Chinese Herbal and Acupuncture Treatment Protocols for Sciatica - Formulas, Protocols, TCM Diagnoses
Sciatica - Basics
Sciatica is a condition characterized by radiating pain that originates in the lower back and extends down the back of the legs, sometimes down to the feet. The pain is caused by the application of pressure to the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down the back of the leg. Commonly the pressure is the result of a herniated, or ruptured, disc in the lower back. A herniated disc occurs when one of the pieces of soft material found between each vertebrae (called discs) becomes displaced from the spine or ruptures. With sciatica, the ruptured disc creates pressure that presses against the sciatic nerve, resulting in radiating pain down the leg. Sciatica can also be the result of a pelvic injury or spinal stenosis, a narrowing in the spine.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for Sciatica.
Sciatica - Diagnostic Patterns
The Chinese Medicine treatment of sciatica generally involves arriving at the appropriate TCM diagnosis or pattern. This pattern within the individual is what treatment is based on not the general condition (see treating the cause and not the symptoms).
The following patterns may represent the underlying contributing factors for the development of sciatica:
Sciatica - Acupuncture Protocols
The treatment of conditions with acupuncture can be a complicated endeavor that should only be undertaken by individuals with a deep understanding of the underlying Chinese Medicine theory (and/or whatever system being used for treatment). There are many approaches, but generally speaking few viable approaches are involved on a point to condition basis. Rather using proper diagnostic procedures the patients diagnostic pattern is ascertained and that is what is treated. The protocols listed here exemplify some of these clinical approaches.
The following Acupuncture Treatment Protocols May Be Used With Sciatica
Sciatica - Formulas From Our Store
The following herbal formulas are potentially useful in the process of treating sciatica. For a complete list from our store with more details see our sciatica formula section.
- Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan
- Juan Bi Wan
- Qiang Li Zuo Gu Shen Jing Tong Wan
- Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang
- Zuo Gu Shen Jing Tong Wan
Sciatica - Questions
Need treatment options for sciatica and not finding the information you need?
Using our forums our staff and our community may offer guidance with regards to the treatment of sciatica.
Sciatica - Related Acupuncture Points
The following (4) acupuncture points may be useful for sciatica. A subset of these could potentially be useful with acupressure stimulation and/or tongren therapy methods as well.
Generally treatment would be based on the TCM patterns listed above instead of selecting points by function alone, (see general points selection rules.)
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The following (3) Formulas TCM Herbal Formulas May Be Useful For Sciatica
Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan
- Solitary Hermit Teapills
- For chronic pain due to obstruction (bi zheng) with liver and kidney deficiency.
- For lower back pain often with weakness and/or pain in the knees.
- For arthritis, especially the type affected by cold/damp weather.
- Expel Dampness
- Dispel Wind-Dampness
- Cautions
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Do not use with patients that present with damp heat or excess heat.
Shao Yao Gan Cao Wan
- Peony and Licorice Decoction
- Cramping and/or muscle spasms that are due to fluid deficiency.
- Frozen shoulder, trigger finger.
- General tightness or cramps especially along the tendons or ligaments.
- Restless leg syndrome for patients who present with yin and blood deficiency as the primary cause.
- Harmonize
- Regulate and Harmonize the Liver and Spleen
Shu Jing Huo Xue Wan
- Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction
- Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lower extremities (may be severe).
- Wind-cold damp bi-syndrome (i.e. arthritis) - particularly in the lower part of the body, hips, knees, lower back.
- Sciatic pain with the correct underlying pattern.
- Neck pain with the correct underling pattern.
- Fractures that are reluctant to heal, particularly in the lower body.
- Invigorate the Blood
- Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
- Cautions
- Pregnancy
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Generally not for long term use and use with caution if at all in deficient patients.
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