by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac ~
Peacefulmind.com
As a practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I have treated a great deal of cuts, scrapes, breaks and bruises! One of the strongest areas in Chinese Medicine is that of trauma remedies. Cuts, bruises, lacerations, sprained joints and pain are just some of the daily problems, which can pop up unexpectedly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
Herbs are the “medicinals” in holistic healing. Chinese herbs are specifically used to create a decoction or “tea” and is a very powerful part of healing dis-ease. Herbal decoctions may also be given in “tea pills”, tinctures, granules or as an external patch, compress, or bath.
Chinese Medicine: Trauma Remedies
“Die Da Jiu Liniment”, which literally translates to “hit fall wine” is the NUMBER ONE remedy for bruises, contusions, sprains and fractures. This formula was developed centuries ago in kung fu schools to treat bruises and injuries due to injuries that would occur during daily practice. Soak a cotton ball and press this herbal formula into the skin where ever trauma to an area has occurred. Bruises, contusions, sprains, shin splints, repetitive motion injuries and fractures, (which needs a proper doctor’s care after a break), can be treated with amazing results. This herbal formula, which has been decocted in alcohol, has been prepared with safe and effective herbs to move stagnation of energy and blood that occur after injury.
One of two patented formulas, Liangcai Xin Die da Wan (Tieh Ta Wan) is the internal counterpart to Trauma Liniment. Taken in tandem with the liniment, these pills strongly breaks up blockage of blood and fluid due to trauma. It moves accumulation, which sits in the area of the injury, preventing blood from congealing in the tissue.
Treating open wounds correctly is the best way to prevent scars from occurring. This patent formula alone helps the flesh regenerate and prevents blood stasis and infections, which could lead to scarring. Valuable first-aid remedy for internal and external bleeding, traumatic swelling, insect bites, nosebleeds, open and infected wounds, ingrown toenails, spider bites, post-surgical healing, prevents scarring, stops bleeding, disperses stagnant blood, disinfects and stops some pain. Commonly used for excessive menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, ulcer bleeding, carbuncles. Take capsules both internally and externally by opening a capsule and sprinkling the powder directly into the wound.
Herbal Ice “San Huang San” is composed of three cooling Chinese herbs that reduce inflammation while dispersing congealed blood and fluids. This is the single most useful herbal poultice for your first aid trauma kit! This is most helpful for immediate sprains, strains, turned ankles, muscle pulls, twisted wrists or severe contusions. Where ever you would use ice, this should be substituted right away.
When an injury occurs, blood will stagnate in the muscle tissue and often does not reabsorb back into the system. The blood can congeal and harden, adhering the muscle fibers together and blocking normal circulation in normal areas, creating pain and stiffness. Applying ice, can exacerbate this injury in the long term. “San Huang San” Herbal Ice is in a Vaseline base and should be gently massaged into the injury morning and night. Wrap lightly with gauze and cover with an ace bandage (not too tight). Clean the area before re-applying.
This combination of warming herbs is best used for chronic conditions or old injuries such as tendonitis, which includes tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shin splints, old sprains or reoccurring problems made worse by cold and dampness. When heat makes your injury feel better, this is the formula for you. Massage this lotion into affected areas twice a day. This unique blend of Chinese herbs works deep down into the tendons to stimulate circulation!
This wonderful massage oil (pronounced “ooh-eee”) is used for stiff, sore, overexerted muscles and joints that are worse with the cold and dampness. This oil is also great to massage into cold muscles before exercise to help them warm up and to prepare them for stretching and activity. This patent Chinese formula comes in a 1 fluid oz. bottle in a protective can.
UI Oil contains the light, warming aromatic oils of cinnamon, peppermint, lilac oil, and the tree resin “xue jie” also known as “dragon’s blood” (a resin known for its ability to dispel congealing blood and relieve pain). The main ingredient is the warming herb “ai ye” or mugwort (folium artimisae). Mugwort’s properties penetrate obstruction, activate local circulation and drive out cold.
This oil, also known as Hak Kwai Pain Relieving Oil is the most deep penetrating massage oil used for deep bone bruising that occurs in areas where there is thick muscles overlaying bones. This area is bruised and painful but shows no visible swelling or discoloration on the surface. This is the MOST effective oil for this type of injury because it contains very aromatic herbs and oils, which penetrate this kind of obstruction.
Plasters
Plasters are an easy, quick and fast acting medicinal application for pain and overworked muscles. Back strain, joint pain and even bone spurs can be treated with plasters.
Wu Yang Plaster is a powerful topical plaster providing temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. It contains cooling herbs similar to San Huang San Herbal “Ice”, though it does not penetrate as deeply. Use it anywhere you need relief. It is the application of choice where San Huang San Herbal “Ice” is unavailable or inconvenient to use. The cooling herbs in this plaster are indicated for injuries with swelling, heat and inflammation.
Indicated for temporarily relieves minor aches and pains of muscles and joints due to simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains. There is a combination of herbs in this plaster, which help to heal damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. 701 plaster is used with remarkable results to help heal bone spurs, in areas not covered by thick muscles, including heal spurs and bone spurs in the shoulder area.
This particular plaster is suitable for injuries which occurred 3-4 weeks ago and have stiffness and pain associated with it. This warming plaster helps impaired circulation and heals injuries that are cold to the touch, are sensitive to cold or for chronic injuries that are painful and achy in cold, damp weather.
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
