Acupuncture Treatment for Sciatica
Sciatica refers to pain along the course of the sciatic nerve and its distribution area. It is classified into primary and secondary types. Clinically, main symptoms include pain in the buttock, posterior thigh, lateral posterior calf, and lateral foot.
Pattern Differentiation and Treatment
Main Points: Paraspinal Points at L2–L5, Ah-Shi Points, Huantiao (GB30)
1. Wind-Cold-Damp Obstruction
【Diagnostic Criteria】Cold, heavy pain in waist and leg, migrating up and down, limited flexion and extension, exacerbated by damp or cold weather, possibly accompanied by lower limb swelling; thin white or greasy white tongue coating, floating tight or deep pulse.
【Prescription】Zhi Bian (BL54), Yanglingquan (GB34), Mingmen (GV4)
2. Blood Stasis Blockage
【Diagnostic Criteria】History of internal waist injury, sharp stabbing pain in waist and leg, painful upon pressure, pain radiates when pressed, worse at night, inability to bend or twist; dark purple tongue or ecchymosis, stagnant and涩pulse.
【Prescription】Yanglingquan (GB34), Geshu (BL17), Xuehai (SP10), Weizhong (BL40)
3. Qi Deficiency
【Diagnostic Criteria】Dull, chronic pain in waist and leg, recurring episodes worsened by exertion, weak lower limbs, aversion to wind and cold, prefers rubbing and pressing, fatigue, pale complexion; pale tongue with little coating, deep fine pulse.
【Prescription】Yanglingquan (GB34), Weizhong (BL40), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Other Therapies:
Auricular Acupressure: Sciatic Nerve, Buttock, Lumbar-Sacral Vertebrae, Kidney, Tender Point
Skin Needling: Percuss lumbar-sacral region and perform bloodletting at tender points, followed by cupping.