Inner Thigh Painaccording to TCM

What is Inner Thigh Pain?

Inner thigh pain refers to discomfort or aching felt along the medial side of the leg, specifically the area that lies between the groin and the knee. It's a type of thigh pain localized to the inner side, manifesting as a sharp, dull, or throbbing sensation.

This condition can arise from various causes, ranging from muscle strain and injury to nerve compression. The term encompasses various sensations, including discomfort along the medial side of the leg, pain along the medial thigh, or a general pain in the inner thigh.

How Does TCM View Inner Thigh Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches inner thigh pain as a symptom indicative of underlying imbalances in the body's energy pathways or Channels. TCM theory suggests that such pain is often the result of disrupted or blocked Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow in specific Channels that traverse the inner thigh region.

This disruption can be due to factors like internal Cold, Dampness, Stagnation of Qi and Blood, or Deficiencies in the body's vital substances. TCM practitioners focus on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the pain, which can vary from individual to individual, to tailor the treatment effectively.

Acupoints for Inner Thigh Pain

In TCM, acupuncture is a key therapeutic technique for managing inner thigh pain. Specific acupoints along the Liver and Spleen channels are targeted to restore the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, thereby alleviating pain. One such point is Jimai LIV-12, located interior and lateral to the pubic spine, which dispels Cold from the Liver Channel and benefits the Lower Burner. This point is essential for treating inner thigh pain related to Liver Channel disorders.

Additionally, Shangqiu SP-5, found in the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, is another vital point. It plays a multifaceted role in removing obstructions from the Channel, tonifying the Spleen, benefiting the sinews and bones, and calming the mind. By stimulating these points, TCM aims to address the root cause of inner thigh pain, offering relief through holistic healing

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

Jimai LIV-12

Interior and lateral to the pubic spine, 2.5 cun lateral to the Qugu REN-2 on the anterior midline and 1 cun inferior to the upper border of the symphysis.

Shangqiu SP-5

In the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, midway between the navicular bone tubercle and the tip of the medial malleolus.