Golfer’s Elbow (Medial 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

Golfer’s elbow—medial epicondylitis—is pain on the inside of the elbow. It’s the opposite of tennis elbow (which is on the outside). It affects the tendons that attach the wrist flexor muscles to the bony bump on the inner elbow.

While less common than tennis elbow (about 10% as prevalent), golfer’s elbow can be just as painful and debilitating. It’s most common in athletes who do a lot of gripping or throwing—golfers, baseball players, bowlers—but also affects people with repetitive gripping tasks like using tools or carrying heavy items.

Gout: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues, triggered by elevated serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). It affects approximately 3–4% of adults in developed countries, with incidence rising alongside obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dietary changes. Acute gout attacks produce sudden, intense joint pain—most commonly in the big toe (podagra)—accompanied by redness, swelling, heat, and extreme tenderness that can make even the weight of a bedsheet unbearable.

Hand Arthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Hand

Overview

Hand arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, particularly as they age. It can be osteoarthritis (wear and tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune). Both cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function in the small joints of the hands.

The good news: TCM offers effective, non-pharmacological approaches that complement conventional care. Many patients find significant relief with acupuncture and herbal therapy.

Heel Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Foot

Overview

Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. The most common cause is plantar fasciitis, but heel pain can also result from Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, or bursitis.

The good news: Most heel pain improves with conservative care. TCM offers effective, natural approaches for pain relief and prevention.

Hip Arthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Hip

Overview

Hip arthritis—most commonly osteoarthritis—affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over 50. It’s the “wear and tear” type of arthritis, where the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually breaks down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking or moving.

The good news: TCM offers effective, non-pharmacological approaches for managing hip arthritis pain and improving function.

Hip Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Hip

Overview

Hip pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. It can arise from many different structures—the hip joint itself, the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the nerves that run through the area. In older adults, hip osteoarthritis is the most common cause; in younger people, it’s often from muscle strain or overuse.

Hypothyroidism: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid—affects roughly 5% of the global population, with women and older adults at higher risk. When the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), virtually every system in the body slows down: metabolism drops, energy fades, mood darkens, and the body feels cold and sluggish. The most common cause in developed countries is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Infertility: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 couples worldwide, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. The causes span female factors (ovulatory dysfunction, tubal blockage, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve), male factors, and unexplained infertility. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF have revolutionized treatment, but success rates remain limited—often 30-40% per cycle for women under 35, declining with age.

Insomnia: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Insomnia — defined as persistent difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep — affects an estimated 22–30% of adults globally. When occurring at least three times per week for three months or longer, it meets the diagnostic threshold for chronic insomnia disorder. The consequences extend far beyond grogginess: chronic insomnia is associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, depression, and impaired daytime cognitive performance.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction, affecting approximately 4–10% of the global population. Characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits—ranging from diarrhea (IBS-D) to constipation (IBS-C) or mixed patterns—IBS significantly diminishes quality of life and drives substantial healthcare costs. Anxiety and depression frequently accompany IBS, creating a vicious cycle that worsens symptoms.

Knee Osteoarthritis: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Knee

Overview

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 10% of men and 13% of women over 60. It’s characterized by the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. Risk factors include age, obesity, previous injury, and genetics.

Knee Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Knee

Overview

Knee pain is one of the most common joint complaints, affecting people of all ages. In younger people, it’s often from injury or overuse. In older adults, it’s most commonly from osteoarthritis. The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears significant weight, making it vulnerable to wear and tear.

Lower Back 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

Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO, 2023), affecting over 600 million people at any given time. It’s also the most common reason for lost workdays globally.

Your lower back is a remarkable structure: five vertebrae, shock-absorbing discs, a network of nerves, and dozens of muscles working together to support your upper body weight. When something goes wrong, the pain can range from a dull ache to debilitating sharp pain that makes simple movements—standing up, bending down, even sneezing—a challenge.

Lumbar Disc Herniation: 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

A lumbar disc herniation—sometimes called a “slipped disc” or “ruptured disc”—is one of the most common causes of sciatica and lower back pain radiating into the leg. It affects approximately 5% of adults at some point, with peak incidence between ages 30-50.

Menopause Symptoms: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

The menopausal transition affects virtually every woman, with up to 75% experiencing hot flashes that can persist for a median of 7.4 years—and in some cases, over 14 years. Beyond vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), menopause brings insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, joint pain, vaginal dryness, and cognitive changes that collectively diminish quality of life.

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Overview

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) affect up to 50-90% of women of reproductive age. They can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. The pain is caused by uterine contractions (from prostaglandins) and can be accompanied by nausea, headache, or fatigue.

Metatarsalgia (Ball of Foot Pain): TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Foot

Overview

Metatarsalgia is pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot—the area just behind the toes. It’s a common condition, especially in people who spend a lot of time on their feet or wear tight, high-heeled shoes.

The good news: Metatarsalgia responds well to TCM therapies and lifestyle changes. Most cases improve within 4-6 weeks.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 8 min
Body Area: Musculoskeletal / Back, Neck, Shoulders

Overview

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting up to 85% of the general population at some point. It is characterized by hyperirritable nodules (trigger points) within taut bands of skeletal muscle that produce local pain, referred pain patterns, and restricted range of motion. Unlike simple muscle soreness, MPS is a chronic pain condition that can persist for months or years if the underlying perpetuating factors are not addressed.

Neck Pain: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

Updated: June 22, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 6 min

Body Area: Neck

Overview

Neck pain is the third most common cause of chronic pain worldwide—right after lower back pain and headaches. About 1 in 3 adults will experience significant neck pain in any given year.

The neck is a marvel of engineering: just seven small vertebrae support a head that weighs about 10-12 pounds. That’s like carrying a bowling ball on a narrow stem—all day, every day. When things go wrong, the results can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain that interferes with every aspect of life.

Obesity: TCM Acupuncture Points & Herbal Relief Guide

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

Overview

Obesity is now classified as a chronic disease by the WHO, affecting over 1 billion people globally. It’s not just about appearance—excess body fat drives inflammation, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and joint degeneration. The conventional approach emphasizes caloric deficit through diet and exercise, but for many people, weight loss proves frustratingly difficult to sustain.