What can Oriental Medicine do to treat scoliosis?

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         Acupuncture can help reduce musculoskeletal pain due to muscular imbalances and poor posture from the curved spine. This type of modality in TCM works to restore normal movement and function and improve general well-being and energy levels (Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center, n.d.). While patients experience decreased scoliosis pain from acupuncture, they may also feel more relaxed in tight areas of the muscles. The acupuncture points used to treat scoliosis are on the spine and back and the meridians of the Kidney and Bladder. If the channels around the spine are not working together properly, there can be a deficiency in Yang, which is related to function and heat (Weiss, Bohr, Jahnke, & Pleines, 2008). Acupuncture restores balance to the flow of energy to one or more meridians. For example, inserting needles into specific points along the meridians can remove any blockages of energy flow (Scoliosis SOS Clinic,  2016).

         There are five acupressure points for treating scoliosis: Small Intestine-3, Ren-17, GV-4, KI-1, and M-BW-35. Small Intestine-3, located in hand, can help shrink the abdomen and straighten the spine. Ren-17, located at the center point of the chest, plays an important role in supporting any scoliosis-related deformities, allowing patients to walk more steadily (P., 2022). GV-4 (Governing Vessel-4), located in the middle of the spine behind the belly button, can help treat chronic spine pain (P., 2022). KI-1 (Kidney-1), located in the feet, can help patients with scoliosis with flat feet by preventing the forefoot arch from collapsing (P., 2022). Lastly, M-BW-35 (Hua Tuo Jia Ji/Hua Tuo Spine Ridge Edges), a cluster of 34 pressure points running along the spine, strengthens the connection between the muscular and skeletal systems (P., 2022).

       Some herbs that can be used to treat scoliosis include turmeric and thyme. Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, can help patients experiencing chronic muscle pain from a curved spine. For example, the yellow pigment curcumin in turmeric is a natural therapeutic agent that has been tested for pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy, burn pain, osteoarthritis, and delayed muscle soreness (MW, Strauchman, Fleischman, 2015). Thyme, also an anti-inflammatory, can be used to prevent inflammation. As a natural antibiotic, it can be rubbed directly on the spine or area that’s inflamed to boost the immune system and eliminate the buildup of pathogens (HV Holistic, n.d.).  

        If patients are experiencing lower back pain from scoliosis, moxibustion can help improve Liver and Kidney deficiency, Qi and Blood deficiency, trauma, or strain (Zhu, Xiong, Chen, Tang, et al., 2020). It’s used as an external treatment method to generate warmth on the skin and exert a therapeutic effect. Moxibustion aims to warm the meridians while dispelling cold and dampness and relieving pain  (Zhu, Xiong, Chen, Tang, et al., 2020).

      Cupping has been used as a successful modality to treat patients with scoliosis as it improves muscle tightness, reduces trigger-point areas, and brings new blood circulation to promote healing. The cups create a suction effect, which stretches the muscles and connective tissue under the cup, stimulating blood flow (Simple Wellness, 2020). In addition, a combination of acupuncture and cupping can help correct the abnormal curvature of the spine and thoracic back pain in adult idiopathic scoliosis (Boeland, Montgomery, & Mortenson, 2020). Thunder-fire moxibustion, which has a stronger effect than general moxibustion, can promote peripheral blood circulation and relieve blood stasis (Zhang, Zhai, Wang, et al., 2022).

          Staying active and exercising is a vital lifestyle recommendation because it can strengthen the body’s core and promote flexibility. Some forms of exercise include yoga, pilates, and swimming, as each involves stretching and deep breathing (Sager, 2020). In addition, core-strengthening activities such as mountain biking and running can also be helpful to the body (Sager, 2020).