Pain Relieved By Massageaccording to TCM

What is Pain Relieved by Massage?

Pain relieved by massage refers to discomfort that diminishes or is alleviated through the application of manual pressure and manipulation of muscles and tissues. This type of pain is often associated with muscle tension, stress, or specific conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic back pain. Massage therapy can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins, which contribute to the reduction of pain.

How Does TCM View Pain Relieved by Massage?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain relieved by massage is understood as an indication of underlying disharmony in the body's vital energy, or Qi, and blood flow. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the physical manipulation of muscles, TCM views such pain through patterns of imbalance. Identifying these patterns is crucial for effective treatment, as different patterns require different therapeutic approaches to restore harmony and alleviate pain.

Root Causes of Pain Relieved By Massage in TCM

One common cause of pain relieved by massage in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Qi and Blood Deficiency. This condition arises when the body lacks sufficient Qi and Blood to nourish tissues and maintain smooth flow, leading to symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, and pain that improves with pressure and movement. The Deficiency causes stagnation and discomfort, and massage helps stimulate the flow of Qi and blood, temporarily alleviating the pain.

Another significant cause is Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency. This pattern occurs when the Liver's Blood supply and the Kidneys' Yin are insufficient, leading to a lack of nourishment for the muscles and tissues. Symptoms include back pain, dizziness, tinnitus, scanty menstruation, and generalized fatigue, with pain that improves with massage. The application of pressure helps move the stagnant Qi and Blood, providing temporary relief from the discomfort.

Explore below more details about what might cause Pain relieved by massage according to TCM.

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Pain Relieved By Massage

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Pain relieved with massage, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Sheng Yu Tang

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Pain Relieved By Massage

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency	Pain relieved with massage, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more	Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang | Sheng Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Pain Relieved By Massage

To treat pain relieved by massage, TCM practitioners recommend specific formulas and herbs tailored to the identified pattern. For Qi and Blood Deficiency, Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang is commonly used. This formula includes Motherwort Herbs (Yi Mu Cao) as a key ingredient, which helps to invigorate the blood and tonify the Qi. It addresses the underlying deficiencies, restoring balance and alleviating pain.

For Liver Blood and Kidney Yin Deficiency, Gui Shao Di Huang Tang is an effective formula. It contains Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), known for its Yin-nourishing and Blood-tonifying properties. This formula helps enhance blood circulation and nourish the liver and kidneys, providing long-term relief from pain. By addressing the root causes of the Deficiency, these formulas aim to restore harmony and promote overall well-being.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pain relieved by massage, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause pain relieved by massage, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Pain Relieved By Massage Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause pain relieved by massage, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Pain Relieved By Massage Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang	Qi and Blood Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Pain Relieved By Massage

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pain relieved by massage, organized by herb category.