Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views back pain as a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body. This imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors, including emotional stress, physical trauma, poor diet, and a lack of exercise.
According to TCM theory, back pain is often related to an obstruction of the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is the body’s vital energy. Qi circulates through channels or meridians in the body, and when this flow is obstructed, pain and other symptoms can occur.
Back pain can also be related to an imbalance in the Yin and Yang energies of the body. Yin is associated with coolness, rest, and nourishment, while Yang is associated with warmth, activity, and transformation. If there is an excess or deficiency of either Yin or Yang, this can contribute to back pain.
TCM practitioners may use a variety of techniques to treat back pain, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and dietary therapy. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the meridians to restore the flow of Qi and relieve pain. Herbal medicine may be prescribed to address underlying imbalances in the body, while massage can help to release tension and promote relaxation.
Dietary therapy may involve recommendations for specific foods or supplements that can help to support the body’s natural healing processes. TCM practitioners may also recommend exercise or other lifestyle changes to help address the underlying causes of back pain and promote overall health and wellbeing.
15 acupoints for back pain in details
Acupuncture is a widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique for treating back pain. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupoints along the meridians of the body to restore the flow of Qi and promote healing. Here are 15 acupoints commonly used to treat back pain:
Governing Vessel 4 (GV4): Located in the center of the lower back, between the two dimples at the base of the spine. This point is commonly used to treat lower back pain.
Bladder 23 (BL23): Located on the lower back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the waist. This point is used to treat lower back pain, sciatica, and other back-related issues.
Bladder 40 (BL40): Located in the middle of the crease behind the knee. This point is used to treat lower back pain, as well as leg pain and stiffness.
Gallbladder 34 (GB34): Located on the outer side of the lower leg, just below the knee. This point is used to treat lower back pain, hip pain, and sciatica.
Large Intestine 4 (LI4): Located in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Bladder 52 (BL52): Located in the buttock crease, about 1.5 inches from the midline. This point is used to treat lower back pain and sciatica.
Urinary Bladder 60 (UB60): Located behind the ankle, in the hollow just below the ankle bone. This point is used to treat lower back pain, sciatica, and leg cramps.
Gallbladder 30 (GB30): Located on the back, just below the hip bone. This point is used to treat lower back pain, hip pain, and sciatica.
Bladder 60 (BL60): Located on the outside of the ankle, in the hollow just behind the ankle bone. This point is used to treat lower back pain, as well as ankle and foot pain.
Governing Vessel 20 (GV20): Located on the top of the head, at the center of the line connecting the ears. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Bladder 13 (BL13): Located on the upper back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the shoulder blades. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Bladder 15 (BL15): Located on the upper back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the heart. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Small Intestine 3 (SI3): Located on the outside of the hand, in the depression between the base of the fourth and fifth fingers. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Triple Warmer 5 (TW5): Located on the outside of the wrist, in the depression between the tendons of the fourth and fifth fingers. This point is used to treat upper back pain and tension headaches.
Gallbladder 20 (GB20): Located on the back of the neck, at the base of the skull. This point is used to treat upper back pain, tension headaches, and neck pain.
It is important to note that the selection of acupoints for back pain treatment may vary depending on the specific type, location, and severity of the pain. Only a qualified and licensed TCM practitioner should perform acupuncture treatments