Western Medicine treats pains of various etiologies with pain killing drugs. In some cases, surgery is used for many lower back pain and knee disorders. Pain killing drugs may become addictive and will over time, cause damage to the liver, small intestine and other internal organs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the lower body’s circulation is controlled by the small intestine. The small intestine also controls the body’s vein circulation to help blood return to the body. Pains in the lower abdomen and legs may result if there is poor circulation or old bruises (clots) that remain in certain areas.

Traditional Chinese Medicine often uses herbs to help patients with pains in the lower body. Herbs are used to increase heat to the small intestine, help the venous circulation to the heart, dissolve bruises between the muscles and tendons, eliminate excess fluid around internal injuries, and to increase good blood. Acupuncture is often used in combination with herbal medicines to speed recovery.

Acupuncture works exceptionally well to relieve all types of painful disorders, including pain from herniated disks causing low back pain and sciatica, and for helping knee pain by strengthening the joints and increasing good circulation. Patients who receive acupuncture treatments for pain after they have already had surgery of that area (knee surgery, herniated disk surgery) will not recover as fast as one who receives acupuncture and has avoided surgery.