Understanding Pain Through the Lens of CEAM

Welcome to this month’s edition of Sagire’s Health Compass! In this newsletter, we delve into a fascinating perspective on pain, exploring how Classical East Asian Medicine (CEAM) interprets and approaches pain management.

What is Pain in CEAM?

In CEAM, pain isn’t just a symptom to suppress—it’s a message from the body, highlighting a blockage in the flow of Qi, blood, or body fluids. Where there is free flow, there is health; where flow is blocked, discomfort or pain arises.

But what causes this blockage? The sensation of pain provides valuable clues:

• Sharp, stabbing pain often indicates blood stagnation.

• Heavy, dragging pain suggests stagnant body fluids.

• Vague or shifting discomfort might point to Qi stagnation.

By understanding these nuances, we can tailor treatments to restore balance and flow.

Modern Insights Meet Ancient Wisdom

Pain is also a hot topic in modern medicine, with studies on neuroplasticity revealing that the brain can become “hard-wired” to perceive pain, even after injuries heal. This research highlights the importance of retraining the brain through techniques like mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Mindfulness and CBT offer practical tools for managing pain by reframing how we perceive it. These approaches align beautifully with CEAM’s holistic focus on harmonising the body and mind.

For further reading, check out these fascinating studies:

• Neuroplasticity in Chronic Pain and CBT

• Meditation and Pain Neural Mechanisms

CEAM in Action: Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

CEAM offers practical ways to address pain through acupuncture and herbal medicine:

• Acupuncture: By placing needles along specific pathways (meridians), we help unblock Qi and blood, restoring flow. The effects often build with successive treatments, gradually reducing pain and improving overall balance.

• Herbal Medicine: Customised formulas target the affected pathways, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.

Both approaches assist your body in doing what it does best—healing itself. As balance is restored, the need for frequent treatments decreases, leading to long-term wellness.

Warmth: A Key to Flow

In CEAM, warmth is life. Unless there’s visible heat at the site of pain or injury, we generally favour warmth to encourage flow and reduce discomfort. Think of it as nurturing your body’s internal movement and vitality.

Join the Conversation

Pain is a deeply personal experience, and understanding it requires communication. If you’d like to explore how CEAM can help you or have questions about pain management, I’d love to hear from you.

Visit sagire.com.au to connect, learn more, or join the Sagire Health Community. Members enjoy early access to podcast episodes, resources, and courses designed to help you find balance within.

Wishing you warmth, health, and harmony,

Dr Ian

Sagire Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Health