Thigh Painaccording to TCM

What is Thigh Pain?

Thigh pain encompasses discomfort, aching, or soreness in the upper leg area, extending from the hip to the knee. It can manifest in various forms, such as a sharp, acute pain or a chronic, dull ache, affecting the inner, outer, or overall thigh region. Thigh pain can arise from multiple causes, including muscular strain, nerve compression, and circulatory issues. It's a specific type of leg pain, localized to the thigh region, and can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.

How Does TCM View Thigh Pain?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives thigh pain as a symptom of imbalance or blockage in the body's Qi (energy) and Blood circulation. It often associates thigh pain with disruptions in the flow of energy through the Channels that pass through the thigh, such as the Stomach, Spleen, and Bladder channels.

These imbalances could be due to Qi Stagnation, Blood stasis, Dampness accumulation, or a Deficiency in vital substances like Blood or Qi. TCM prioritizes identifying the underlying disharmony pattern, as it directs the treatment involving acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.

Acupoints for Thigh Pain

TCM utilizes acupuncture for managing thigh pain by targeting specific acupoints along the affected Channels. In the Stomach Channel, points like Biguan ST-31, located below the anterior superior iliac spine, and Yinshi ST-33, above the patella, are used for their ability to expel Wind and Dampness and remove channel obstructions.

Additionally, in the Spleen Channel, Fushe SP-13, situated lateral to the anterior midline, invigorates Qi and eases pain. Another crucial point in the Bladder Channel is Fuyang BL-59, found on the lateral lower leg, known for easing pain and benefiting the back and legs. These acupoints are strategically selected to address specific patterns of disharmony, aiming to alleviate pain and restore the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood.

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

Biguan ST-31

Directly below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), at the level of the lower border of the pubic symphysis, in the depression on the lateral side of sartorius muscle when the thigh is flex.

Futu ST-32

6 cun superior to the upper-lateral border of the patella, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and upper lateral border of the patella.

Yinshi ST-33

3 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Shangqiu SP-5

In the depression distal and inferior to the medial malleolus, midway between the navicular bone tubercle and the tip of the medial malleolus.

Fushe SP-13

0.7 cun above Chongmen SP-12, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Fuyang BL-59

On the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above Kunlun BL-60.

Jimai LIV-12

Interior and lateral to the pubic spine, 2.5 cun lateral to the Qugu REN-2 on the anterior midline and 1 cun inferior to the upper border of the symphysis.