Arm Painaccording to TCM

What is Arm Pain?

Arm pain refers to discomfort or aching in any part of the upper extremities, from the shoulder to the fingertips. This pain can manifest as a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull, persistent ache, often affecting one's ability to perform daily tasks. Arm pain can arise from various causes, including muscle strains, nerve injuries, joint inflammation, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. It is a common symptom that can significantly impact one's quality of life, necessitating a thorough understanding and appropriate management.

How does TCM view Arm Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views arm pain as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy system. Unlike Western medicine, which typically focuses on physical causes, TCM considers patterns of disharmony such as Qi And Blood Stagnation, invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp, or Daeficiencies in vital energies. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as TCM aims to address the root cause of the pain, providing a more holistic approach to healing.

Acupoints for Arm Pain

In TCM, acupuncture is often used to treat arm pain by stimulating specific acupoints to restore balance and promote healing. In the Triple Burner Channel, Huizong ST-7, located 3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist joint space, is used to remove obstructions from the channel and benefit the ears. Jianliao TB-14, found posterior and inferior to the acromion, helps remove obstructions from the channel. Naohui TB-13, on the line joining Jianliao TB-14 and the olecranon, also removes obstructions and phlegm. Qinglengyuan TB-11, located 1 cun above Tianjing TB-10, expels Damp-Heat and removes obstructions.

In the Small Intestine Channel, Bingfeng SI-12, situated in the center of the suprascapular fossa, opens the channel. Jianwaishu SI-14, 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra, expels Wind and opens the channel. Naoshu SI-10, directly above JianZhen SI-9, is used to open the channel. Qiangu SI-2, on the ulnar aspect of the little finger, expels Wind-Heat, opens the chest, and benefits the eyes, nose, and ears. These acupoints, when stimulated, can help alleviate arm pain, improve circulation, and restore harmony within the body, promoting overall well-being.

Explore below some acupoints used to address arm pain, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Large Intestine Channel
Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Yangchi TB-4

Yangchi TB-4

At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.

Waiguan TB-5

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Zhigou TB-6

Zhigou TB-6

3 cun above Yangchi ST-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Huizong ST-7

Huizong ST-7

3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist joint space and 0.5 cun ulnar to the forearm center.

Sanyangluo TB-8

Sanyangluo TB-8

Between the radius and the ulna, 4 cun above Yangchi TB-4, which is on the dorsal wrist joint space.

Sidu TB-9

Sidu TB-9

5 cun distal to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, between the radius and ulna.

Qinglengyuan TB-11

Qinglengyuan TB-11

1 cun above Tianjing TB-10 or 2 cun superior to the olecranon.

Xiaoluo TB-12

Xiaoluo TB-12

On the line joining the olecranon and Jianliao TB-14, midway between Qinglengyuan TB-11 and Naohui TB-13, 5 cun proximal to the olecranon. It is just on the lower end of bulge of the lateral head of triceps brachii when the forearm is in pronation.

Naohui TB-13

Naohui TB-13

On the line joining Jianliao TB-14 and the olecranon, 3 cun below Jianliao TB-14 which is at the lateral extremity of the acromion. Naohui TB-13 is on the posterior border of deltoid muscle.

Jianliao TB-14

Jianliao TB-14

Posterior and inferior to the acromion, in the depression about 1 cun posterior to Jianyu LI-15.

Tianliao TB-15

Tianliao TB-15

Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.

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