Sciatica is one of the common nerve pain problems. The sciatic nerve starts at the sacral plexus, in the lower back, goes downward through the pelvis through the hip joint and down the back of the thigh. It is the longest nerve in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that sciatica can be related to spinal problems, lower back injury, poor circulation, poor posture, over-work / over-exercise, pregnancy, female disorders/infection, emotional stress, indigestion, deficiency of the kidney, or stagnation of the liver Chi.

There are many ways to treat sciatica, but acupuncture is one of the best methods. Traditional Chinese medicine is holistic medicine and helps the entire body which helps relieve sciatica long term. Acupuncture not only releases the pain, but also treats the cause.

If sciatica comes from a lower back injury, acupoints are selected on the painful area as well as lower back. In this way, the pain will go away quickly, and the patient will enjoy relief long term because the injured lower back is healed at the same time.

Pregnancy sciatica is also common. Usually, after giving birth, the pain will disappear by itself. Since other treatments are limited or do not get good results, doctors generally suggest bed rest to minimumize the pain. It is necessary for the acupuncturists to have experience in treating the expectant mothers.

Sometimes, female disorders or infection blocks circulation causing sciatic nerve inflammation. So acupoints are selected to open the channel of the circulation, which also can help the disorder or infection.

Over-work or over-exercise can make Yin and Yang unbalance, leading to low Yin, which is forms internal heat causing sciatic nerve inflammation. Acupoints are used to balance Yin and Yang to clear away the inflammation and remove the pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that the liver and the spleen are in charge of the muscles, tendons and tissue. Sciatica always combines with swollen local muscles. Acupoints are selected from the meridians of the gallbladder and the stomach.

Preventing sciatica is as important as treatment. I suggest eating seasonal food. Work, rest and play on a balanced schedule. If you over do it, get rest immediately, or get acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbs to re-build the body’s energy. Practice Yoga, Tai Chi Qi Gong and/or body stretching for the prevention or healing of sciatica. If your job requires sitting a lot, then exercise the lower back and sacrum area for a few seconds every hour. Acupuncture is also another good preventative measure.

Contact Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com