: Changes in temperature or humidity can also act as triggers, especially for individuals who are prone to migraines. How Does TCM View Headaches? Traditional Chinese Medicine identifies chronic headaches as symptoms reflecting internal imbalances in the body. During your consultation, a bilingual TCM physician will assess the underlying imbalances, which may include: Liver Yang Rising Stagnant Qi in the Liver may result in an excess of Yang energy. Head tension is a common symptom of this imbalance, particularly during periods of stress. Blood Deficiency This may result in dull, persistent headaches accompanied by dizziness or fatigue. Wind Invasion Environmental changes can allow external wind pathogens to obstruct the flow of Qi in the head meridians, leading to acute migraines. Damp-Phlegm Accumulation Weakness in the Spleen can lead to an accumulation of Dampness in the body. This causes a heavy or foggy sensation, sometimes with a tight feeling around the temples What to Expect During a TCM Treatment Session for Headaches After identifying the imbalances contributing to your headaches, your TCM physician will develop a personalised plan aimed at addressing the specific factors involved and supporting your well-being. This plan may include: Acupuncture TCM acupuncture involves placing thin, sterile needles at strategic points to relieve meridian blockages, improve blood flow, and regulate Liver Qi. Such points are not always located on the head; for instance, LI4 (Hegu), found between the thumb and index finger, is a commonly used point for natural migraine treatment and symptom management. Each session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, and patients typically experience a mild tingling sensation at the acupuncture points. Cupping Therapy For individuals with frequent tension-type episodes, cupping therapy may be recommended. This method involves placing suction cups on areas such as the neck and upper back to help improve circulation and ease muscle tightness. Temporary circular marks left by cupping generally fade within a few days. Tech-Enhanced Therapies Tech-enhanced therapies may also be used as a complementary approach to holistic headache relief. Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT), offered by Oriental Remedies Clinic, is a non-invasive technology that helps reduce inflammation and supports detoxification pathways. It is often paired with acupuncture to enhance lymphatic flow and address underlying issues such as congestion. Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) is another option that delivers reducing electrons (naturally occurring antioxidants) into your body through the skin. This process is intended to support circulation and cellular repair in nerve tissues. It is often recommended for patients with chronic or recurring headaches where inflammation and poor blood flow are contributing factors. Your Next Step in Managing Chronic Headaches Effective chronic headache management involves more than immediate relief. By combining treatments like acupuncture, cupping, and complementing them with tech-enhanced therapies, TCM offers a comprehensive and holistic approach. Your physician may also recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as improving sleep habits, managing stress, and making dietary changes, to address the root causes and support long-term management. If you’re considering TCM treatments to manage your headaches, schedule a consultation with Oriental Remedies Clinic. Whether you are exploring acupuncture for migraines or tension headaches, our physicians will assess your symptoms and create a tailored care plan that aligns with your concerns. Contact us today and start your journey toward lasting relief. 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 career as a physician. Tan Boon Han Physician VIEW QUALIFICATIONS Physician Tan made a significant career transition after spending a decade in the corporate sector. Inspired by the holistic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its potential to complement conventional healthcare, he embarked on a transformative journey to master this ancient practice. After seven years of intensive study, including an internship at the esteemed Fangcun Hospital (芳村医院) in Guangzhou, Physician Tan

Understand and Relieve Your Back Pain with TCM

Understand and Relieve Your Back Pain with TCM Link copied! Back pain is a common health problem in the modern society Many people seek TCM treatment for pain conditions. While pain can occur in every part of the body, back pain is one of the more common issues that we see in our patients. Research has shown that approximately 15% to 30% of adults suffer from back pain each year. [1][2] This roughly translates to one out of five adults reportedly having back pain annually! The back covers a huge area, starting from just below the neck all the way to the tailbone. This area can be further divided into three segments, namely upper back (connecting to the neck), mid-back and lower back (connecting to the hip, tailbone, and buttocks). [3] It is important to identify the location of back pain as the causes of pain, treatment given as well as advice for rehabilitation would vary accordingly. Back pain locations and common causes Area Location Common Causes Upper Back Poor posture (looking downwards for prolonged periods) Prolonged deskbound work and lack of exercise Pillow too high or too low Whiplash or other neck injuries Injury from weight-bearing activity Injury during exercise Sudden change of posture or twisting Wear and tear Mid Back Poor posture (slouching on a soft sofa for prolonged periods) Overweight Injury during exercise Wear and tear Lower Back Poor posture (when carrying or lifting heavy items) Prolonged sitting and lack of exercise Overweight Sudden change of posture or twisting motions Overexertion of force Wear and tear Back pain in different age groups In the past decade, there have been reports of back pain in young people rising and this coincides with our observation during clinical practice. [4][5] Most of the back pain observed in this young population are musculoskeletal in nature and recovers well with appropriate treatment, rest and change in poor lifestyle habits. In contrast, back pain in older adults tend to be chronic and recurring – existing evidence suggests that the prevalence of severe and chronic back pain increases with age. Seniors are more likely to develop certain pathologies such as osteoporotic vertebral fractures, tumours, and spinal stenosis. This coupled with various age-related physical, psychological, and mental changes (e.g. spinal degeneration, comorbidities, physical inactivity, age-related changes in central pain processing, and dementia), make the seniors more susceptible to back pain. Therefore, it is important for seniors to get the cause of their back pain diagnosed and treated promptly to prevent the development of debilitating and serious complications. Understanding back pain from TCM perspective Many people turn to TCM treatment for back pain relief. Symptoms of back pain include localized pain, swelling, stiffness, tightness, and tenderness to touch. Upper back pain Can be associated with headache, numbness in the hand Low back pain May also refer to areas down the legs or can cause numbness/weakness in the legs There are many factors causing back pain, and these can be divided into two main categories: external factors and internal factors. Internal factors predispose the body in a vulnerable state (soft tissue weakness and tightness) where injuries are more likely to occur. External factors, on the other hand, are direct insults to the body which result in the stagnation of Qi and Blood in the meridians. Stagnation of Qi and Blood means poor circulation to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones at the back. This results in pain, stiffness and swelling. External factors Internal factors Exposure to Wind, Cold, Dampness Old age Sprains and strains from poor posture, trauma, overuse or overexertion of force Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise Poor diet and malnutrition Late-night sleep and insufficient rest TCM home remedies for back pain relief Acupressure massage It is important to identify the painful regions and use the corresponding acupressure points so that it will be effective. Recent studies support the use of acupressure for back pain relief as it improves pain and fatigue symptoms [6], is low risk, low cost and easy to administer. How to massage your acupoints at home: Get into a comfortable position and relax your body and mind Firmly press on acupoint in a circular or up-and-down motion for about 3 minutes at a time You should feel a dull, aching sensation but not excessive pain from pressing too hard Back pain location Acupressure point Jian Jing (GB-21):Situated halfway between the top of the neck and shoulder Jian Wai Shu (SI-14):Approximately 4 fingers lateral to the spinous process of T1 Wai Guan (TH-5):Approximately 3 fingers proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist, halfway between the radius and ulnar Fu Yang (BL-59):Approximately 4 fingers above the lateral malleolus, in a depression, between the borders of fibula and the Achilles tendon Yao Tong Dian (Ex-UE7):On the back of the hand, midway between the wrist crease and knuckle joint. The points are located between the second and the third metacarpal (finger) bones, and between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones Exercises for back pain relief Below are some exercises to relieve back muscle tightness to keep them supple and reduce strain on the back. You should do them daily and as frequently as needed. Try to relax while doing the exercise, feel your body loosening as you stretch and do not rush through the exercises. Location Back exercise Upper back Chin tuck Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should be relaxed and down.Now pull your chin in toward your neck. Count to five, then relax. Repeat 10 times. Chest and upper back stretch Clasp your hands behind your back or behind the back of your chair and stretch your chest forward. Slowly lift your head and stretch as far back as possible. Hold for at least 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Low back Low back twist Lie down on the ground. Bend your knees with both feet planted on the ground, hip-width apart.Drop your knees to the left as you turn your head to the right.

An Integrative TCM Approach To Relieving Your Chronic Pain

An Integrative TCM Approach To Relieving Your Chronic Pain Link copied! Are you suffering from chronic pain? Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts or recurs for more than three months. It has been reported that chronic pain affects around 20% of people worldwide. While most people think chronic pain is something that only exists in elderly people, there is a rising trend of our younger population complaining of aches and pain that is persistent and recurrent. These aches and pains are commonly seen in our clinic with patients as young as 21 years old, some in the prime of their life (30s to 40s), and many who are our seniors of the Merdeka and Pioneer generation. Chronic pain is not gender-specific and non-biased. And while pain can occur in every part of the body, back pain is one of the more common issues that we see in our patients – research has shown that approximately 15% to 30% of adults suffer from back pain each year. [1][2] As the saying goes: Knowing is half the battle won. Knowing how chronic pain comes about and mitigating the aggravating factors goes a long way in the management of chronic pain. Depending on the age and type of condition, some can even rid themselves of their pain baggage with proper treatment and care. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been backed by much research to be effective in pain management. For example, a National Institutes of Health study on chronic myofascial pain suggests that TCM is safe and frequently efficacious alone or subsequent to standard psycho-social interventions.[3]  TCM is widely available and provides patients with an effective, natural form of pain relief therapy. The following list includes some medical conditions (not exhaustive) commonly associated with chronic pain: Headaches Sprains Joint pain/ Arthritis/ Arthralgia Neck  and shoulder pain Back pain and sciatica Tennis elbow (Epicondylitis) Tightness and pain at the elbow and forearm can result in weakness when gripping Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Numbness/pain at the palm and first three and half fingers, with possible tightness and ache at forearm or muscle wastage in the palm if severe Mechanical back syndrome, Rotator cuff tendonitis Pain and ache at the neck, back and shoulders can vary among different individuals in area and severity Trigger finger, DeQuervain’s syndrome/Mother’s thumb Pain with difficulty when flexing or extending the finger joints; feeling as though fingers are ‘locked’ Fibromyalgia Post-operative pain Cancer pain Common causes of chronic pain and pain relief methods Below are some common causes and methods to relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain from both biomedical and TCM perspectives. 1) Repetitive strain This usually occurs due to repetitive movements and over-usage of muscles. You can sustain repetitive strain injury when at work, during exercise, doing housework (such as washing dishes, cooking or cleaning the floor), or even at rest (when bending your head down to look at your phone or play mobile games on your tablet). Some of the specific common pains due to repetitive strain include tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and ‘Mother’s thumb’. Besides taking pain killers, anti-inflammatory medicine and applying pain relief plasters, those who prefer a gentler, natural approach rather than steroid injections or surgeries achieve good results in their pain management with a combination of TCM and Tech-enhanced treatments – more information on Tech-enhanced treatments are shared below. 2) Poor posture and lack of exercise Due to many city dwellers’ sedentary and stressful lifestyles, we are often not just in a bad posture, but we are in it for prolonged periods because we are focused on other tasks at hand. When we move and exercise less, the disuse of our bodies leads to a deterioration of many bodily functions. Disuse syndrome has received much attention in relation to back pain problems, chronic pain disorders, and other illnesses. It has been generalized beyond chronic pain problems and some feel it is related to “the base of much human ill-being.” At work, office workers should always ensure that their sitting postures do not strain their neck, back and wrists. They should take short breaks at roughly 1-hour intervals to prevent stagnation in Qi and Blood, which can result in stiffness and aches. Additional attention should be made to avoid a forward head posture, which is the result of bending over and looking downwards too often (in the case of mobile phone usage). When sleeping, a good pillow of appropriate height and firmness should be used so that neck muscles are relaxed and that the cervical joints are well supported. Source: Fairfield Physiotherapy After a long day of sitting at your desk for work, try engaging in some back exercises that are good for back pain relief. These exercises relieve back muscle tightness, keeping them supple and reduces strain on the back. Do them daily and try to relax while you stretch – you should feel your body loosening and a sense of relief in your back muscles. Location Back exercise for pain relief Upper back Chin tuck Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should be relaxed and down. Now pull your chin in toward your neck. Count to five, then relax. Repeat 10 times. Chest and upper back stretch Clasp your hands behind your back or behind the back of your chair and stretch your chest forward. Slowly lift your head and stretch as far back as possible. Hold for at least 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Low back Low back twist Lie down on the ground. Bend your knees with both feet planted on the ground, hip-width apart.Drop your knees to the left as you turn your head to the right. Hold for 10 seconds.Then drop your knees to the right and turn your head to the left. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. 3) Energy blockages and exposure to pathogens From TCM perspective, the body is seen as a holistic whole. This means that pain is the body’s way of signalling a warning alarm.