From the TCM perspective, pain arises due to congestion of Qi and Blood or deficiencies in the body. Treatment methods such as acupuncture, scraping (Gua Sha) and cupping (Ba Guan) target acupoints along the meridians of your body and help to ease the blockage of Qi and Blood. These treatments trigger your body’s self-healing ability, thus providing an effective way to manage pain naturally.
Acupuncture
It involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points. Each point is located on the meridians (energy pathways) and has a specific set of functions. By stimulating the points, the body releases endorphins – the body’s natural pain killers and also alternates the secretion of neurotransmitters which changes the blood flow for pain relief.
Gua Sha
This is a healing technique created to withdraw “cold winds” from the body. Using a tool, the body is scrapped until the skin turns pink. In TCM, when “wind” is tapped in the body, it can turn into coldness or dampness that reside in the joints or muscles. Gua sha can help to pull out the cold and improve blood flow to treat muscle pain.
Cupping
Think of this as a reverse massage. Suction is created in the cups using fire and quickly placed on the skin. As the cup act as a vacuum, it pulls up the skin, creating more space in fascia. This encourages more blood and oxygen flow, break up scar tissues and muscular knots. It also removes metabolic wastes and brings more blood and nutrition to the muscles for faster recovery.
How long is a course of treatment?
The length of each course of treatment depends on the cause and nature of your pain. For chronic pains, at least six sessions of regular therapy are required. Your physician will advise on the course of treatment and the regularity of your visits after a detailed consultation.
Is it safe to use TCM methods for pain management?
TCM treatment methods used for pain management are generally safe. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of acupuncture for over 40 medical conditions in Singapore. These include:
- Migraine
- Headache
- Tennis Elbow
- Frozen Shoulder
- Sciatica
- Low Back Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Pelvic Pain
- Menstrual Pain