According to a Chinese practice saying, “Where there is pain, there is stagnation.”. This means that pain could be due to the exposure to wind, cold, damp and heat. Pain could also be caused by congenital constitutional insufficiency that results in lower resistance to disease. Otherwise, it could also be caused by physical degeneration.
The Two Main Causes of Pain
1.Hindrance Of Qi And Blood Flow
Something hindering, blocking or obstructing the smooth and uninhibited flow of qi and blood through the channels and vessels. Causes:
Micro blood stagnation due to inflammation/injury (E.g. sprains, strains, inflammatory internal diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, gastritis etc).
Long term exposure to coldness or taking cold food.
Dehydration causing blood to thicken and higher chances of forming micro blood stagnation.
2.Insufficient Qi And Blood
Insufficient qi and blood to maintain the smooth free flow of qi and blood themselves.
Causes:
Poor organ functions leading to insufficient qi and blood being produced.
Malnutrition.
Lack of sleep.
This flow of qi and blood can become inhibited in any and every area of the body: the internal organs, the muscles, the head, the back, the extremities and joints. And when that happens, pain will be experienced at those areas of qi and blood flow inhibition.
Daily Habits to Help Yourself Deal with Pain
1. Drink water and keep yourself hydrated
Drinking water will help to provide the base material needed for blood and qi, keeping a free flow and lessening the chances of them slowing down.
2. Cut down on alcohol, coffee and soft drinks
Alcohol, coffee and most soft drinks are dehydrating liquids. A cup of coffee may require up to 3 cups of water to replenish the liquid lost from the body.
3. Have ample sleep at night
Most detoxification and nourishment of organs occur at night during sleep. Getting ample sleep will aid the flushing out of toxins and blood stagnation, and nourish the organs so that sufficient qi and blood is produced.
4. Keep warm and take more warm food
Coldness slows down blood circulation. Keeping ourselves warm in a cold environment, consuming warm food and reducing cold food and drinks can help reduce the chances of slow/hindered blood and qi flow.
How TCM Can Help You Deal with Pain
Some of the techniques used in TCM for Pain Management:
1.Cupping and Tuina:
Cupping and Tuina are both manipulative therapies that will help dissipate areas of blockages of qi/energy and blood and regain the free flow of qi and blood to the area of pain.
2. Acupuncture:
By stimulating the right acupoints, acupuncture improves blood circulation and has anti inflammatory effects. Acupuncture also helps improve organ functions which will aid in more qi/energy and blood formation to ensure the sufficiency in the flow within the body.
3. Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT)
AWT is the latest and most advanced medical equipment for pain relief.
Benefits of AWT
-Improvement to range of motion
-Significant reduction in pain
-Relieve your pain such as lower back pain, joint pain, neck pain or frozen shoulder pain
-Increase your range of motion instantly