Naturopathic medicine: Chinese techniques help sports injuries

Philip Simpson
 

The treatment of traumatic injury has a long history in China. Depending on the sources

 cited, the use of herbal and acupuncture intervention has existed in China for between

4,000 to 6,000 years.

As this was the only medicine available there until the modern age, the Chinese developed

ways to treat bruises, muscle strains, sprains, connective tissue damage, dislocations

and broken bones. Although some of these techniques are not appropriate for use in Western

societies in the modern day - because of the availability of X-ray, MRI, surgical correction

of broken bones, etc. - there is still room for the utilization of these techniques in

complementary role.

The theory of Chinese medicine is based on the idea that the body is a unified whole;

the organ systems interact with and support each other for the functioning of the entire

organism. Each of the major organ systems is represented by an acupuncture meridian,

or pathway. These pathways travel close to the surface of the person's skin and are

accessible to treatment by acupuncture needles, massage and other techniques, as well

as by topical application of herbal remedies. General organ function for a specific problem

may be addressed by an herbal formula taken internally.

Chinese medicine is based on the idea of a 'wellness' model, as opposed to an 'illness'

model. The practitioner and patient work together to maintain a state of optimal functioning,

as opposed to treating

condition once it is in an acute condition. Other health practices such as tai chi, qi-gong

(internal energy cultivation exercises) and taoist yoga exercises are also utilized to meet

this goal. For example, the partial dislocation of a shoulder can be treated with Chinese

medicine as follows: 1) An application of acupuncture needles in the affected area at points

indicated by the patient and the training of the acupuncturist. This application could also

include the neck, back, elbow and forearm, as well as the upper part of the chest near

the affected area. In Chinese medicine, this is known as the application of local and distal

points to treat a specific problem and is related to the idea of the acupuncture meridian

pathways resembling a net over the body. It is similar to a system of local roads, count

roads, state highways and interstate highways that carry a variety of traffic. The

patient would have the needles applied to these points according to indicated functions in

acupuncture theory,

 then would be asked to rest quietly with the needles in place.

After removal of the needles, the patient might be treated with tui-na massage techniques,

a type of acupressure massage specific to the Chinese that uses the same techniques a

the Chinese style of acupuncture. As well as the technique of pressing on a specific

acupuncture point with a fingertip, the practitioner may use other techniques

such as 'rolling' with the side of the hand as well as pressing, grasping and pushing

to invigorate the affected area and infuse it with 'qi' - life force, bodily energy - and blood -

oxygen, nutrients.

Depending on the specifics of the injury, other techniques may be used, such as electro-stimulation

with a 9-volt

battery-operated device and TDP lamp (a special kind of a heat lamp with an herbal element).

Lastly, the acupuncturist might use a topical application of herbal medicine. Chinese and other Asian

martial artists have traditionally used a variety of topical application herbal liniments, ointments and

plasters to soothe inflammation, ease pain and speed healing.

"Tiger Balm" is a common example of a topical application herbal medicine, as are

"Salon Pas" plasters. The most commonly known of these liniments is known as

Dit Da Jow or Tian Ta Wan, translated to mean "bruise-hit" medicine. Another possibility

is Zhen Gou Shui, which translates to "bone-healing" medicine. It is has been found that these techniques

can speed healing, reduce pain and increase function in a manner both

 humane and cost-effective for the patient.

Philip A. Simpson has joined the staff of Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic. He

graduated from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M., and is certified in

Chinese medicine herbology and holds a certification in tui-na (Chinese acupressure massage).  M.Sc., L.Ac.

He is a Certified Acupuncturist (C.A.) in the state of Montana. Lic #185

 Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 North 30 Street
Beautiful downtown Billings, Montana

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

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406·254·9682

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