Acupuncture for Aches, Pains & Injuries
Acupuncture is commonly used, alongside
moxibustion & cupping to treat aches, pain & injuries
It provides short-term relief & seeks to address the root cause
to help resolve the pain long-term
What are aches, pains & injuries?
Most aches, pains and injuries are due to a reduction in the circulation of blood & fluid in the area, affecting muscles, joints & nerves. This can be for a variety of reasons: some physical - such as a local injury - and some psychological - such as stress and emotional issues.
In clinic we commonly see a variety of issues, including: back pain, sciatica and arthritis.
Chinese medicine (CM) theory is that blood & fluids travel through the tissues in circulations called jingluo 經絡 - which translated means 'Channels and Network Vessels'. Symptoms are manifestations of disruptions within your circulation, caused by issues that may have their root on a physical, mental or emotional level.
Musculoskeletal issues are often considered in CM to be the domain of the Tendino-Muscular Meridians (TMM). These are the muscles and associated ligaments & tendons that are nourished by the circulations of the Channels and Network Vessels.
Could acupuncture for aches, pains & injuries work?
During an Initial Consultation we go through your medical history and combine these with CM diagnosis to develop an understanding of what is going on. Alongside discussing any specific symptoms, diagnostic techniques, such as channel palpation and pulse & tongue diagnosis, are used to identify issues within your system.
Acupuncture uses fine metal needles, in specific points, to stimulate the physiology along these systemic circulations, strengthening them where it has become weak or clearing it where it has become congested or blocked, helping restore the mind and body's normal physiological function.
How much treatment do I need?
Treatment is recommended about every 1 to 2 weeks, while you have symptoms.
Depending on the nature of the issue, as health is restored, you may be advised to have treatment from time-to-time to keep your system working well.
Where do the needles go?
We generally use a combination of ‘local’ and ‘distal’ points.
‘Local’ points are on located near the site of any issues we wish to address. ‘Distal’ points are on your arms and legs (below your elbows and knees) that influence the circulation through the entire length of the Channels and Network Vessels.
I will always discuss what points I am going to use first and make sure that you feel comfortable.
About Rick Mudie
BSc (Hons), BSc (Oriental Med), MBAcC
Rick is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). He is a Course Leader, Clinical Supervisor and Lecturer at The International College of Oriental Medicine (ICOM), the UK's oldest acupuncture college.
He is a traditional Chinese acupuncturist with over 20 years clinical experience.
Read more about Rick.
