Diagnosis of pain conditions using TCM | Oriental Remedies
Western Pain Diagnosis Through An Eastern Lens | Oriental Remedies

Western Pain Diagnosis Through an Eastern Lens

The following content was presented by Physician Leong at the Helping CHEN Summit by Pfizer on 11 May 2019.

Many people have experienced pain relief with TCM treatments, but often don’t understand why they felt their pain go away. In this article written for allopathic doctors (or any curious audience, really), we will cover:

 

  1. What are the ‘western medical names’ for pain conditions identified in TCM?
  2. Acupoints that are useful for pain relief

 

If one does not have access to a certified acupuncturist, you can also do acupressure massage on these points for relief.

 

Ethiology  (TCM) Common Corresponding Issues/Symptoms
Acute

Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region
  1. Traumatic Injury, Soft tissue Sprains and strains
  2. Bone Spurs
  3. Pain usually fixed and aggravated upon movement and/or pressure
Chronic

Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the meridians (Urinary Bladder (UB), Gall Bladder (GB) and Governing Vessel (GV) Channels)
  1. Bone Spurs
  2. Slipped Disc/Nerve Irritation
  3. Sciatica Pain
  4. Pain began after exposure to pathogenic cold/wind/damp (symptoms could be weather related)
  5. Heavy sensation and pain in the lumbar region
  6. Stiffness of the muscles with possible limitation of movement
Chronic

Deficiency of the Kidneys
  1. Osteoporosis
  2. Pain is not severe – experience a sensation of soreness
  3. Weakness in the lumbar area as well as in the knees
  4. Ageing symptoms – fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision, cold hands and feet

 

 

TCM Point-of-view For Pain Diagnosis | Oriental Remedies

 

Principles of acupoint selection:

  • Etiology of Pain
  • Acute vs Chronic Pain
  • Patient’s condition: Ability to lie down? Tolerance of pain?

 

TCM Pain Analysis | Oriental Remedies

 

Localised Treatment

  • Huantiao (GB 30)
  • Yaoyan (Extra 9)
  • Shenshu (UB 23)
  • Dachangshu (UB 25)
  • Yaoyangguan (GV 3)
  • Mingmen (GV 4)

 

 

Distant Treatment

TCM Distant Treatment | Oriental Remedies

 

Etiology & Pathology (TCM) Corresponding Issues/Symptoms
A

Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region
  • Traumatic Injury, Sprains, Contusion
  • Bone Spurs
  • Pain usually fixed and aggravated upon movement and/or pressure
B

Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the corresponding channels and collaterals
  • Bone Spurs
  • Slipped Disc/Nerve Irritation
  • Sciatica Pain
  • Pain began after exposure to pathogenic cold/wind/damp (weather related)
  • Heavy sensation and pain in the lumbar region
  • Stiffness of the muscles with possible limitation of movement
C

Deficiency of the Kidneys
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pain is not severe – experience a sensation of soreness
  • Weakness in the lumbar area as well as in the knees
  • Ageing symptoms – fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision, cold hands and feet

 

Etiology & Pathology (TCM) Distant Acupoints to Resolve Root Causes
A

Stagnation of Qi and Blood in the lumbar region
  • S1-S2 pain, difficulty in rotation – Houxi (SI 3), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09)
  • Pain above L2, bone spurs – Yaotongxue, Zhongbai (T 22.06), Xiabai (T 22.07)
B

Invasion and retention of pathogenic cold/wind/damp in the corresponding channels and collaterals
  • L4-L5 pain/Sciatica – Weizhong (UB 40) Xuanzhong (GB39), Dabai (T 22.04), Linggu (T 22.05) Bleeding for UB 40.
  • Sciatica with bone spurs – GB 30, Yanglingquan (GB 34), Quchi (LI 11)
  • Expels cold – Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Huofuhai (T 33.07), Jianzhong (T 44.06)
  • Dispel wind – Fengshi (GB 31), Shouwujin (T 33.08), Shouqianjin (T 33.09)
  • Dispel dampness and bone spur – Minghuang (T 88.12), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Qihuang (T 88.14)
C

Deficiency of the Kidneys
  • Nourish kidneys – Taixi (KD 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6)
  • Improving weakness in the knees – Shenmen (HT 7), Shaohai (HT 3), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Weizhong (UB 40)

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The content on this page is for information and educational purposes only. Such medical information may relate to disease, injury, drugs and other treatments, medical devices and/or health products. Medical information does not amount to advice, and if advice is needed an appropriate professional help should be sought. The disclaimer asserts that no warranties or representations are given in respect of the medical information, and that the website operator should not be held liable if a user suffers any injury or loss after relying upon the medical information.

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