The
Five Elements in Oriental Medicine
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All painful conditions including neck and back pain,
sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, traumatic
arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis and golfers elbow,
RSI, frozen shoulder
Every part of the musculoskeletal system is related to
the primary energy channels by a network of more superficial
energy channels. Most of the common signs and symptoms of
Musculo-Skeletal disorders, including chronic painful conditions
of the joints, are due to a stagnation of, or obstruction
to, the circulation of Qi and Blood in these channels. This
reduced circulation can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced
range of movement, tension, swelling and heat sensations
within the joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Any stagnation
of Qi will inevitably affect blood circulation and vice
versa. Tissue damage from trauma (acute or cumulative) leads
mainly to blood stagnation.
If there is fee flow there is no pain
If there is pain there is no free flow
Stagnation does not always produce pain but sometimes results
in stiffness, heaviness, tenderness, discomfort, numbness
or paraesthesia. Regardless of what is experienced there
are palpable changes within the tissue, such as an increase
in density or rigidity of tissue, that is used diagnostically
allowing for an appropriate treatment protocol to be implemented
to restore circulation to the area affected.
The standard approach for acute traumatic injury in the
first 24 hrs is RICE:
REST
ICE PACKS (on 20 min/off 20 min)
COMPRESSION BANDAGE
ELEVATION
Further treatment options include Acupuncture (very specific,
deep and powerful effects), Moxibustion (eliminates cold
and damp), Massage (increases circulation), Hot Packs (increases
circulation and relaxes muscle spasms), Cupping (disperses
accumulations of qi and blood), Plasters and Liniments (ready
made for bruises, sprains and strains).
If the pain is severe or acute it is best to have 2-3 treatments
per week initially. For longer term maintenance, once the
pain is reduced and the injury is responding well, weekly
treatments are sufficient.
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