What can Oriental Medicine do to treat scoliosis?

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          Acupuncture can help reduce musculoskeletal pain due to muscular imbalances and improve posture in people with scoliosis. Acupuncture restores normal movement and function (Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center, n.d.). Inserting needles into specific points along the meridians can remove any blockages of energy flow in the body (Scoliosis SOS Clinic, 2016). Specific acupuncture points on the spine, back, and Kidney and Bladder meridians are used to treat scoliosis. Acupuncture can also help improve general well-being and energy levels (Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center, n.d.). 

          Five acupressure points for treating scoliosis: reduce pain, improve posture, and strengthen the spine, include (Sze, 2022): 

• Small Intestine-3 (SI-3): Located on the hand. SI-3 can help shrink the abdomen and straighten the spine.

• Ren-17 (Conception Vessel-17): Located at the center point of the chest. Ren-17 plays an important role in supporting any scoliosis-related deformities, allowing patients to walk more steadily.

• GV-4 (Governing Vessel-4): Located in the middle of the spine behind the belly button. GV-4 can help treat chronic spine pain.

• KI-1 (Kidney-1): Located in the feet. KI-1 can help patients with scoliosis with flat feet by preventing the forefoot arch from collapsing.

• M-BW-35 (Hua Tuo Jia Ji/Hua Tuo Spine Ridge Edges): A cluster of 34 pressure points running along the spine. M-BW-35 strengthens the connection between the muscular and skeletal systems.

          Traditional Chinese herbs are used to reduce scoliosis Pain and inflammation, including: 

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A powerful anti-inflammatory herb. Turmeric can help reduce chronic muscle pain from scoliosis. 

• Curcumin (the active compound in turmeric): Curcumin is a natural therapeutic agent that has been shown to be effective in treating pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, burn pain, osteoarthritis, and delayed muscle soreness (MW, Strauchman, Fleischman, 2015). 

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Another anti-inflammatory and antibiotic herb. Thyme can prevent inflammation, boost the immune system, and eliminate the buildup of pathogens (HV Holistic, n.d.). 

          Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that uses heat from burning mugwort to warm the body and promote healing. Moxibustion is a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain from scoliosis. It can be used alone or with other therapies, such as acupuncture and physical therapy.

Moxibustion works by improving Liver and Kidney Deficiency, Qi and blood Deficiency, trauma, and strain (Zhu, Xiong, Chen, Tang, et al., 2020): 

• Warming the meridians, channels that carry energy, Qi, throughout the body.

• Dispelling cold and dampness, which can contribute to pain and inflammation (Zhu, Xiong, Chen, Tang, et al., 2020)

• Restoring balance to the Liver and Kidney, two important organs in TCM involved in pain management.

• Improving Qi and Blood circulation can help nourish the muscles and joints.

          Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that uses cups to create a suction effect on the skin. This suction effect can help to improve muscle tightness, reduce trigger-point areas, and bring new blood circulation to promote healing. Cupping works by:

• Stretching the muscles and connective tissue under the cup, which can help to relieve muscle tension (Simple Wellness, 2020). 

• Increasing blood flow to the area, which can help to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and remove waste products.

• Stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

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          Cupping is effective in treating various conditions, including scoliosis. A study found that cupping effectively improved muscle tightness and pain in people with scoliosis. Combining acupuncture and cupping can also help correct the abnormal curvature of the spine and thoracic back pain in adult idiopathic scoliosis (Boeland, et al., 2020). Thunder-fire moxibustion, which has a more substantial effect than general moxibustion, can promote peripheral blood circulation and relieve blood stasis (Zhang, et al., 2022). It is a safe and effective scoliosis treatment that can help improve symptoms and quality of life.

          Staying active and exercising is a vital lifestyle recommendation for a strong core and flexibility, including (Sager, 2020): 

• Yoga, pilates, and swimming involve stretching and deep breathing. 

• Core-strengthening activities such as mountain biking and running.  

These exercises can help to:

• Improve posture

• Reduce pain

• Increase range of motion

• Improve balance and coordination

• Promote relaxation and stress relief

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It is important to choose exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level and interests. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.