Traditional Chinese Medicine for sciatica is a treatment approach dating back literally thousands of years. TCM is an ancient and effective alternate care approach which is still practiced by over a billion people today. This healing system is very diverse and is based on time-tested Asian philosophies and structural models of the body’s energy system.
I like TCM, since it also accounts for the emotional aspects of health and not just the physical. However, I do not place too much hope in many of its methods for providing a true cure, since many are simply symptomatic treatments.
This essay explores Traditional Chinese Medical practices as utilized for sciatic nerve complaints. We will detail the techniques most often applied and the results patients might expect from treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sciatica Defined
TCM is a system of care based on the body’s natural energy system, called qi energy. Qi is circulated throughout the body in pathways called meridians and must be balanced in both Ying (soft, yielding, female) and Yang (hard, driving, male) aspects. Too much or too little of a particular type of energy in any anatomical location or meridian will set the stage for an injury or disease process to occur.
The Chinese believe that this vital life energy can be manipulated through various means and these modalities form the basis of general TCM practice, as well as specific TCM sciatica treatment.
TCM for Sciatica Practices
Traditional Chinese medical practices include a wide range of applications dealing with both the body and the mind. People are recognized as being a combination of physical and emotional beings and energy must be balanced in both the anatomy and the spirit.
In order to facilitate good health, TCM doctors use acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, dietary advice, herbal application, massage and even philosophy as treatments for the full range of potential ills.
TCM does not usually try to actively treat a disease or injury directly, but instead works to improve the general health of the mind and body, thereby enacting an organic, holistic healing response.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sciatica Conclusions
I have studied many applications of TCM throughout my 4 decades of martial arts training. While I have focused on the defensive modalities of anatomical TCM knowledge, I have learned much about the healing aspects, as well. I believe in TCM, but still do not recommend it as a choice alternative for sciatica care. While it is unlikely to do any damage, it just is not likely to enact a true cure for most patients.
Some applications of TCM are ideal for patients looking for symptomatic relief while they continue to search for a permanent cure, so in this respect TCM is far preferred over pharmaceutical sciatica drugs.
In all fairness to western medicine, I do suggest that patients consult with their normal primary care physicians before utilizing any recommendations for sciatica treatment using TCM. This way, there is some degree of a safety net, just in case any of the herbal preparations might interact negatively with prescription medicines which may also be in use.
Sciatica > Sciatica Treatment > Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sciatica
