Integrative Acupuncture Center

Ice theory takes a hit from Chinese Medicine!

Joshua Goldstein, L.Ac. 6/07/09

Acupuncture is known for its use of needles to enhance the blood and energy supply of the body, but more unknown until recently, is the subsection of Chinese Medicine that treats and deals with painful conditions. “Traumatology” is the use of acupuncture, Chinese herbal compresses and herbal liniments which are used to help sprains and strains and pain due to other reasons such as a herniated disc.

The following is an example of how Chinese medicine takes a different approach to an acute injury. While it is true that ice reduces pain, it does so with certain negative side effects, according to the theory of static blood flow causing blockage to the free flow of energy in the body.

According to Chinese medicine when one receives an injury, a blow, a fall, etc, the force causes blood and energy to stagnate in the muscle tissue or joint for example. According to Tom Bisio in his book, A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth[1], in an article entitled “Ice is for Dead people”, states icing a fresh injury, contracts the blood vessel and the muscles making them harder or impossible to restore normal circulation to the area. The static blood, which is the blood forced out of the blood vessels due to the injury such as a micro tear for example) congeal, contract and harden with icing, making them harder or impossible to disperse. It is not uncommon, as he writes, to see a sprained angle that was iced still slightly swollen over a year later after the original injury.

Furthermore, he writes, in Chinese medicine there is the idea that cold and damp weather conditions can weaken and penetrate into the areas of the body where blood and energy don’t flow well, otherwise known as our “weak links” This type of condition can lead to an arthritis type of pain that often increases with weather changes and it is a chronic difficult problem that is difficult to treat. He further states that “I rue the day I iced my fractured patella. It has taken years of treatment to prevent it from hurting in cold and rainy weather.

If we are not to ice fresh wounds what does Chinese medicine offer for the problem?

Liniments, poultices or plasters, usually made from grain alcohol with extracting the essence from the herbs and certain herbs are placed on the area of pain to increase blood circulation to the area so as to reduce swelling and reduce pain. Herbal pills or powders taken orally help promote blood circulation and prevent blood from stagnating further.  Self massage with liniment moves the blood, reduce inflammation, and stimulate circulation to help torn muscles and tendons to heal.

For example, “Chinese Massage Oil” is an ideal liniment that should be used for stiff, inflexible muscles. As this liniment penetrates deeply into the muscles and it improves local circulation. Use before a warm up routine prior to exercising or again after a strenuous workout to increase muscle suppleness. (available at www.orientalherb.com)

San Huang San or three yellow powder, is considered like “herbal ice” as it is a poultice made for treating muscle sprains and strains. Warrior monks and martial art  masters have used this combo for centuries because it is remarkably effective for injuries sustained during hard physical training. The powder is made up of six herbs which get ground into a powder and mixed into a medium, such as petroleum jelly. The mixture is then placed on a gauze pad and wrapped around the affected area. It is a good idea to have the herbs readily available for non open wounds. For example, one application would be to used san Huang san with knees injuries to reduce acute knee injuries. It reduces the swelling and inflammation more effectively than ice. Even if your doctor wants you to get an MRI, you can still use this immediately to help restore range of motion

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