Chronic Back Painaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Back and Neck Stiffness and Discomfort
Parent symptom: Back Pain
What is Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain is a persistent discomfort or distress in the back area, often lasting for an extended period, typically more than three months. This condition can vary in intensity from mild to severe and may be constant or intermittent.
Chronic back pain encompasses a wide range of experiences, including continuous aching, intermittent sharp pains, or a feeling of stiffness in the back area. It is a specific, prolonged manifestation of back pain that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
How Does TCM View Chronic Back Pain?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches chronic back pain through a holistic lens, viewing it as a symptom of imbalance within the body’s energy system. TCM posits that chronic back pain results from disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) or imbalances in the body’s Yin and Yang energies.
This perspective underscores the importance of identifying underlying disharmonies or patterns that contribute to the pain. TCM practitioners consider factors like energy blockages, organ dysfunction, and lifestyle in their diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need to restore balance and harmony to alleviate chronic back pain.
Acupoints for Chronic Back Pain
In TCM, acupuncture is a key therapeutic approach for managing chronic back pain. Specific acupoints are targeted to alleviate pain and restore the smooth flow of Qi.
One such point is Kunlun BL-60, located in the depression between the lateral malleolus tip and the Achilles tendon. Stimulating Kunlun BL-60 is believed to remove obstructions from the Channel, benefiting the back, and pacify Interior Wind. It also has actions on subduing Rebellious Qi, clearing Heat, and even inducing labor in specific contexts. By focusing on these acupoints, TCM aims to reduce the severity of chronic back pain and improve the overall well-being of the patient.
See more details below about Kunlun BL-60, an acupoint used to address chronic back pain.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
