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Pain Management

From the TCM perspective, pain arises due to the congestion of Qi and blood, causing deficiencies in the body. Treatment methods such as scraping (Gua Sha), cupping (Ba Guan), and acupuncture target acupoints along the meridians of your body, helping to ease the blockage of Qi and blood. These treatments help to trigger your body’s natural self-healing ability, 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is based on more than 3,500 years of Chinese medical practise.

It is used to treat many conditions including fertility issues, women’s health, pain management and digestive issues. It is done by penetrating the skin with thin, disposable needles. This promotes healing by offering small electrical signals to the brain to restore homeostasis. It also releases Qi blockages, improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and influences the body’s biochemical signals through the nervous system.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture is approved by the World Health Organisation and it has been proven to treat a list of diseases such as back pain and neck pain, nausea, migraine, anxiety, depression, insomnia and even infertility.

What are the acupuncture points?

There are over 365 acupuncture points connected by energy pathways called “meridians” where the Qi energy flows. Each organ has its own meridian and acupuncture points with specific functions.

By applying acupuncture to these points, it can stimulate the vital energy of that meridian and regulate the functional activities of that organ.

How much does acupuncture cost in Singapore?

The cost of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment varies depending on the type of acupuncture and the clinic in Singapore you go to. At Thomson Chinese Medicine, our acupuncture treatments range from $70-120 per session while facial acupuncture costs $68-$150.

How long is an acupuncture session?

Each acupuncture session lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more, with the needles being retained for roughly 30 minutes. Some may experience benefits immediately after the first treatment, but depending on the condition being treated, duration and frequency may differ.  Most will go into deep relaxation and feel refreshed after acupuncture.

What should you not do after acupuncture?

Taking care of yourself will allow your body to recover in the best possible way after acupuncture. Some of the things you should avoid after a treatment include drinking cold drinks, eating too much cold or raw food, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake and doing strenuous exercises. All these can counteract the benefits of acupuncture and thus slow down the healing process. Best to have a relaxed day after treatment.

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