There is a saying in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “No pain if the flow is smooth. Pain means blockage.” (“通则不痛，痛则不通”). It originated from Zhongzi Li (李中梓, 1588–1655), a famous physician in the Ming Dynasty. This can be traced back to the classical written work of Traditional Chinese Medicine more than 2000 years ago, The Yellow Emperor’s Treatise of Internal Medicine (《黄帝内经》, 475-221 BC). It states, “If meridians are not flowing well, the environment is not balanced, cold invasion is delaying the flow… then qi will stagnate in the meridians, thus causing pain.”

One chapter of The Yellow Emperor’s Treatise of Internal Medicine is devoted to Bi syndrome, i.e., obstruction or arthralgia syndrome. It discussed its etiology and classification. It talked about how to use acupuncture and herbs to break up the obstruction and restore the energy and blood flow. Many diseases in modern terms may manifest as Bi (arthralgia) syndrome, such as rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibrositis.

Modern research reveals that TCM treatments unblock blockages, improve circulation, promote the release of metabolites and toxins, reduce inflammation, and enhance circulation and nutrient supply. They stimulate the nervous system, adjust pain perception, and rebalance sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The peripheral and central responses combined can reach the internal organs and adjust their functions. As a result, TCM helps the body and mind to slow down deterioration, speed up recovery, realign systems, regain homeostasis, and resume biological rhythm.

TCM treats acute and chronic pain and its originations as well. It also diagnoses and treats conditions before they manifest as pain. It does not mean that TCM has no limitations, however. It complements modern medicine.