Knee pain is a common complaint affecting people of all ages, whether due to aging, injury, arthritis, or overuse. While Western medicine often relies on painkillers, physiotherapy, or even surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views knee pain as an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and blood circulation in the meridians.
In TCM theory, knee pain is often caused by the following that leads to different syndromes:
- Qi and blood stagnation – Trauma or overuse can lead to blocked energy flow, causing pain and stiffness.
- Cold and damp accumulation – Exposure to cold or damp conditions can obstruct the meridians, worsening pain, especially in rainy or cold weather.
- Kidney deficiency – The kidneys govern the bones and joints. Weak kidney energy can lead to chronic knee issues, especially in older individuals.
Acupuncture works by unblocking meridians, promoting natural healing and reducing pain without medication or invasive procedures.
How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Knee Pain
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for knee pain, offering the following benefits:
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and anti-inflammatory substances, providing natural pain relief for conditions like osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, and tendonitis.
Improves Blood Circulation
Blocked Qi and blood flow can slow healing and worsen pain. Acupuncture restores circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the knee joint for faster recovery.
Strengthens the Kidneys and Spleen
The Kidneys support bone and joint health, reducing degeneration. And the Spleen governs muscles, improving strength and flexibility. By enhancing these organ functions, acupuncture reduces the possibility or frequency of future knee issues and promotes long-term wellness.
Expels Cold and Dampness
For those whose knee pain worsens in cold or damp weather, acupuncture helps disperse excess dampness, restoring warmth and mobility to the joint.
Restores Mobility and Flexibility
By relaxing tense muscles and promoting Qi flow, acupuncture helps regain knee movement, making daily activities easier.
Key Acupuncture Points for Knee Pain Relief
- Xiyan (ST35, 膝眼) – A primary point to relieve knee swelling and pain.
- Heding (鶴頂) – Strengthens the knee and improves mobility.
- Sanyinjiao (SP6, 三阴交) – Nourishes the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, essential for joint health.
- Yanglingquan (GB34, 阳陵泉) – Improves tendon and ligament flexibility.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment for Knee Pain
1) Consultation & Diagnosis
A TCM physician assesses your symptoms using pulse and tongue diagnosis to determine the nature and syndrome of knee pain.
2) Acupuncture Session
Once the diagnosis is complete, fine, sterile needles are inserted at strategic meridian points to relieve pain and inflammation, improve blood circulation to the knee, and restore balance in the affected meridians. The needles are left in place for 20–30 minutes, allowing the body to respond. If needed, additional therapies may be incorporated, such as heat lamp therapy, which enhances circulation and relieves stiffness, or electroacupuncture, which uses mild electrical stimulation for deeper pain relief.
3) Complementary Therapies (if needed)
To enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture, additional TCM treatments may be recommended:
- Tui Na (Chinese massage): Relieves muscle tension, improves flexibility, and promotes healing.
- Cupping therapy: Increases blood circulation and reduces stagnation around the knee joint.
- Herbal medicine: Strengthens internal organs like the Kidney and Spleen, ensuring long-term joint health and preventing future knee issues
Most patients feel relief after just a few sessions, with long-term improvement over a full treatment course.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Knee Pain?
- Drug-free and natural pain relief
- Targets both symptoms and root causes
- Promotes long-term joint health
- Safe and suitable for all ages
Experience Expert TCM Care
At Singapore Paincare TCM Wellness, our TCM physicians are experienced in acupuncture treatments for knee pain. We tailor each session to your condition, ensuring effective, holistic healing.
Book Your Consultation Today!
Don’t let knee pain limit your lifestyle—discover the power of acupuncture!
