Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been in documented use as a syste-atic method for at least 3000 years. Four of the main branches of TCM are Acupuncture (including Acupressure), Massage (including Tui Na and An Mo), Herbs/Dietary changes, and Movement (Chi Kung). In rehabilitation of pain and stiffness, all of these TCM techniques can b% used. Teaching patients self-treatment techniques for self pain management is what will ultimately give the patient control over their pain and improve their ability to easily do daily activities. Even if you don’t believe the theories behind how TCM works, research and practice have shown it to be effective when added on to Western medical care. Research for both Tai Chi and Chi Kung have shown benefits of increased strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and pain reduction for a variety of diagnoses including fibromyalgia.

All Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Chi (Qi). Chi is believed to be the internal energy within the body that exists in a series of rivers, pools and lakes of energy that circulate and nourish the body. The 12 main acupuncture meridians (rivers of energy) correspond to specific organs and their associated partner organs. Imbalance in these meridians (blockage/deficient energy/excess energy) is felt to be the cause of pain and disease. As blockage in a river will cause flooding, blockage in a meridian’s flow of Chi will cause dysfunction. The five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) corresponding to the five main organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, Kidneys) are the metaphorical basis of for assessing and helping balance the energy flow throughout the body. Imbalance in one area will affect other areas of the body. Acupressure and Chi Kung reportedly help to ‘unblock’ these blockages though specific point pressure and exercises.