Volume 2 Issue 4 - August 2007

by Alon Marcus

Treatment of Painful Obstruction According to TCM Pattern Diagnosis

The following discussion covers commonly seen clinical presentations which often consist of mixed clinical patterns. Integration of these TCM treatments is often helpful in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. The herbal for­mulas on their own may be insufficient clinically. Painful Obstruction (Bi) Syndromes (musculoskeletal) are due in general to external pathogenic Wind, Cold, Damp, and/or Heat which obstruct the channels and collaterals/network-vessels, causing blockage of Qi and Blood circulation. Bi syndromes manifest as pain, soreness, aching, numbness or heaviness of muscles, sinews, and joints, and/or swelling and burning pain.