Traditional Chinese medicine involves the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture works along pathways/meridians in the body which are often related to a specific organ. It is used to manipulate these meridians and their corresponding organ systems (respiratory, digestive, neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and endocrine), through the insertion and manipulation of very thin needles at acupuncture points along the meridians. Each acupuncture point, of which there are several hundreds, has a specific role in the functioning of the body.

Very thin stainless steel or gold needles are inserted at the points, which have a high electric conductance, stimulating the central nervous system. This either changes the experience of pain or releases other chemicals, such as hormones which influence the body's self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Treating pain

Acupuncture might be used in the management of pain originating from many sources, whether due to injury or chronic conditions such as disc herniations, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia and sciatica. Additionally, acupuncture might be used for pain-accompanying conditions such as dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), endometriosis, headaches and migraines. In any of these treatments, acupuncture points in the area of the pain and points elsewhere on the body, which relate to the area being treated, are selected.

For example, in the treatment of knee pain, in addition to stimulating points on and around the knee, points on the hand, and even the ankle, which are able to directly affect the knee, will often be added. Points on the ear or the scalp might also be selected if there is diminished movement due to a neurological problem. Since the acupuncture needles are so thin there is often minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.

Moxibustion

In cases where there is the added complication of swelling in the joints, limbs or even heel spurs, moxibustion might be added to the treatment. Typically, one of two types of moxibustion is practised. Pole moxa involves lighting one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holding it close to the area being treated for several minutes. Warm needle technique uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. It is especially useful in the treatment of menstrual cramps as it regulates the menses.

Chinese herbal remedies

In addition to acupuncture, herbal prescriptions might be given. These herbs are used to relax the muscles, reduce swelling, and nourish the bones and joints where degeneration or deficiencies exist. Several herbs are usually combined to create the ideal prescription.

Various salves, liniments and other external applications with ingredients such as camphor, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, tea oil (Oleum camelliae), cayenne and wormwood, might be used to increase the healing rate as well as reduce symptoms in arthritic conditions. If using essential oils, you will need to dilute them in a carrier (base) oil such as grape seed, jojoba, olive or sesame oil.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine physician; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.