Can Acupuncture Treat Knee Pain?

Knee pain can be categorized as “paralysis” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture can treat knee pain. In Chinese medicine, knee pain is classified as “paralysis”, which is related to liver and kidney deficiencies, phlegm and stagnant paralysis, wind, cold and dampness invasion, and dampness-heat paralysis. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments are performed by Chinese medicine practitioners based on the patient’s own condition and identification of acupuncture points. The TCM treatment for knee pain is to activate the meridians and channels, and to move qi to relieve pain (by regulating the body’s qi to relieve pain). The main focus is on localized points, such as Ah Yes points (points where the sensation of acidity, numbness, distension and pain is obvious), calf’s nose, inner knee eyes and other points, combined with the selection of acupuncture points according to the meridian and the identification of evidence. Acupuncture and moxibustion of these points can relieve knee pain. If the pain is heavy and aggravated by cold, it can be combined with Ren Yu and Lumbar Yang Guan; if the pain is severe, it can be combined with Yin Ling Quan and Foot San Li; if the pain is red, swollen and hot, it can be combined with Da Shi and Qu Chi. Acupuncture should be performed by a professional Chinese medicine practitioner. If you have knee pain and discomfort, it is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid delaying your condition.