Acupuncture has been successfully applied to pain conditions for thousands of years by Chinese practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Now there is mounting scientific evidence that acupuncture is the most powerful non-drug therapy available for pain sufferers throughout the world (see “Scientific Research” section below).

 A list of pain conditions which are effectively treated with acupuncture is presented below. Each condition is described first in standard Western medical terms, followed by the most common TCM diagnostic pattern(s) for that condition.

 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses health conditions by compiling a list of the patient’s signs and symptoms, then integrating those signs and symptoms into a “pattern.” This is referred to as “pattern diagnosis” or “pattern differentiation,” and is the basis of treatment. Disease patterns are usually the consequence of either external pathogens such as “Wind” or “Cold,” or of organ system dysfunctions such as “Kidney Deficiency” or “Liver Yang Rising.”  

I.    Headaches: 

Migraine headache: Migraine is a benign and recurrent headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of neurological disorders.

TCM Patterns: wind; liver yang rising; blood deficiency. 

Tension headache: Tension headache is the most common type of primary headache. A tension headache generally produces a diffuse, mild to moderate pain throughout the head. Many people liken the feeling to having a tight band around their head.

TCM Patterns: wind phlegm; blood deficiency. 

Cluster headache: Cluster headaches are categorized as a neurological disease, and always involve an intense degree of pain. This type of headache occurs periodically, with active periods interspersed by spontaneous remissions.

TCM Patterns: wind; fire; yang rising.  

Pulsatile headache: Pulsatile headaches have a pulsating quality. Patients feel a rhythmic sensation like the beating of a drum when the headache attacks.

TCM Patterns: wind, fire; yang rising.

Sinus headache: Sinus headaches are the pain felt when sinuses are infected or severely blocked. These headaches are located on the eyebrow or front of face.

TCM Patterns: wind cold; wind heat; phlegm heat; blood stasis.

Headache caused by cough: Refers to the headache due to severe coughing. The headache is usually located in the occipital region.

TCM Patterns: wind-cold; phlegm.

Headache caused by over-exertion: This headache is experienced mainly on the back of the head and down the neck. Sometimes the pain will extend to the shoulder.

TCM Patterns: kidney qi deficiency; kidney essence deficiency (kidney jing deficiency).

Headache related to traumatic injury: The location of this headache will vary, depending on the area which has been injured. The characteristics of this kind of headache are: fixed location and worse at night.

TCM Pattern: blood stasis.

Headache related to vascular disease of brain: Refers to headache caused by stroke. This type of headache is felt mainly in the occipital and temporal areas of the head.

TCM Patterns: liver wind; wind phlegm; kidney deficiency.

Headache caused by temporal arteritis: Temporal arteritis occurs primarily in individuals older than 60 years. Arteritis is a chronic inflammatory process affecting large blood vessels, particularly arteries. Temporal arteritis is specific to the temporal arteries. Arteritis is very rarely seen in veins. The typical presenting feature of temporal arteritis is a severe, continuous throbbing headache, usually one-sided.

TCM Patterns: liver wind; exogenous wind; liver qi stagnation; blood stasis.

Withdrawal headache: In order to diagnose a withdrawal headache, the individual must experience a resolution or dramatic reduction of head pain within seven days of ceasing exposure to the substance in question. In other words, a withdrawal headache can only be diagnosed retroactively. Withdrawal headaches are usually bilateral, occurring when an interruption in the daily intake of a substance is delayed, stopped or interrupted. The more common withdrawal headaches occur with caffeine, estrogen, and opium-derived substances.

TCM Pattern: kidney essence deficiency.

Headache related to infection: This refers to headaches which are precipitated by different kinds of infection such as the common cold, flu, fever, sinus infection, pneumonia, measles, mumps, tonsillitis, sinus blockage, coughing, etc.

TCM Patterns: wind cold; wind heat; wind fire; wind dampness.

Headache related to metabolic processes: Headaches are a frequent by-product of metabolic conditions such as hypertension, thyroid disease, anemia, kidney failure, and uremia. Poisoning by various environmental toxins, such as lead poisoning, introduces metabolic by-products and substances into the bloodstream which cause headaches.

TCM Patterns: wind; liver wind; toxic heat; kidney deficiency.

Headaches related to neck, eye, nose, sinus, teeth or mouth disease: A disease process affecting any bodily structure on or near the face can produce headaches.

TCM Patterns: wind; toxic heat; phlegm; blood stasis.

II.     Face, Jaw and Mouth Pain:

Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a transient, paroxysmal, severe pain in the facial region, caused by irritation or dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve. Clinically, the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve are often involved. It is most commonly seen in middle-aged patients, and females are more prone to trigeminal neuralgia than males.

TCM Patterns: wind; fire; liver wind; blood stasis.

Facial paralysis: Facial paralysis is the weakness or total immobility of the facial muscles. Facial pain related to facial paralysis is most often experienced in front of or behind the ear.

TCM Patterns: wind; cold; dampness; wind phlegm.

Temproro-mandibular joint syndrome (TMJ syndrome): TMJ syndrome may be caused by prolonged unilateral chewing, straining to bite hard objects, poor alignment of teeth for chewing, or traumatic injury to the joint. Some causes for TMJ syndrome include anxiety, tension, jaw clenching, bruxism, rheumatoid arthritis, and general constitutional weakness. The pain is located around the joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull (mandibular joint).

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; blood stasis.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition in which there are repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils. The pain can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Some patients also experience headache with this type of neuralgia.

TCM Patterns: stomach heat; liver fire; liver wind; toxic heat; blood stasis.

Toothache: Toothache is an aching pain in or around a tooth, which may radiate to other areas of the head. In most cases toothaches are caused by problems in the tooth or jaw, such as cavities, gum disease, the emergence of wisdom teeth, a cracked tooth, infected dental pulp, jaw disease, or exposed tooth root.

TCM Patterns: stomach fire; liver fire; kidney deficiency; blood stagnation.

III.     Neck, Shoulder and Arm Pain:

Cervical spondylosis: Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear of the cartilage and bones of the neck, with associated degeneration of bone and cartilage tissue, and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae. As cervical vertebra degenerate, they can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots issuing from the spinal cord. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arms, weakness, and changes in sensation.

TCM Patterns: wind-cold-dampness invading; kidney liver deficiency; qi blood stagnation.

Scalenus (anticus) syndrome: Scalenus syndrome refers to the pain, vascular symptoms, and loss of sensation in a shoulder and arm. It is caused by a scalene muscle compressing the subclavian artery and part of the brachial plexus.

TCM Patterns: cold dampness; qi and blood stagnation.

Fasciitis of neck muscle (stiff neck): A stiff neck with pain and difficult movement is often the result of strain of one particular neck muscle. The muscle most often involved with a stiff neck is the levator scapula, which connects the neck and shoulder. Stiff necks most often produce pain when the head is rotated toward the painful side.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; cold dampness.

Periarthritis of shoulder (frozen shoulder): Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and loss of motion or stiffness in the shoulder. The process involves thickening and contracture of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint.

TCM Patterns: wind-cold-dampness invading; kidney liver deficiency; qi and blood stagnation.

Subacromial bursitis: Subacromial bursitis is a form of shoulder pain caused by inflammation of the bursa underlying the outer edge of the shoulder.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; kidney liver deficiency.

Brachial plexus neuralgia: Acute brachial plexus neuritis is an uncommon disorder characterized by severe shoulder and upper arm pain followed by marked upper arm weakness. It occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus, an area where a nerve bundle from the spinal cord splits into the individual arm nerves.

TCM Pattern: qi and blood stagnation.

Phantom limb pain: A phantom limb is the sensation that an amputated or missing limb (even an organ, like the appendix) is still attached to the body and is moving appropriately with other body parts. The missing limb often feels shorter and may feel as if it is in a distorted and painful position. Occasionally, the pain can be made worse by stress, anxiety and weather changes. Phantom limb pain is usually intermittent. Other perceived sensations include warmth, cold, itching, squeezing, tightness and tingling.

TCM Pattern: qi and blood stagnation.

Tennis elbow (external humeral epicondylitis): External humeral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. Serious tennis players are especially prone to develop this condition, but this injury can happen to almost anybody.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; wind cold dampness; kidney liver deficiency.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; liver kidney deficiency; cold dampness.

Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of one or more bursae (small sacs) of synovial fluid in the connective tissues of the body. When bursae are inflamed, the movement of surrounding connective tissue (joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons) becomes difficult and painful. Bursitis is frequently caused by repetitive movement or traumatic exercise. Elbows and knees are the areas most commonly affected.

TCM Patterns: damp heat; wind dampness; qi and blood stagnation; phlegm obstruction; kidney/liver deficiency.

Tenosynovitis: Tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath (called the synovium) that surrounds a tendon. Symptoms of tenosynovitis include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the particular joint where the inflammation occurs. When the condition causes a finger to "stick" in a flexed position, this is called "Trigger Finger."

TCM Patterns: local qi and blood stagnation; wind-cold-dampness.

Thecal cyst: Thecal cyst is a cyst which forms in the sheath surrounding a tendon. Thecal cysts usually appear around joints, especially on the back of the wrist (where they are also called wrist tendon nodules). The main manifestations are small, painful, hard lumps.

TCM Patterns: stagnation of qi; phlegm obstruction; blood stasis.

IV.     Back, Low Back and Leg Pain:

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch. Other symptoms can include moderate to severe fatigue, a heightened and painful response to gentle touch (allodynia), needle-like tingling of the skin, muscle aches, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, nerve pain, functional bowel disturbances, and chronic sleep disturbances.

TCM Patterns: spleen qi deficiency; cold dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, painful, degenerative inflammatory type of arthritis, primarily affecting the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The eventual result of disease progression is fusion of the spine. Complete fusion results in complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as “bamboo spine.” The condition affects primarily males under the age of 30, and there is a strong hereditary component.

TCM Patterns: kidney essence (jing) deficiency; kidney yang deficiency; wind-cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Sciatica: Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, traveling from the low back, through the buttock and down the leg. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment, especially acupuncture, is extremely effective in the treatment of sciatica.

TCM Pattern: qi and blood stagnation, especially of urinary bladder and kidney meridians.

Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation: This refers to the rupture or protrusion of the cartilaginous discs between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. Herniated discs in the lumbar region can cause pain of the lower back and legs.

TCM Patterns: kidney deficiency; qi and blood deficiency; cold dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Acute lumbar muscle sprain: Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn.

TCM Pattern: qi and blood stagnation.

Chronic lumbar muscle strain: Chronic lumbar muscle strain is caused when the lumbar muscles are intensely strained in a continuous or repeated way within a short period of time. This can produce a residual painful condition in the lower back which is chronic. This type of pain is usually felt more on one side than the other, is aggravated when the patient is tired, and is relieved by gentle activity.

TCM Patterns: kidney liver deficiency; cold dampness invading; qi and blood deficiency.

Lumbar vertebral hyperostosis: Also called ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis, this is an overgrowth of bone cells in the lumbar vertebra, eventually bridging the spaces between vertebra with bone tissue. The ligaments and tendons which insert into the lumbar spine become ossified, and the spine eventually becomes fused. This condition primarily affects elderly males. The primary symptom is low back pain.

TCM Patterns: kidney/liver deficiency; qi and blood deficiency; kidney essence deficiency.

Senile osteoporosis: Senile osteoporosis is a condition in which a progressive decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making them more likely to fracture. Senile osteoporosis mainly manifests as low back pain, hip pain, leg pain, and easily-fractured bones.

TCM Pattern: kidney essence deficiency.

Lumbar spinal stenosis: In lumbar stenosis, there is a narrowing of nerve conduits in the lumber area of the spine, causing compression of the spinal nerves. If the spinal canal itself is narrowed, it is called central stenosis. If the openings in the vertebra through which the nerves pass are narrowed, it is called foraminal stenosis. The greater the degree of narrowing, the greater the nerve compression becomes, and the more painful the condition is. Lumbar spinal stenosis can cause low back pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of sensation in the legs.

TCM Patterns: kidney essence deficiency; cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Piriformis syndrome: Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder that occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or otherwise irritated by the piriformis muscle. This causes pain, tingling and numbness in the buttocks and along the course of the sciatic nerve. The syndrome is generally caused by overuse or strain of the muscles involved, or by individual anomalies in the nerve-muscle structure.

TCM Patterns: cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Superior clunial nerve pain: The superior clunial nerves innervate the skin of the upper part of the buttocks. The medial branch of the superior cluneal nerve passes over the iliac crest through a tunnel formed by connective tissue. If this tunnel becomes compressed, the nerve will be compressed or restricted, causing pain. This is similar to the genesis of carpel tunnel syndrome in the wrist. The main symptom of superior clunial nerve dysfunction is pain in the buttocks and thighs.

TCM Patterns: cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation.

Knee pain: Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, gout and infection also cause knee pain.

TCM Patterns: wind-cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation; damp heat obstruction; kidney/liver deficiency.

Ankle pain: Ankle pain is often due to an ankle sprain, but can also be caused by ankle instability, arthritis, gout, tendonitis, fracture, nerve compression (tarsal tunnel syndrome), infection, and poor structural alignment of the leg or foot. Ankle pain can be associated with swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth. The pain is often described as an intense dull ache that occurs upon weight bearing and ankle motion. TCM Patterns: damp heat obstruction; cold-dampness invading; qi and blood stagnation; kidney deficiency.

Heel pain and plantar fasciitis: Heel pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis – a condition that is sometimes also called heel spur syndrome when a spur is present. Heel pain may also be due to other causes, such as a stress fracture, tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation, or, rarely, a cyst. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends along the sole of the foot from the heel to the toes. In this condition, the plantar fascia first becomes irritated and then inflamed, resulting in heel pain.

TCM Patterns: kidney deficiency; qi and blood stagnation; damp-heat-downward pattern.

Metatarsalgia: Metatarsalgia is a general term used to denote a painful foot condition in the metatarsal region of the foot. This is a common foot disorder that can affect the bones and joints at the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is often located under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads, or more isolated at the head of the big toe. Athletes who participate in high-impact sports that involve the lower extremities commonly present with forefoot injuries, including metatarsalgia.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; damp-heat-downward pattern.

Calcaneodynia (heel pain): Refers to a condition in which bearing weight on the heel causes pain of varying severity. The pain is due to a local inflammatory reaction caused by functional or structural problems with the bone and tendons of the heel. Painful heel spur is part of the calcaneodynia syndrome.

TCM Patterns: qi and blood stagnation; kidney deficiency.

Calcaneal bursitis: Pain caused by inflammation of the bursae associated with the heel bone and Achilles tendon.

TCM Patterns: kidney deficiency; qi and blood stagnation.

Calcaneal epiphysitis (Sever's Disease): When bones are still growing in children, there is a layer of cartilage (epiphysis) between bones which allows additional growth and which eventually incorporates into the final bony structure. Epiphysitis of the calcaneus is a painful disruption between the epiphysis of the heel bone and the bone itself, occurring in individuals whose bones are still growing. Disruption of the bone/cartilage structure is almost always due to traumatic or repetitive injury, often from athletics.  

TCM Pattern: kidney essence deficiency.

V.       Chest, Abdominal, Perineal and Anal Pain:

Intercostal neuralgia: Refers to nerve pain that occurs around and between ribs. The pain may make breathing difficult or uncomfortable. Intercostal neuralgia occurs due to compression of the nerves in the thorax-abdomen region or the ribcage area. These compressions can occur due to various reasons, such as an enlarged abdomen, an abdominal muscle tissue rupture, a scar or suture around the nerve, excessive use of abdominal muscles, or musculoskeletal conditions.

TCM Patterns: liver fire; qi and blood stagnation; toxic heat.

Angina pectoris: Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. It occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not receive sufficient oxygen due to reduced blood flow. Reduced blood flow usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries is narrowed or blocked.

TCM Patterns: heart yang qi deficiency; cold obstruction; heart blood stagnation; cold water overflow to heart pattern.

Gastritis: Gastritis is not a single disease, but several different conditions which all result in inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux can cause gastritis as well. The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms include belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen.

TCM Patterns: stomach heat; stomach cold; liver fire; damp heat; spleen/stomach deficiency; food retention pattern.

Gastric ulcer: A gastric ulcer, also called a stomach ulcer, is a raw, eroded area in the lining of the stomach. The primary causative factors in development of gastric ulcers are ingestion of irritating substances and stress. Substances which are implicated in gastric ulcer development include: anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen; alcohol; nicotine/tobacco; and caffeine. A gastric ulcer develops when stomach acids and digestive juices injure the protective mucus lining of the stomach. Gastric ulcers may also develop from the presence of a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The symptoms of gastric ulcers include indigestion and heartburn in the upper abdomen (epigastric area), nausea and loss of appetite, weight loss, and repeated episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding.

TCM Patterns: stomach heat; stomach cold; liver fire; damp heat; spleen/stomach deficiency pattern.

Stomach cancer: Stomach cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer worldwide. It is associated with high levels of salt in the diet, smoking, and low intake of fruits and vegetables. Infection with the bacterium H. pylori is the main risk factor in about 80% or more of gastric cancers. Stomach cancer can cause the following signs and symptoms: indigestion or a burning sensation (heartburn); loss of appetite, especially for meat; abdominal pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen; nausea and vomiting; weight loss; bleeding (vomiting blood or having blood in the stool), which can lead to anemia.

TCM Patterns: toxic heat; blood heat; liver qi stagnation; spleen/stomach deficiency pattern.

Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs suddenly and usually resolves in a few days with treatment. Acute pancreatitis can be a life-threatening illness with severe complications. Acute pancreatitis usually begins with gradual or sudden pain in the upper abdomen that often radiates to the back. Other symptoms may include: a swollen and tender abdomen; nausea and vomiting; fever; and a rapid pulse. Severe acute pancreatitis may cause dehydration and low blood pressure. The heart, lungs, or kidneys can fail. If bleeding occurs in the pancreas, shock and even death may follow.

TCM Patterns: toxic heat; food retention; damp heat.

Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute pancreatitis, occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing episodes of pain. Most people with chronic pancreatitis experience upper abdominal pain. The pain may radiate to the back, feel worse when eating or drinking, and become constant and disabling. Other symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, and oily stools.

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; food retention; damp heat accumulation; qi and blood stagnation; spleen/stomach deficiency pattern.

Cholecystitis: Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder and nearby abdominal lining. Acute cholecystitis is usually caused by a gallstone blocking the cystic duct. Other causes of acute or chronic cholecystitis can be bacterial infection, tumor of the pancreas or liver, and decreased blood supply to the gallbladder. Symptoms of acute cholecystitis may include: intense and sudden pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, slight fever, chills and jaundice. Chronic cholecystitis has a more gradual onset, with pain felt only at night, after a fatty meal.

TCM Patterns: damp heat in gallbladder; liver qi stagnation; liver fire.

Cholelithiasis: Cholelithiasis is the formation of gallstones, which are composed of cholesterol, calcium salts, and bile pigments. When gallstones block the flow of bile, the gallbladder becomes swollen, leading to the possibility of pain, inflammation, or infection. Gallstones may be present in the gallbladder with no symptoms or pain. Generally, it is the migration of a gallstone into the biliary duct and subsequent blockage of the duct that produces the signs and symptoms of cholelithiasis. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, jaundice and fever.

TCM Patterns: damp heat; cold dampness; liver fire; qi and blood stagnation.

Nephrolithiasis (renal calculi): The formation of crystallized mineral aggregates in the urinary tract results in kidney stones, also called renal calculi. Irritation of the tissues of the urinary tract caused by kidney stones is a common cause of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin.

TCM Patterns: damp heat in the lower burner; qi and blood stagnation; blood heat; kidney deficiency.

Pain after abdominal surgery: Many people suffer from chronic abdominal pain after undergoing abdominal surgery. This is mainly caused by the formation of scar tissue.

TCM Pattern: qi and blood stagnation.

Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstrual Periods): Most women experience some discomfort with their periods. The onset of menstrual pain is generally just before, or at the start of, menses, and can last one to three days. Painful periods are not usually medically serious. However, sometimes painful periods can be caused by an infection or by ovarian cysts. Pain also can be caused by endometriosis.

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; damp heat; qi and blood stagnation in the Chong and Ren meridians; kidney deficiency.

Cryptitis, esp. Anal cryptitis: Crypts are hollow sacs or tubes, found all along the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation of crypts is known as cryptitis. Cryptitis is seen in several inflammatory conditions of the intestines and anus, including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and perianal cryptitis. If infection progresses, it can extend further into the surrounding tissues and lead to the formation of abscesses or fistulas. Perianal cryptitis symptoms include pain, itching, and rectal spasm. :

TCM Patterns: damp-heat-downward pattern; intestinal wind pattern.

Anal fissure: An anal fissure is an unnatural crack or tear in the skin of the anus. These tiny lesions may show as bright red rectal bleeding and cause severe periodic pain after defecation.

TCM Patterns: damp-heat-downward pattern; intestinal wind pattern.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are swelling and inflammation of veins (varicosities) which originate in the rectum, above the internal sphincter of the anus. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on the toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. An internal hemorrhoid may grow large enough to protrude through the anus and become an external hemorrhoid. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms.

TCM Patterns: damp-heat-downward pattern; blood heat; intestinal wind pattern.

Crohn's disease: Crohn's disease is a disease of the digestive system which may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. As a result, the symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary significantly among afflicted individuals. The main gastrointestinal symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may be visibly bloody), vomiting, or weight loss. Crohn's disease can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, and inflammation of the eye.

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; damp-heat-downward; blood heat; intestinal wind; spleen/stomach deficiency.

Cystitis: Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder. The condition is somewhat more common in women, but can affect both sexes and all age groups. The main symptoms include: pressure in the lower pelvis, painful urination (dysuria), frequent or urgent need to urinate, and abnormal urine color.

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; damp-heat-downward; blood heat; kidney deficiency.

Prostatitis: Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland in men. The most common symptoms are a frequent and urgent need to urinate, and pain or burning when urinating. These symptoms are often accompanied by pelvic, groin or low back pain.

TCM Patterns: liver qi stagnation; damp-heat-downward; blood heat; kidney deficiency.

Epididymitis: Epididymitis refers to inflammation of the epididymis (a curved structure at the back of the testicle in which sperm matures and is stored). This condition can be mildly to very painful, and the scrotum may become red, warm and swollen. It is usually acute, with sudden onset, but can be chronic. Epididymitis can result from a urinary tract infection, prostate problems, or venereal disease.

TCM Patterns: damp-heat-downward; kidney deficiency.

Vaginitis: Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal tissue which often extends to an irritation or infection of the external genitalia (vulvovaginitis). A woman with this condition may have genital itching or burning and may notice an odorous vaginal discharge.

TCM Patterns: damp-heat-downward; kidney deficiency.