» Back Pain
When an individual is diagnosed with a “back problem” in Western
medicine, the focus is primarily on the lower
back region and within the Western medical model the options are therapies
like spinal surgery, physical therapy, pharmaceutical intervention and cortisone
or epidural type injections. These are perfectly acceptable but
what if they don't alleviate the pain? And, what about the underlying cause
for the back weakness in the first place? Can that underlying weakness be
strengthened?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is very effective for relieving back pain. The difference is that TCM looks into your life as a whole and does not try to “cure” one symptom, but the improvement of your life in general.
The first step into this treatment is the use of pure teas, not the industrialized English tea, but the use of fresh plants with all their natural elements. We recommend Chinese teas. These teas can provide you with the trace nutrients that help to get your body's systems back into good shape.
The following are methods employed in TCM to treat back pain.
1. Acupuncture: The use of thin, pre-sterilized, disposable needles to re-establish the proper flow of Qi and blood through the channel(s) of the back. This flow increases circulation allowing for oxygen, blood and lymph to support the bodies own healing processes. If the channels have been blocked for a long period of time, or if there is pronounced deficiency of Qi and blood, it is necessary to have acupuncture for a longer period of time to assist the body in regaining it’s normal function. Research has shown acupuncture to cause the release of neuro-chemicals such as: endorphins, enkephalins, serotonin and corticosteroids all of which contribute to the reduction of pain and inflammation.
2. Moxabustion: Concentrated herbs that are sprayed or burned above the skin to open and warm the channels.
3. Herbal medicine: The use of teas and herbs from the Chinese herbal pharmacopoeias also dates back several thousand years. Typically, individual herbs are put together synergistically to create a formula with a specific function (i.e. open the channels or strengthen the Kidneys). Herbs work on specific channels and have specific properties (i.e. sweet, bitter, cold, warm etc.).
4. Tui Na or Chinese massage: Working on the meridians with the hands, using techniques specific to Tui Na. Care must be taken not to exacerbate inflammation if it is present.
5. Proper Diet: A balance of quality protein, good/essential fats, and carbohydrates
(5-9 servings of vegetables and fruit with a moderate of whole grains). This
means no overeating as our body has a hard time managing the overload, eat
meals at regular times, do not eat late at night, minimize or eliminate sugar,
processed foods/drinks, alcohol and don’t eat any one thing in excess
(i.e. dairy products or bread). Drink plenty of water. Contemplate the fact
that our body can only be as healthy as the fuel we give it.
6. Qi Gong Breathing: Qi Gong is the art of therapeutic breathing. Breath is Qi, Qi is life. The two substances that fill our Qi tank up are air and nutrients (breathing and healthy foods). To take in a full breath of air health promoting, yet poor breathing habits have left most of us breathing on the shallow side. To begin with make an effort to remember to breathe deeper, post little notes if necessary that say, “breathe deep”. Be aware of inhaling fresh air/Qi in through your nostrils all the way down into your lungs and exhaling through your mouth. Your abdomen should visibly push outward on the exhale and contract back in on the inhale. As well, there are specific breathing exercises to open the spine, which in turn, supports the flow of cerebral spinal fluid. You may want to get a book or video or consult a Qi Gong practitioner on breathing exercises to support your health. Deep breathing has far reaching affects in our body by balancing our nervous system, increasing oxygen delivery and keeping the Qi moving.
7. Proper Exercise: Exercise promotes the normal flow of Qi and blood. Our bodies were designed to move. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that back pain is on the rise in proportion to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Regular aerobic activity, regular stretching, keeping the abdominal muscles strong and proper body mechanics when bending and lifting are some of the necessities in back maintenance.
9. Proper Rest: Our physiology needs regular sleep and rest balanced with the activity we perform. Rest is Yin, activity is Yang, and attention to both is required to maintain balance. When we push ourselves too hard for too long and ignore the need for rest our Yang consumes our Yin and imbalance ensues. A healthy body can recover from a temporary period of hard work or emotional strain; the imbalance only begins when it goes beyond temporary.
If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me through In-Nature.
Yours sincerely,
Doctor Wei
In Nature
DISCLAIMER: This is not medical advice, this is for information only. Should
you have this condition, we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified physician.
