Psoriasis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin

Overview

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting 2–4% of the global population. It presents as well-demarcated red, scaly plaques—most commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back—accompanied by itching, pain, and significant psychosocial burden. The disease follows a relapsing-remitting course and is associated with comorbidities including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and depression.

Restless Leg Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Overview

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations (creeping, crawling, pulling, or aching). Symptoms are typically worse in the evening and at night, significantly impacting sleep.

Affecting approximately 5-15% of adults, RLS can be primary (genetic) or secondary (from iron deficiency, pregnancy, or kidney disease).

Rib Pain (Intercostal Neuralgia): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Chest

Overview

Rib pain—also known as intercostal neuralgia—is pain in the area between your ribs. It can be sharp and stabbing, or dull and aching. It might hurt when you breathe, twist, or even when you laugh.

The kicker: In TCM, rib pain is often related to stress and emotions. The Liver meridian passes through the ribs, and when Liver Qi stagnates (think: frustration, stress, or emotional ups and downs), it can manifest as rib pain. It’s literally like your emotions are “stuck” in your chest.

Rosacea: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin (Face)

Overview

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting an estimated 5–10% of the global population, predominantly fair-skinned adults aged 30–60. It presents as persistent facial erythema, frequent flushing, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, and in severe cases, phymatous changes (rhinophyma). Four subtypes are recognized: erythematotelangiectatic (ETR), papulopustular (PPR), phymatous, and ocular. The condition significantly impacts quality of life, causing social anxiety, embarrassment, and emotional distress.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Lower Back

Overview

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects your pelvis to your spine. It’s a strong, weight-bearing joint that transfers the force of your upper body to your legs. But it’s also a common source of lower back pain, affecting approximately 15-25% of patients with mechanical lower back pain.

Sciatica: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Overview

Sciatica is not a disease itself—it’s a symptom. It’s pain that originates in your lower back or buttock and travels down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body, about as thick as your thumb). This pain can range from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by numbness or weakness.

Shin Splints: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Overview

Shin splints—medial tibial stress syndrome—affect many runners, dancers, and military recruits. It’s characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (tibia). The pain typically starts after activity and, if ignored, can become more severe and persistent.

The good news: Shin splints respond well to TCM therapies, rest, and gradual return to activity.

Shoulder Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Shoulder

Overview

Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. Up to 1 in 4 adults will have shoulder pain at some point. It can be as simple as a strained muscle from reaching too far, or as complex as a rotator cuff tear.

Sinus Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Head

Overview

Sinus headache affects approximately 30 million Americans annually, presenting as pressure and pain in the forehead, cheekbones, and around the eyes. Unlike migraines, sinus headache is typically accompanied by nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and pain that worsens with bending forward. It is often triggered by respiratory infections, allergies, or barometric pressure changes.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Arm

Overview

Despite its name, tennis elbow affects far more non-tennis players than tennis players. It’s a tendinopathy—inflammation and microtears—of the tendon that attaches to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Affecting 1-3% of the population, it’s most common in people aged 30-50.

Tension Headache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Head

Overview

Tension headache is the most common headache type, affecting over 80% of adults at some point in their lives. It presents as a bilateral, mild-to-moderate, non-throbbing pain often described as a tight band around the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically lack nausea, vomiting, or photophobia, but they can be chronic and debilitating.

Thigh Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Leg

Overview

Thigh pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages—from athletes with muscle strains to older adults with vascular issues. The thigh contains some of the largest muscles in the body (quadriceps and hamstrings), making it susceptible to injury.

The good news: Most thigh pain is benign and responds well to TCM therapies and self-care.

TMJ Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Head

Overview

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain affects approximately 5-12% of adults, with peak prevalence in young to middle-aged women. Symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, limited mouth opening, and often radiating pain to the ear, temple, and neck. TMJ dysfunction can significantly impact eating, speaking, and quality of life.

Toothache: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Head

Overview

Toothache is one of the most common acute pain conditions, affecting up to 30% of adults annually. It can range from mild sensitivity to severe, throbbing pain that interferes with eating, sleeping, and concentration. The most common causes include dental caries, pulpitis, periodontal disease, and tooth abscess.

Trapezius Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Shoulder

Overview

If you’ve ever felt a knot at the top of your shoulders that just won’t go away, you’ve experienced trapezius pain. The trapezius is a large, diamond-shaped muscle that covers the back of your neck and shoulders. It’s involved in almost every upper body movement—shrugging, lifting, turning your head, and keeping your posture.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Head & Face

Overview

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intense, electric-shock-like facial pain affecting one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The condition has an annual incidence of 4–13 per 100,000, with higher prevalence in women and adults over 50. Pain episodes are often triggered by innocuous stimuli such as chewing, talking, or a breeze across the face.

Type 2 Diabetes: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Endocrine System / Abdomen

Overview

Type 2 diabetes affects over 537 million adults worldwide, and that number continues to climb. It develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin or your pancreas can no longer keep up with demand, leaving glucose stuck in your bloodstream instead of fueling your cells. Left unmanaged, it raises the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision loss.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Pelvis / Lower Abdomen

Overview

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting 50-60% of all women at least once in their lifetime. About 20-30% of women who experience an initial UTI will have recurrent episodes. The economic burden is substantial—UTIs account for over 7 million office visits, 1 million emergency department visits, and 100,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.

Urticaria (Hives): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin

Overview

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a prevalent allergic skin disease characterized by recurrent itchy wheals (hives), angioedema, and/or vascular edema. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)—defined as daily or almost daily wheals lasting more than 6 weeks—affects approximately 1–2% of the population. The condition can persist for years, causing significant physical discomfort, sleep disruption, anxiety, and depression.

Vitiligo: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Skin

Overview

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by progressive depigmentation—well-demarcated white patches caused by the destruction of melanocytes. It affects approximately 0.5–2% of the global population and can occur at any age, with half of cases beginning before age 20. Beyond its visible impact, vitiligo carries profound psychosocial burden, including stigma, anxiety, and depression.