Postoperative Painaccording to TCM

What is Postoperative Pain?

Postoperative pain is the discomfort or pain that occurs after a surgical procedure. It can range from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic, depending on the type of surgery and individual patient factors. Postoperative pain is a significant concern as it can impact recovery, prolong hospital stays, and affect overall quality of life. Effective management of this pain is crucial for patient comfort and recovery.

How Does TCM View Postoperative Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches postoperative pain from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a manifestation of various internal imbalances or patterns of disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the physical aspect of pain, TCM considers the body's overall energy flow, blood circulation, and organ functions. Identifying the correct pattern is essential for effective treatment, as the same symptom of pain can arise from different underlying causes in TCM.

Causes of Postoperative Pain According to TCM

In TCM, postoperative pain can be caused by various patterns of disharmony. One prevalent cause is Blood Stagnation, which arises when the normal flow of Blood is disrupted, often due to the trauma of surgery. This disruption leads to localized pain, swelling, and bruising, characterized by sharp, stabbing sensations. The pain is usually constant and may worsen with pressure.

Another significant cause is Toxic-Heat, which occurs when toxins accumulate in the body post-surgery, often due to infection or inflammation. Toxic-Heat can cause intense pain, swelling, redness, and a sensation of heat in the affected area. Symptoms may also include fever, pus, and a general feeling of malaise. Both Blood Stagnation and Toxic-Heat are critical patterns to consider in the treatment of postoperative pain in TCM.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Postoperative Pain

In TCM, the treatment of postoperative pain involves selecting herbs based on the specific underlying patterns. For Blood Stagnation, herbs that invigorate the Blood and dispel stasis are often used. Patrinia (Bai Jiang Cao), known for its bitter, pungent, and cold properties, is effective in treating Blood Stasis and alleviating pain. It targets the Stomach, Large Intestine, and Liver, making it suitable for postoperative pain relief.

To address Toxic-Heat, herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity are recommended. For instance, Goldthread (Huang Lian), which is bitter and cold, can effectively reduce inflammation and eliminate toxins. These herbs are chosen for their ability to address the specific imbalances causing postoperative pain, ensuring a targeted and effective treatment approach.

See more details below about Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang, a herbal formula used to address postoperative pain.

TCM Herbs for Postoperative Pain

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