Muscle Painaccording to TCM
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Symptom families: General Body Pain and Discomfort, Muscle Pain, Disorders and Symptoms
What is Muscle Pain?
Muscle pain, also known as muscle soreness, refers to discomfort or tenderness in one or more muscles. It can range from mild to severe and may be localized to a specific muscle group or widespread throughout the body. Muscle pain can occur due to various reasons, including overexertion, injury, tension, or underlying medical conditions. It often presents as a dull ache, tightness, or stiffness in the affected muscles, and can sometimes be accompanied by swelling or restricted movement.
How Does TCM View Muscle Pain?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), muscle pain is seen as a result of imbalances in the body's energy flow, particularly disruptions in the flow of Qi and Blood. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute muscle pain to physical strain or injury, TCM considers it as a manifestation of underlying disharmony in the body's internal environment.
TCM practitioners believe that identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms is essential for effective treatment, as it allows for a tailored approach to address the root cause and restore balance.
Root Causes of Muscle Pain in TCM
Muscle pain in TCM can stem from various patterns of disharmony, including Phlegm accumulation and Wind invasion, both a type of Painful Obstruction pattern. Phlegm accumulation in the Channels, joints, and muscles can lead to symptoms such as muscle pain, joint stiffness, and arthralgia.
Wind invasion, characterized by symptoms like aversion to cold, fever, and headaches, can also manifest as muscle pain.
Explore below more details about what might cause Muscle pain according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
- Wind
- Dampness
- View More Causes
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Muscle Pain
Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Profuse White Sputum Feeling Of Heaviness Lack Of Sweating Absence Of Thirst Alternating Fever And Chills Body Pain Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles | Muscle pain, Skin numbness, Skeletal deformities, Joint stiffness, Arthralgia | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm | Pain in the muscles, Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs | Pain in the muscles, Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs, Urinary dysfunction... see more | Xiao Qing Long Tang | Da Qing Long Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Muscle Pain
TCM offers specific formulas and herbs to address muscle pain based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Phlegm accumulation patterns, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is recommended to regulate Blood and invigorate the Blood. In cases of Wind invasion, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San can help dredge and disperse External Wind.
Additionally, for general patterns like Painful Obstruction, Wu Tou Tang may be used to warm the Meridians and disperse Cold, alleviating muscle pain. These herbal remedies work synergistically to restore balance and relieve muscle pain.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address muscle pain, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Wind
- Dampness
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause muscle pain, such as Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm or Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Muscle Pain Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm, Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Phlegm in the Channels joints and muscles |
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm |
| Da Qing Long Tang | Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs |
Acupoints for Muscle Pain
Explore below some acupoints used to address muscle pain, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Spleen Channel
- Triple Burner Channel
Tianzhu BL-10
1.3 cun lateral to Yamen DU-15 on the posterior midline, 0.5 cun above the posterior hairline, on the lateral side of trapezius muscle.
Ganshu BL-18
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).
