Chinese medicine includes 5 modalities, of these 5 modalities the most popular is acupuncture. The other four modalities are diet, exercise (which includes mediation), bodywork (cupping, gua sha, and massage), and herbal therapy. In ancient China, acupuncture was considered the highest form of medicine because it was the most invasive.
It was viewed as an external form of surgery to repair hindrances in blood circulation. When a person would see a Chinese medicine practitioner diet, and exercise were first prescribed. If the patient failed to respond to these methods, then body-work was introduced. If the results were still less than desirable the patient would have herbal therapy, then finally acupuncture.Often times, when we think of herbal therapy we think of consuming herbal pills or teas. We call this internal herbal therapy. External herbal therapy is another modality used to treat pain and alleviate inflammation. This method can be used to treat acute, sub-acute, and chronic injuries.
As the name implies these herbs are used topically and are not for ingestion. Chinese medicine classifies herbs based on temperature and follows similar protocols depending on the stage of injury. Stages 1 and 2 involve cooling herbs while stage 3 utilizes warm herbs to alleviate stiffness, improve range of motion, and resolve injuries.
Using Herbal Soaks For Chronic Injuries
The herbal soak used at CSC+M in Flatiron, NY is comprised of 13 different herbs that promote circulation, decrease inflammation, and warm tissues. This formula is used for chronic injuries that have not healed fully. The herbs are extracted in hot water and are placed on the injured areas using towels.
The soak is administered for 10-15 minutes. This will help with circulation and provide nutrients to injured tissues to facilitate the healing process. Acupuncture is administered afterwards to physical obstructions that may be hindering circulation and healing.
Treating chronic injuries in Chinese medicine often involves the application of heat. As a result, moxibustion is utilized in conjunction with acupuncture. As with all injuries, it is best to combine multiple modalities to achieve the best results. Physical therapy can help strengthen weak muscles and provide stability to injured joints.
Chiropractic in our Flatiron office utilizes the soft tissue modality ART to improve range of motion in addition to helping with the realignment of joints. When we add acupuncture in addition to herbal soaks and integrate it with chiropractic and physical therapy, we can help patients further progress in their physical healing journey
