Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Pain
Pain can significantly impact daily life, whether it’s from sports injuries, chronic pain, jaw tension (TMJ), or unexplained discomfort. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain is often seen as a sign of stagnation—when Qi (energy) and blood are not flowing freely, discomfort can arise. The classical text, the Nei Jing, states:
"Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong"
"If there is no free flow, there is pain; if there is free flow, there is no pain."
At our clinic, we take a whole-body approach to pain, recognizing that discomfort is rarely isolated. We assess not only where the pain is located but also contributing factors such as posture, lifestyle, emotional health, and digestion, which can all play a role in how pain presents.
Individualized Pain Support with TCM
Pain can stem from various imbalances, and in TCM, we use channel diagnosis to understand how different meridians (energy pathways) may be affected. Each individual’s experience of pain is unique, which is why treatments are tailored accordingly.
Common conditions people seek acupuncture for include:
Acute pain (such as sports injuries, sciatica, or sudden back pain) may be related to Qi and blood stagnation, where acupuncture and cupping may be used to promote circulation.
Chronic pain (such as frozen shoulder, tendonitis, or persistent lower back discomfort) can sometimes involve deeper deficiencies, requiring a combination of acupuncture, moxibustion (moxa), and lifestyle adjustments to support recovery.
Jaw pain (TMJ disorders) may be linked to stress and muscular tension, where acupuncture and gua sha may help relax the muscles and encourage flow in the affected channels.
Elbow pain (such as tennis elbow), plantar fasciitis, or other joint and tendon issues may be addressed by supporting circulation and reducing tension in the affected areas.
Unusual or hard-to-explain pain may indicate an imbalance in the body's internal systems. TCM considers these patterns holistically, aiming to restore harmony.
Treatment Options: Acupuncture for Pain
Depending on your presentation, treatments may include:
✅ Acupuncture – Used to encourage circulation and restore balance.
✅ Cupping – Aims to relieve muscular tension and promote blood flow.
✅ Gua Sha – A gentle scraping technique used to support circulation.
✅ Moxibustion (Moxa) – A warming technique that may be applied when cold is contributing to discomfort.
Our treatments are designed to complement conventional medical care and support your body's natural ability to heal.
If you're experiencing pain and are curious about how acupuncture and TCM may support you, book an appointment today.
Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based upon the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving a treatment.
