Low back pain is a common problem that troubles many people. Whether you are in the prime of life or entering middle/old age, you may encounter it for various reasons – such as lifting something heavy carelessly, a sports-related sprain, or even being unable to get out of bed during severe episodes, lying down waiting for slow relief.
What are the Main Causes of Low Back Pain?
Kidney and Liver Deficiency (肝肾亏虚): Long-term strain or aging leads to insufficient Kidney Qi. Common in sedentary individuals and menopausal populations. Manifests as soreness, weakness, and lack of strength in the lower back.
Obstruction by Cold-Dampness (寒湿痹阻): Singapore's hot and humid climate makes it easy for cold-dampness to invade the meridians, causing cold-type pain and stiffness that worsens on rainy or overcast days.
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis (气滞血瘀): Caused by acute sprains or chronic strain, leading to impaired circulation of Qi and blood. Characterized by fixed, tender points that are painful to pressure.
Downward Flow of Damp-Heat (湿热下注): Damp-heat accumulates in the lower back, often accompanied by numbness in the lower limbs and a yellow, greasy tongue coating. Commonly seen in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Gongfangtang Specialized Therapies
Guo's Acupuncture Technique (郭氏针灸法):
Developed uniquely by Dr. Qiu Baorun of Gongfangtang, this method combines traditional acupuncture with modern anatomy to precisely stimulate key lower back acupoints (e.g., BL40 Weizhong, BL25 Dachangshu, DU3 Yaoyangguan). Enhanced with electro-acupuncture technology, it is particularly effective for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica. Stimulating these points unblocks meridian Qi and blood, restoring the body's self-regulatory functions and thereby alleviating pain.
Herbal Fumigation & Medicinal Baths (中药熏蒸与药浴):
Utilizes a spectrum herbal wrap fumigation therapy with 95-120 specially combined Chinese herbs. Far-infrared heat energy drives deep penetration of medicinal compounds into tissues. For cold-damp type pain, fumigation expels internal dampness and improves blood circulation – muscle relaxation is often felt after a single session. The active ingredients in the herbs are absorbed through the skin under heat, exerting effects to dispel cold, eliminate dampness, and invigorate blood circulation to resolve stasis.
Bone Setting (正骨), Tui Na Massage & Cupping (推拿与拔罐):
Experienced therapists apply the "simultaneous focus on tendons and bones" principle. They first assess spinal misalignment through palpation, then gently adjust joint positions using soft techniques. Combined with flash cupping and moving cupping methods, this rapidly relieves muscle spasms. Bone setting corrects minor spinal joint misalignments, restoring normal spinal biomechanics. Cupping promotes local Qi and blood circulation and disperses stagnation.
Daily Care Recommendations
Posture Management: Use lumbar support cushions to maintain the natural curve of the spine. Avoid sitting for more than 45 minutes at a time. Prolonged incorrect sitting posture increases lumbar burden. Get up regularly to move and stretch your back muscles to effectively prevent pain.
Exercise Choice: Recommend gentle exercises like Ba Duan Jin (八段锦) and Tai Chi (太极拳). Avoid sit-ups during acute flare-ups. These exercises strengthen back muscles and improve lumbar stability. However, during the acute phase of a back pain episode, avoid strenuous activities that could worsen the injury.
