How to Relieve Pain Through Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine primarily uses the body's natural energy pathways, called "Meridians," as entry points to treat chronic joint or muscle pain using acupuncture or acupressure. This is thought to improve energy flow through the body. Science has shown these treatments also increase the brain's manufacture of the body's natural painkillers. Follow these steps to learn how to relieve pain through traditional Chinese medicine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Knowledge of acupressure points

Relive Pain Through Acupressure

1. Learn the basics of the theory behind the human body's Meridian system by reading "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Acupuncture and Acupressure" (see Resources below).

2. Educate yourself on the body's key acupressure points and the treatment of common ailments through acupressure at the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Web site (see Resources below).

3. Find out what acupressure point(s) are used to treat the type of pain you want to relieve.

4. Apply gentle pressure, as directed by the source you found in Step 3.

5. Be patient. Pain can sometimes require sustained or repeated effort to relieve. Repeat acupressure as frequently as your source directs you.

6. Consult an expert. Look for an acupressure clinic near you, where you can have a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine answer any questions you may have.

Relieve Pain Through Acupuncture

7. Make an appointment for a consultation with an acupuncture specialist.

8. Describe your pain to the specialist in as much detail as you can. Be aware that traditional Chinese medicine's diagnostic techniques differ considerably from those used in Western medicine.

9. Listen to your practitioner. He'll explain in detail how he's going to use the body's Meridian system to relieve your pain.

10. Undergo acupuncture treatment. The cost per session is moderate. The first session is usually the most thorough and, therefore, the most expensive.

11. Listen to your body. Keep track of reductions in the severity or frequency of your pain, and be aware that it can take time to relieve severe pain.

12. Decide if you want to continue undergoing treatment or if you want to try to manage your pain through acupressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't substitute acupressure for proper medical attention if you have severe or persistent pain, chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Never self-prescribe or self-treat your own pain or chronic conditions. Consult a doctor if you feel seriously ill.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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