Manage Pain With TCM

In TCM, pain management is tailored to the patient as different body constitutions require different methods of healing.

In the first session, a TCM physician will usually examine your tongue, pulse, temperature, skin tone, muscle tone as part of the initial assessment. After a proper diagnosis has been obtained, the TCM physician will propose a tailored treatment plan for you. The treatment plan may consist of TCM bone setting, tuina, acupuncture, cupping, guasha, moxibustion, and herbal remedy as needed. These ancient therapies work together to invigorate the body’s meridian energy flow and activate the body to heal itself.

TCM Bone Setting blends the eastern knowledge of TCM techniques to resolve chronic pain effectively. Conditions that see vast improvements from TCM Bone Setting include neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, headache, sports injuries, chest pain, and even feelings of numbness in limbs. Bone Setting therapy is performed by hand and is completely non-invasive and safe. The TCM physician or certified therapist will correct any spinal misalignment that is causing pain and restore your body to a fuller range of motion.

You’ve probably heard of acupuncture, which involves inserting fine needles into specific areas of the body, typically for 15min to 20 mins, to release blocked qi energy and promote good blood flow. These areas are known as acupuncture points and are key points where qi energy gathers and flows through channels called meridians. Acupuncture is commonly used to manage pain, stress-related disorders, allergies, lethargy, and general health maintenance.

Tuina, which literally means “pinch and pull”, is a TCM massage therapy. Although it falls into the massage category, it is not used for pleasure or relaxation, but focuses more on bodywork and is commonly used to treat muscle imbalances in the body. Tuina mainly speeds up muscle recovery by breaking up blood stagnation and reducing swelling. Therefore, Tuina is suitable for treating muscle sprains, tennis elbow, back strains, and dislocated shoulders.

Guasha is another TCM technique that works to treat pain and stimulate the immune system by scraping the skin. The scrapping motion stimulates the lymphatic drainage and has anti-inflammatory benefits. The procedure starts with the therapist apply massage oil onto your skin and uses a guasha tool to repeatedly scrape your skin in a downwards motion. This gives instant relief from pain and flushes out toxins that cause congestion.

Many people mistakenly believe guasha is painful due to the red marks left behind after treatment. In reality, guasha should not be painful, although some discomfort would be felt in regions where there is an energy blockage. In most cases, the red marks are temporary and often subside after a few days.

Cupping has been used for centuries to heal pain, treat colds and even pneumonia! Cupping therapy works by having special cups placed on your back, shoulders, arms, legs, or other body parts. A therapist lights a flammable substance in the cup, and as the fire extinguishes, the cup is placed upside down on your skin. A small vacuum is created as the air cools inside the cup, which sucks the skin upward, therefore, creates the suction cup effect. The cups are usually left in place for a few minutes. By this time, your skin turns slightly red as the suction force breaks open tiny blood capillaries under the skin. The body reacts to this micro-injury by sending more blood to stimulate tissue healing and recovery. By the same token, cupping relieves pain by pulling toxins to the skin, where it is more easily eliminated by the body.

Moxibustion is generally used for managing pain resulting from “cold” patterns, where heat provides instant pain relief. Pain from arthritis, digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and stiff limbs fall under this category where moxibustion heat therapy has proven to be effective.

Moxibustion works by lighting herbs sticks and applying them close to specific meridian points on the body. The heat generated increases blood flow, promotes better qi energy flow, and clears blood stasis that causes pain.

For people who are dealing with chronic pain, Syoujin has a wide range of TCM treatments such as Acupuncture, Foot Reflexology, Moxibustion Heat Therapy, and even Guasha Detox Facial to cater to your individual needs.

Book your appointment today by calling +65 9833 8171.