Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Plantar Fasciitis Tcm Treatment

Plantar Fasciitis TCM Treatment


The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue that stretches between the heel and toes on the bottom of the foot (fascia). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be used to treat plantar fasciitis.


Symptoms


Heel pain is the main symptom of plantar fasciitis and is generally worse in the mornings. Walking may ease the pain; however, the pain returns later. There is no noticeable redness or swelling associated with plantar fasciitis.


Treatment


Ttreatment of plantar fasciitis can be performed in the home by stretching the bottom of the foot as well as doing calf stretches. Night splints, orthotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may offer some relief as well. Acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has also been shown to effectively treat plantar fasciitis.








Acupuncture


Acupuncture is a TCM technique. It is the process of inserting and manipulating needles into specific parts of the body for therapeutic purposes and to relieve pain. The acupuncture technique is used to heal plantar fasciitis quickly by reducing inflammation of the fascia.


TCM


According to TCM, there are up to three energetic imbalances that can lead to plantar fasciitis. Acupuncture will treat the underlying cause of these imbalances as well as relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis.








Qi or Chi


The TCM belief is that there is chi or qi, a vital energy, that flows throughout the body via meridians. Acupuncture rebalances the chi and restores health. TCM practitioners believe that it is possible to relieve the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis by returning the flow of energy, or Qi, back to the area of pain.

Tags: plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis, relieve pain, bottom foot, Chinese Medicine