02 Jun Treating Sciatica with Acupuncture and Herbs
Acupuncture is widely recognized to be effective for many individuals who suffer from sciatica.
Sciatica is characterized by nerve pain that radiates from the low back down to one or both of the legs, which leads to pain, numbness and sometimes tingling that can be debilitating and frustrating. Many patients have tried conventional therapies such as pain medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic but still struggle with the ailment.
In Chinese medicine, pain is believed to derive from stuck energy (qi) and blood in the body. The qi and blood are not able to travel through the meridians therefore causing pain as the pressure of body fluids builds up from the blockage. Pain is always a result of obstructed circulation, which can lead to inflammation or degeneration. In most cases of sciatica, the gall bladder meridian is typically in need of energetic balancing. This meridian travels from the piriformus muscle, located in the center of the buttocks, along the lateral side of the leg, which is the pathway for the sciatic nerve. Stuck energy (qi stagnation) may also occur in the gall bladder meridian due to reoccurring stress and suppressed anger. Because of this pattern, a shared dynamic amongst patients with sciatica is that they have a tendency to hold onto anger or express it inappropriately.
Acupuncture is considered a gentle treatment that is intended to be relaxing, balancing and restorative.
The primary goal in acupuncture is to regulate the flow of Qi in the particular meridian that is blocked, and in the case of sciatica, the gall bladder meridian. After a treatment, many people experience that their entire sense of health has been enhanced not just on a physical level but also mentally and emotionally.
Chinese herbal medicine can also play an important role in treating this condition. In my practice there are 5 proven formulas that have been useful in the treatment of sciatica. These formulas treat different types of sciatica pain or symptoms such as some are for treating spasms from the waist down, others are for all types of low back pain or pain that comes from a deficiency or cold in the body. Others just treat pain that occurs anywhere in the body. It is important to treat the body from the outside- in with acupuncture and from the inside -out with Chinese herbs.
Other supplements that people have found helpful in treating sciatica:
- fish oil: (3,000 mg daily)
- 5 HTP: (a natural precursor to serotonin; many people with chronic pain are serotonin deficient)
- bromelain: anti-inflammatory enzyme
Please consult your Dr. or Acupuncturist to ensure proper dosages of supplements.
Sciatica typically responds well to acupuncture when combining all the right therapies. I recommend combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs for a few weeks as this will go a long way in your recovery from this painful condition.