Sciaticaaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Neurological Disorders, Legs disorders and Symptoms
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica, often characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway, emerges from the lower back, traverses the hips and buttocks, and extends down one leg. Common in individuals with herniated disks or bone spurs in the spine, sciatica’s symptoms include lower back pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs. Its severity can range from mild discomfort to acute pain that hinders everyday activities.
How Does TCM View Sciatica?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives sciatica through the lens of Qi and Blood flow within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often attributes sciatica to physical nerve compression, TCM focuses on identifying and rectifying imbalances or obstructions in the body's energy, such as Qi or Blood.
TCM practitioners consider factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness, which can invade the body and contribute to sciatic pain, emphasizing the necessity of restoring harmonious Qi flow for relief and healing.
Causes of Sciatica According to TCM
In TCM, sciatica is often linked to Qi And Blood Stagnation and the invasion of pathological factors such as Dampness into the body's Channels. Qi And Blood Stagnation can lead to sharp, stabbing pain along the sciatic nerve, while Dampness accumulation obstructs Qi flow, causing pain and discomfort.
These conditions are often compounded by deficiencies in the Liver and Kidney systems, vital for maintaining Qi and Blood flow. TCM treatments aim to address these root causes, restoring balance and alleviating pain.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Sciatica
TCM offers various formulas to alleviate sciatica, targeting specific underlying patterns. For Blood Stagnation, formulations like Dang Gui Shao Yao San, enriched with White Peony Roots, and Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, containing Dong quai, are effective in invigorating Blood and reducing pain.
In cases involving Wind-Damp invasion, formulas such as Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang and Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, with herbs like Pubescent Angelica Roots, are used. Formulations like Da Huang Fu Zi Tang and Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang warm the Meridians and disperse Cold, addressing sciatica associated with Cold and Blood Stagnation. For those with underlying Yang Deficiency, Zhen Wu Tang is often prescribed.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sciatica, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that warm and purge
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Sciatica can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for sciatica
Acupoints for Sciatica
TCM also recommends specific acupoints for treating sciatica. These acupoints, located along the Bladder and Gall Bladder channels, are selected for their efficacy in removing obstructions from the Channel, treating hemorrhoids, regulating the Lower Burner, and facilitating urination and defecation.
For example, Chengfu BL-36, located in the gluteal crease, and Huantiao GB-30, at the junction of the thigh, are often used. Additionally, acupoints like Fengshi GB-31 on the thigh and Yanglingquan GB-34 near the fibula are chosen for their ability to expel Wind and resolve Dampness, which are crucial in alleviating sciatic pain.
Explore below some acupoints used to address sciatica, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Stomach Channel
Guanyuanshu BL-26
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 5th lumber vertebra (L5).
Pangguangshu BL-28
At the level of the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline, in the depression between the medial border of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the sacrum.
Ciliao BL-32
In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.
Weizhong BL-40
At the midpoint of the popliteal crease, between the tendons of biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscle.
Zhishi BL-52
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumber vertebra (L2).
Chengshan BL-57
Directly below the belly of the gastrocnemius muscle and between the two heads of the muscle, on the line connecting Weizhong BL-40 and Kunlun BL-60, about 8 cun below Weizhong BL-40.
Feiyang BL-58
On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.
TCM Herbs for Sciatica
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sciatica, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Sciatica can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for sciatica, like Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for sciatica
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Wen Jing Tang |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Ma Huang Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wu Ji San |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Wu Ji San |