Approaching the subject of pain is as appealing as a root canal. But we can’t ignore it, so we might as well explore it down to the tiniest detail and show you that your pain is not only in your head. Unless you have a headache.
If we could simplify pain to one short saying, we would have the following saying from The Yellow Emperor (Han period): “when there is stoppage, there is pain, when there is free flow, there is no pain.” Just like when constipation gets a hold of you: no flow equals pain, while free flow leads to no pain.
If we could simplify pain to one short saying, we would have the following saying from The Yellow Emperor (Han period): “when there is stoppage, there is pain, when there is free flow, there is no pain.” Just like when constipation gets a hold of you: no flow equals pain, while free flow leads to no pain.
A wide range of factors can cause body pain. Way beyond strictly muscle, nerve, or joint organic causes. Our body is interconnected which means that even anger can actually cause body pain.
Chinese Medicine has a very complex way of diagnosing. It takes pain from the blunt saying “it hurts” to mincing it down to various types of pain. The different types of pain offer various treatment protocols instead of the one-pill fits all magic bullet.
Let’s explore the 9 most common types of pain.
1. The aching annoying pain – we all know it, it comes by and never quite leaves, it’s not sharp enough to skip a day at work but enough to make your co-workers wish you would just stay at home. This type of pain is commonly associated with weakness. For example, aching pain in the lower back is relieved by pressure and rubbing it. It is generally caused by a weakness in the Kidney energy.
2. Distending pain – in plain English, if it’s in the abdomen, it can be felt like bloating, if it is a headache, breast or ribcage pain, more of a throbbing sensation. This kind of pain is often associated with menstruation and it may move from place to place making you wonder if the hormones are messing with your head. And they are, but your pain is pretty much real too, unfortunately. Qi stagnation can be the culprit here. Acupuncture and herbal medicine shine in this area. Your better half will be forever grateful for Chinese Medicine, as this syndrome is very often associated with irritability.
3. Dull pain – it might sound boredom and uninteresting but it’s not painless. It is usually relieved by pressure and better with warmth. Headaches that are dull might come together with a form of uneasiness and dizziness. It could be caused by Blood deficiency within the Chinese Medicine’s patterns.
4. Cold pain – the name itself tells you that it is the kind of pain which feels cold. It is oftentimes relieved by warmth, at least momentarily. However, herbs and acupuncture must be used so it can act from the inside out.
5. Gripping pain – no more, no less, this is the kind of pain experienced with a heart attack or kidney stones. No further explanation needed or reassurance that this is severe pain.
6. Heavy pain – it feels like something is dragging you down. Heavy pain type of headache is like bag-over-the-head sensation. Sciatica pain can also feel heavy, along the sciatic nerve path down the leg to the big toe.
7. Pulling pain – most commonly seen in sport injuries. This specific pain will feel like it is stretching from one point to another.
8. Scorching pain – Burning is a small word here, but trigeminal neuralgia pain or shingles might give you the hint.
9. Stabbing pain – commonly experienced in the heel, upon walking. Also, headaches and abdominal pain can have a stabbing nature. In Chinese Medicine, it is caused by blood stagnation. Its sharp nature makes it one of the most painful kinds of aches.
All of these types of pain when associated with different symptoms give an accurate diagnosis, which leads to a correct treatment. Consequently, it will treat the root of the problem and give you a different perspective in life, that of pain free and full of hope. An easier life for the people around you as well, for that matter.
To learn more about acupuncture read one of our articles called Acupuncture 101 and one of the studies published in Science Daily on Chinese acupuncture’s effectiveness to affect brain’s ability to regulate pain, an University of Michigan study.
References:
1. Riley, Dagmar. Treating Pain with Traditional Chinese Medicine. (2003). Paradigm Publications. Brookline, MA & Taos, NM. Pg 11-14.
Disclaimer
The information on this blog is provided for educational or reference purposes only and it is NOT a substitute for professional health care. No information obtained on this blog should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health care provider. No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed or implied with any information at this blog, nor does Damiana Corca make any representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the information. In no event shall Damiana Corca, her employees or associates be liable to any person or individual for any loss or damage whatsoever which may arise from the use of this blog or any of the information available on this blog.
