Orthopaedics and Pain from the Perspective of TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are used in orthopaedics and pain management to strengthen bones, build or relax muscles, and promote the healing of ligaments and tendons. In my practice, I employ electro-acupuncture, traditional Chinese acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture to provide the best possible treatment for orthopaedics and pain according to TCM.

Read a clinical study published in Nature on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain with acupuncture.

TCM in Orthopaedics and Pain: Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal Disorders

In TCM, bones and bone marrow are related to the Kidney meridian system, while joints, ligaments, and tendons are associated with Liver blood, Liver Yin, and Gallbladder Qi. Synovial fluid is classified as one of the ‚Ye‘ fluids, which are controlled by the Spleen and Kidneys. The focus of treatment is on reducing pain. Read a clinical study on the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain and musculoskeletal disorders, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In TCM, numbness, weakness, and tingling correspond to patterns of dampness and/or blood deficiency, while pain is associated with stagnation of Qi or blood. The affected meridians are particularly the Pericardium and Lung meridians.

Sciatica

The typical patterns of sciatica in Chinese Medicine are dampness and cold in the Gallbladder and Bladder meridians. An underlying Kidney deficiency often contributes to the condition. Read a clinical study on acupuncture treatment for sciatica, published in Frontiers.

Torn Muscle Fibre

Muscles are associated with the Spleen organ system, indicating weakness with stagnation of Qi and blood in the relevant meridian. In the case of a muscle fiber tear, the focus is primarily on strengthening the Spleen meridian.

Ligament Rupture / Cruciate Rupture

In TCM, ligaments and tendons are associated with the Gallbladder meridian. An acute ligament tear represents stagnation of Qi and blood. The affected area can become susceptible to invasion by pathogenic factors and allow the infiltration of dampness, leading to swelling. Read a clinical study on the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tears with TCM, published in Nature.

TCM in Orthopaedics and Pain: Bone Pain

Scoliosis

In TCM, scoliosis affects the Kidney meridian as well as the Du Mai, one of the Extraordinary Meridians that runs along the spine. If scoliosis is congenital, it indicates a deficiency in Kidney Jing essence.

Hip Dysplasia

In Chinese Medicine, a misalignment of the hip is associated with ‚Jing,‘ or Kidney essence. Additionally, there is often a weakness in the Gallbladder or Liver meridian.

Jasmin Reif RCHM BACC NCA

E-mail: clinic@jasminreif.com

 

 

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