Effective Natural Remedies for Sciatica Pain Relief in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Sciatica

The following is a translation of the content regarding the treatment of sciatica:
I came across an article online about treating sciatica, and since I am unsure of its efficacy, I hesitate to try it.
I have a few questions for the director: 1.
Is there any classical record of this in traditional Chinese medicine? 2.
According to the described method, what is the duration of use? Are there any contraindications? 3.
Will placing aluminum coins and copper coins on the skin pose any health risks? 4.
Can the Shenmai and Houxi acupuncture points be treated with acupuncture? 5.
If this method is effective, is acupuncture a faster treatment option?
I cured my sciatica in May of seventy-seven.
During a demonstration of egg oil production held at the Social Education Center in Hsinchu City, Mr.
Wei Xiwen discussed health knowledge.
He mentioned that sciatica could be treated without medication through physical therapy.
At that time, I was suffering from this condition and, amusingly, I didn’t even know what was wrong with me.
Later, I consulted an acupuncturist and learned that it was indeed sciatica.
The pain had already radiated to my calf, making it difficult to walk or even sit without experiencing sharp pain.
I wanted to try acupuncture but was struggling to find the time.
Suddenly, I remembered Mr.
Wei’s physical therapy method, which could be done without time constraints, so I thought, why not give it a try? I then asked Dr.
Zhou for more details.
After a week of treatment, I was surprisingly healed.

In the following days, I experienced mild pain a few times, but each time I tried the method again, I was cured.
It has been several years since then, and I have not suffered from it again.
This truly is an economical and practical self-treatment method.

On one occasion, I went to buy vinegar at the Xin Feng train station and noticed the shopkeeper, Mrs.
Yang, was moving with difficulty.
Upon inquiry, I learned she had been suffering from sciatica and had developed bone spurs.
She had undergone acupuncture treatment for a long time with no effect.
I then suggested the physical therapy method to her.
A few months later, when I returned to buy vinegar, I asked how her treatment was going.
She replied that she hadn’t tried it, as she didn’t believe that such a simple and cost-free method could alleviate her pain.
I emphasized that this method was based on my personal healing experience, and since it costs nothing, why not give it a try? I explained the treatment method in detail.

A few months later, when I returned to buy vinegar, Mrs.
Yang greeted me with a smile and told me that the method really worked, and she had completely healed.
This greatly increased my confidence, and I began to promote this "cost-free method that cured my sciatica."
Recently, a friend’s son asked, "Uncle Yu, can your method really cure sciatica? Our teacher has this condition and has developed bone spurs; we don’t know what to do." I shared Mrs.
Yang’s healing story as proof and assured him that it could work.
I encouraged him to teach his teacher to give it a try.
Not long after, the friend’s son told me that my method was indeed effective, and their teacher had completely recovered.
Wow! It was truly miraculous!
Now, I will explain the method: First, prepare a one-dollar copper coin and a ten-cent aluminum coin (from the years 1955 to 1974), along with adhesive tape.
Place the aluminum coin on the Houxi point, located below the heart line on the palm side.
The copper coin should be placed on the Shenmai point, located below the outer ankle bone on the foot.
Secure both coins with adhesive tape.
If the pain is on the left side, place the coins on the right hand and foot; if the pain is on the right side, place them on the left hand and foot.
The duration should be at least half an hour to several hours, with applications twice daily until healed.
This method is best used when it does not interfere with daily activities, such as while watching TV during breaks, or even while sitting at a desk.

For those who truly have no time, they can apply it while sleeping and remove it upon waking the next day.
Of course, you must wear socks and gloves to prevent them from falling off.
Patients should try it quickly to see the results.

As I write this, I found the instructions from Dr.
Zhou from that year and was surprised to discover that the instructions stated: place the one-dollar coin on the Houxi point and the ten-cent coin on the Shenmai point.
This means I had inadvertently reversed the placement of the two coins, yet I still managed to heal my condition.
This is truly incredible, and I hope Dr.
Zhou and Mr.
Wei can provide further clarification on this matter.

Note: The copper and aluminum coins are placed on different acupuncture points to create a flow of positive and negative electric currents; reversing them would yield the same effect.
(Reprinted from Natural Health)

Jí yú zhì liáo de rén, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/09/23

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear user seeking urgent treatment,
Here are brief answers to your questions:
1.
Sciatica is a common condition encountered by both Western and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.
It is primarily caused by overexertion or injuries such as herniated discs that compress the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation.
This can result in pain radiating down one side of the arm to the thigh, and from the outer thigh to the calf.
It is advisable to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner who can perform acupuncture at points such as Shenshu, Dachangshu, Huantiao, Fengshi, Weizhong, Zusanli, Yangluquan, and Xuanzhong, along with some herbal medications to invigorate blood circulation and relieve stagnation, which can yield good results.
2.
Regarding the medical case you mentioned, I have been unable to find any classical TCM references related to it after several days of research.
It remains unclear and requires further verification.
3.
The Zhongmai and Houhuo points can generally be needled, but it is essential to seek a qualified TCM practitioner for this.
4.
The case you presented may involve folk remedies that are overly complex and lack clear efficacy, which could mislead the public and potentially lead to serious consequences.
It is best to avoid such methods.
For sciatica, it is highly recommended to seek treatment from a qualified and reputable TCM practitioner for safety and effective care.
Wishing you well,
Dr.
Lin Qingzhong
Director, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fengyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2005/09/23

More Info

When it comes to managing sciatica pain through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are several natural remedies and practices that can be effective. Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically results from compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lower back. TCM approaches this condition holistically, focusing on restoring balance and promoting healing through various methods.

1. Classic TCM Records
In TCM, sciatica is often classified under the broader category of "bi syndromes," which refer to pain caused by obstruction of qi (energy) and blood flow. Classic texts such as the "Huangdi Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) and "Shang Han Lun" (Treatise on Cold Damage) discuss various patterns of pain and their treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy.

2. Treatment Duration and Contraindications
The duration of treatment can vary based on the severity of the condition and the individual's response to therapy. Generally, TCM practitioners may recommend a course of treatment lasting several weeks, with sessions occurring 1-2 times per week. As for contraindications, individuals with certain conditions, such as skin infections or open wounds at the treatment site, should avoid acupuncture or topical applications. It is essential to consult a qualified TCM practitioner to tailor the treatment to individual needs.

3. Use of Coins on the Skin
The practice of using aluminum and copper coins on the skin, as described in the article, is a form of folk remedy that may not have extensive scientific backing. However, the concept of using metal to influence energy flow is rooted in TCM principles. While there is no direct evidence that this practice is harmful, it is crucial to ensure that the coins are clean and that the skin is not broken to avoid potential infections.

4. Acupuncture Points
The points mentioned, Shenmai (申脈) and Houxi (後谿), are indeed valid acupuncture points. Shenmai is located on the foot, while Houxi is found on the palm side of the hand. Both points can be targeted in acupuncture sessions to help alleviate pain and promote circulation. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing pain, including sciatica, by stimulating the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

5. Efficacy of Acupuncture vs. Other Methods
Acupuncture is often considered a more immediate form of relief compared to other natural remedies. While the coin method may provide some benefits, acupuncture directly stimulates the nervous system and can lead to quicker pain relief. Many patients report significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few sessions. Additionally, acupuncture can be combined with other TCM modalities, such as herbal medicine and tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), for a more comprehensive approach.

Conclusion
In summary, TCM offers various natural remedies for sciatica pain relief, including acupuncture, herbal treatments, and dietary adjustments. While anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of certain folk remedies, it is essential to approach these treatments with caution and seek guidance from qualified practitioners. If you are considering these methods, it is advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your overall treatment plan and health status.

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