Traditional Chinese Medicine to Relieve Back Pain
Posted by Christina Pistotnik
Many people know the angst of having back pain and it is one of the major issues we treat at Whole Family Health using acupuncture and nutrition. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views pain as a blockage occurring in the body inhibiting the free flow of Qi (energy) and blood. This blockage is seen as inflammation, structural damage, and muscle spasms.
Acupuncture is used to restore the free flow of Qi and blood so that pain relief is achieved. This is done through the central nervous system by releasing pain relieving endorphins and changing the way the brain perceives pain. Once pain is no longer perceived inflammation and muscle spasms are reduced allowing the body to heal.
A major part of TCM includes nutrition because what we put into our bodies has an effect on the health and wellbeing of it. Therefore it only makes sense that we would offer nutritional advice to help with pain management. Certain foods actually inhibit the healing process by causing inflammation so it is important to stay away from excess salt, sugars, and processed foods.
However, there are foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties and they should be incorporated into the diet including green leafy vegetables, salmon, tuna, blueberries, and almonds.
The back is what gives us support and is utilized in almost every activity we do so it is very important to receive proper treatment for back pain.
