Armpit Painaccording to TCM

What is Armpit Pain?

Armpit pain, also known as axillary pain, refers to discomfort or pain in the area under the arm where the shoulder and chest meet. This pain can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strain, infections, swollen lymph nodes, or nerve compression. The pain may be constant or intermittent and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or a lump in the armpit. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

How does TCM view Armpit Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views armpit pain as a manifestation of underlying imbalances and disharmonies within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on physical causes, TCM considers patterns such as Qi Stagnation, Blood stasis, or the invasion of external pathogens like Wind, Dampness, or Heat.

These patterns disrupt the normal flow of Qi and Blood, leading to pain and discomfort. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as TCM aims to address the root cause of the symptom.

Acupoints for Armpit Pain

In TCM, acupuncture is often used to treat armpit pain by stimulating specific acupoints to restore balance and promote healing. In the Heart Channel, Jiquan HE-1, located in the center of the axilla, nourishes Heart Yin, opens the channel, removes stagnation, and calms the Mind. Qingling HE-2, 3 cun above the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, opens the channel, while Shaohai HE-3, at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, removes channel stagnation, calms the Mind, and clears Heat.

In the Gall Bladder Channel, Diwuhui GB-42, located between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, resolves Liver Qi stagnation and clears Heat from the Gall Bladder Channel. In the Triple Burner Channel, Zhigou TB-6, 3 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, regulates Qi, removes Qi Stagnation, clears Heat in the Large Intestine and head, expels Wind-Heat from the skin, and removes obstructions from the channel. By targeting these acupoints, TCM practitioners aim to alleviate armpit pain, improve circulation, and restore harmony within the body, promoting overall well-being.

Explore below some acupoints used to address armpit pain, organized by meridian.

Jiquan HE-1

In the center of the axilla, on the medial side of the axillary artery.

Qingling HE-2

3 cun above the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression medial to the biceps brachii muscle.

Shaohai HE-3

When the elbow is flexed slightly, Shaohai HE-3 is at the medial end of the transverse cubital crease, in the depression radius to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Diwuhui GB-42

Between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones, on the medial side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle of the little toe.

Zhigou TB-6

3 cun above Yangchi ST-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.