TCM Pain Relief and Pain Management in Singapore
Struggling with recurring aches or musculoskeletal discomfort? TCM pain management takes a holistic approach to supporting pain relief by considering your symptoms, lifestyle, body constitution and overall health. Depending on the cause and nature of the discomfort, TCM treatments may help relieve pain, improve mobility and support the body’s natural recovery process.
At Yi TCM, we provide personalised TCM pain management in Singapore for acute and recurring discomfort affecting areas such as the back, neck, shoulders, knees, wrists and heels. Following an assessment, a registered TCM physician may recommend acupuncture, Tuina, cupping, gua sha or herbal medicine as part of an individualised TCM pain relief plan.
Conditions Treated with TCM Pain Management
Back Pain
Back pain may indicate an underlying health concern, ranging from muscle strain to a herniated disc, which may interfere with your daily activities. It may be addressed with treatments such as acupuncture, tuina massage, herbal remedies, and cupping.
Neck Pain
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neck pain may stem from imbalances and disharmony within the body, resulting in pain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Our TCM practitioner may recommend treatments such as acupuncture, tuina, gua sha, cupping, and herbal medication.
Shoulder Pain
TCM views frozen shoulder as a condition associated with Qi and blood stagnation, as well as kidney and liver deficiency. Our practitioners may recommend treatments such as acupuncture, tuina, cupping, moxibustion, and herbal remedies to relieve shoulder pain.
Knee Pain
Knee pain may stem from an imbalance in Qi, also known as vital energy, and blood flow within the body. It may be addressed with TCM treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, tuina massage, and Chinese herbal remedies.
Heel Pain
According to TCM, unobstructed blood and Qi circulation is essential to overall well-being, as it helps nourish the heel and other structures of the foot. Repetitive stress and trauma to the heel may gradually cause blood and Qi stagnation, which can manifest as symptoms such as heel pain and discomfort.
Wrist Pain
When the wrist experiences pain or discomfort, it is often seen as a sign of imbalance in the body’s vital energy, known as Qi (气), and blood, known as Xue (血). Our TCM practitioner may recommend various treatments to relieve your symptoms, such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, cupping, and moxibustion.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes joint inflammation and pain. RA commonly affects the hands, knees, ankles and usually the same joint on both sides of the body. Learn how TCM approaches may treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.
TCM Treatments for Pain Relief
TCM’s holistic approach to pain management stems from a thorough understanding of the specific patterns of imbalance within the body. This is particularly important in identifying external factors that are directly causing you pain, such as treating cold factors with warmth to undo the internal imbalance. Once you see a TCM physician for a detailed consultation, they will prescribe a suitable TCM treatment to gradually relieve your pain.
Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years and involves placing thin, sterilised needles at specific acupuncture points (acupoints). These acupoints are typically aligned with specific meridians, so targeting them aims to clear internal blockages and restore Qi and blood circulation along those meridians. According to TCM, acupuncture is performed along blocked meridian pathways, helping to encourage smoother Qi and blood flow. It is also believed to facilitate the release of pain-relieving endorphins that may alleviate your pain and support your well-being. Acupuncture is also thought to interact with the nervous system and influence how pain signals are processed. Learn more about how acupuncture works for pain relief.
In addition to relieving physical pain, acupuncture can help the body relax by loosening tense muscles and reducing stress levels. Stress, in particular, could contribute to pain as TCM also views emotional factors as a contributor to disharmony in the body, which can result in pain and discomfort.
Acupuncture is seeing wider use as a complementary therapy alongside conventional Western treatments for pain management, including headaches and back pain. In fact, studies are also indicating further evidence that acupuncture may be used to support the treatment of chronic pain cases in tandem with conventional therapies.
Cupping is another TCM treatment that focuses on removing harmful toxins from the body while restoring Qi and blood circulation. It involves placing several suction cups along your back, then introducing a vacuum to draw your skin tissues and fascia. As a result, cupping can help relieve pain and muscle tension, promote blood and oxygen circulation, and remove metabolic waste products. The technique ensures that your organs receive the nutrients they need to support gradual recovery while also addressing inflammation, pain, and internal stagnation. Cupping may also be used alongside other TCM treatments for pain management.
In between TCM treatments, your TCM physician will also prescribe herbal formulations that are tailored to support your well-being with specific blends of traditional herbs. The specific herbs prescribed will depend on the root cause of your pain and cannot be mixed, as different herbs may interact in ways that are harmful to you.
Gua sha involves the use of manual tools and TCM massage techniques to apply gentle pressure on the body. Regular gua sha sessions aim to gradually alleviate muscle tension and pain by scraping against the treatment area. The massaging action is said to release blockages in Qi and break down scar tissue, facilitating short-term pain relief for both mild and chronic pain. The stimulation also helps to promote Qi and blood flow, as well as lymphatic drainage that removes harmful toxins from your body.
Pain from a TCM Perspective
TCM takes a holistic viewpoint that identifies illnesses as resulting from internal imbalances. These imbalances are interconnected through the concept of Yin and Yang, and a deficiency in one or the other can cause various health complications.
Qi and Blood Stagnation
According to TCM, healthy Qi and blood flow are essential to facilitate your body’s inner harmony. Qi travels through meridians in the body and supports various bodily functions, while blood nourishes the body’s tissues and organs. External factors such as dampness and wind which can arise from poor lifestyle habits, can infiltrate our body and interrupt Qi and blood flow. As a result, you may experience pain, stiffness, and other symptoms in different parts of your body.
Kidney Deficiency
Our kidneys are a vital hub that balances Yin and Yang in the body, as they also store the vital essence, Jing, needed for our growth and development. Since the kidney meridians travel along areas such as lower back, hips and legs, any disruption can potentially cause a kidney deficiency that adversely affects your well-being.
External Factors
Exposure to external factors like wind, coldness, and dampness can also accumulate over time and cause (or exacerbate) inflammation, stiffness, and worsening pain, especially in cold environments.
Benefits of TCM Pain Management
- Supports faster recovery
- Minimises Pain and Discomfort
- Improves mobility and daily function
- Reduces reliance on long-term medication
FAQs About TCM Pain Management
Which TCM treatment is suitable for my pain: acupuncture, cupping, guasha or herbal medicine?
The suitable TCM treatment depends on the type of pain you have, as well as the underlying imbalances that contribute to it. Our TCM physician will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition to determine a treatment plan tailored to your needs. In most cases, TCM treatments may be combined into an integrative approach to help improve your condition.
How many acupuncture sessions do I need for pain relief?
The amount of acupuncture sessions needed for pain relief varies between patients, depending on factors such as the type of pain, location, individual response. For most pain conditions in general, you can expect to notice improvements after 6 to 12 sessions. Our phyisican will provide a more detailed explanation of the expected timeline during consultation.
Should I see a TCM physician if my pain comes and goes?
Yes, seeing a TCM physician is still recommended even if your pain comes and goes. This type of pain can indicate an imbalance in your body which may be addressed through a combination of treatments.
Is TCM pain management suitable for elderly patients?
Yes, TCM pain management may be suitable for elderly patients. TCM offers gentle modalities that may be an alternative approach with lesser risks compared to pharmacologic therapies. However, it is important to consult an experienced TCM physician before choosing a pain management treatment, and let them know if you are currently undergoing other medication or treatments.
Can I still do TCM treatment if I am already seeing a Western doctor or physiotherapist?
Yes. TCM can be a complementary treatment to your existing Western physiotherapy or treatment plan. This integrated approach is considered common and may help improve pain relief. Keep in mind to inform both your Western doctor and TCM physician about the treatments you are going through so that they can provide necessary adjustments.
Do I need to continue treatment even after the pain improves?
Yes, continuing treatment after the pain improves is recommended. While patients may consider stopping treatment after feeling improvement, pain relief is commonly still in the early stages of healing. Attending treatments according to the number of sessions prescribed by your TCM physician ensures that the root imbalances of your pain can be managed.
How long does each pain management session take?
The duration of each session depends on the treatment type and your condition. For acupuncture, the process usually takes 20-30 minutes, while cupping can be shorter, around 10 to 15 minutes. Guasha commonly takes 10-15 minutes. On the other hand, a prescription Chinese herbal medicine involves consuming the herbs at home for a certain period of time and frequency, as advised by your TCM physician.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Yes, we highly recommend booking an appointment in advance before visiting our clinic. Booking ahead ensures that we can provide a suitable slot for your consultation and conduct a detailed assessment condition.
Meet Our TCM Physicians for Pain Relief
Senior Physician
Na Wee Kwong 伟光医师
Geriatrics | Healthy Ageing | Endocrine & Metabolic Health | Pain Management | Autism & Developmental Support | General Wellbeing
Senior Physician
Frederick Koh 许医师
Gastrointestinal Conditions | Pain Management | Stress / Emotional conditions | Sleep Disorders | Menses disorders | General Wellness
TCM Physician
Rou Yi 丁医师
General Wellness | Pediatrics | Women’s Health | Fertility | Pain Management
Principal Physician
Tan Kang Ting 陈医师
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | Gynaecology |
General Health | Gastrointestinal |
Pain Management | Facial Acupuncture |
Pediatrics
Find A TCM Pain Management Clinic Near You
Contact Us At Our Clinic Branches Today!
Yi TCM Novena Specialist Centre
Address: 8 Sinaran Drive, #07-12, Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 307470
Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)
Wednesday: 11am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm)
Night Clinic (NEW)
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Eve of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year: 9am - 1pm (last appointment 12pm)
Yi TCM Somerset
Address: 111 Somerset Rd #04-18 TripleOne Somerset,
Somerset/Orchard Singapore 238164
Somerset MRT Exit A
Business Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)
Tuesday: 9am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm)
Night Clinic (NEW)
Public Holidays: Closed
Eve of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year: 9am - 1pm (last appointment 12pm)
Yi TCM Raffles Place
Address: 20 Cecil Street, #02-03
Raffles Place, MRT Exit D
Downtown Core
Singapore 049705
Business Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)
Mondays, Thursday: 9am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm)
Night Clinic (NEW)
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Eve of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year: 9am - 1pm (last appointment 12pm)
What Our Customers Say
Hear what our valued patients have to say about us. Scroll to read more!
Physician Peh is always patient and attentive, and offers advice for my overall well-being.
The front desk ladies are friendly too.
Thank you 😊 💓
We feel comfortable with Dr Chua consultation where she is patient and nice to talk to. She will understand our weekly condition and make necessary adjustments in the treatment and medication. She is flexible.
We look forward to good fertility news with Yi TCM team, and would recommend to people in need to try.
Dr Na has this really empathetic and grounded vibe and really really listens when you tell her the issues. I think that’s what makes her such a good clinician.
She is spot on with the diagnosis and she literally cured me for two ailments in one visit.
The last time I was there, I had pain in my right shoulder. She did acupuncture for me and the pain went away within 1 week. She also taught me home exercises so my shoulder won’t cramp again.
Went back 2 days ago for menstrual issues and again, the issue went away 2 days after k saw her.
The clinic is also clean and sterile and I feel very safe under her good hands. Amazing experience.
