Inner Leg Painaccording to TCM

What is Inner Leg Pain?

Inner leg pain refers to discomfort or aching sensations localized on the medial side of the leg, extending from the groin to the knee or lower. It encompasses various sensations such as a dull ache, sharp pain, or general discomfort within the inner thigh and leg area.

This type of pain can arise from numerous factors, including muscle strains, nerve compression, or circulatory issues. It's a specific form of leg pain that targets the inner aspects of the lower limbs, distinct from generalized leg pain or discomfort in other leg areas.

How Does TCM View Inner Leg Pain?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), inner leg pain is understood as a manifestation of imbalances or blockages in the body's Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow. TCM posits that such pain often results from disruptions in the Channels that traverse the inner leg, particularly the Liver and Spleen Channels.

These disruptions could stem from factors like internal Dampness, Qi Stagnation, Blood stasis, or a Deficiency in vital substances like Blood or Yin. TCM practitioners focus on diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the pain, as this guides the personalized treatment approach, which may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments.

Acupoints for Inner Leg Pain

TCM employs acupuncture as a primary method for alleviating inner leg pain, targeting specific acupoints to restore balance and flow. One such point is Zhongdu LIV-6, located 7 cun above the medial malleolus, or 2 cun above Ligou LIV-5, on the medial aspect and posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.

The stimulation of Zhongdu LIV-6 is believed to remove obstructions from the Liver Channel, invigorate Liver Qi in the Lower Burner, and enhance Blood circulation. By addressing these specific areas, TCM aims to alleviate the pain and address its root cause, promoting a holistic healing process.

See more details below about Zhongdu LIV-6, an acupoint used to address inner leg pain.

Zhongdu LIV-6

7 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, or 2 cun above Ligou LIV-5, on the medial aspect and posterior to the medial crest of the tibia.