The most common types of pain that we see are neck, lower back, shoulders, knees and wrist pain. This largely due to the modern lifestyle of using computers and mobile phones, many people spend long periods hunched over looking at their devices. Such poor posture leads to stiffening of muscles and blockages.

Chinese medicine views pain as being caused by obstruction in the meridian channels or deficiencies or imbalances in the  ‘internal organ’ system that interfere with meridian channels and nerve impulse signalling.

Acupuncture is very effective in treating pains caused by the nerves or blockages. It corrects imbalances in the flow of energy in the body (qi). Acupuncture for pain management is gaining international recognition.Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. The results showed that acupuncture relieved pain by about 50% (results of this study was published in Archives of Internal Medicine). From a western scientific perspective, acupuncture is thought to ease pain by affecting neurotransmitters, hormone levels, or the immune system. It is a natural treatment with no side effects.

When there is pain, blood flow to the affected area is reduced, this causes nerves to become unstable. For such situations, Chinese herbs are prescribed to encourage blood flow, relax veins soothe nerves.

Bone Setting

In TCM, bone setting is a holistic care concerned with healing physical trauma. It functions on the belief that any ache or pain experienced by the body stems from a disruption in the natural alignment and state of the bone, joint or muscle. The physician’s main objective is to identify the cause, and to cure the misalignment of the skeleton, muscles and joints. Bone setting has its history in ancient Chinese marital arts as there was a need to treat and heal injuries quickly and effectively.

This is a physical treatment. The physician could use the fingers to manipulate, stimulate or correct the flow of qi in and around an injured joint, to release muscular tension, promote the circulation of blood, relieve pain and enables the body to relax deeply. This speeds up recovery and strengthens the body’s resistance to disease. Sometimes the physician would do alignment work at joints.