Expert: Joseph Alban, MS, L.Ac - 12/18/2008

Question
Hi, I just wanted your opinion or wanted to ask you where I could find more information on the effect Chinese Medicine has on somatoform disorders. I've had a lot of symptoms in this last decade, and was wondering if there was anything specific done for somatization in general. Or does Chinese Medicine usually only attempt to relieve the physical symptoms. (Joint pain, sore throat etc.)
Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Hello Dari,

Thank you for the question. I understand that somatoform disorders can be very frustrating and challenging.   I do believe that Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help your situation, in fact I believe it is very suited for your condition. I have personally helped many people with pain and other various symptoms live with much less or no pain at all.   

In Chinese medicine there is no diagnosis of somatoform disorder, per se, because we do not view the mind and body a disconnected.  Rather, Chinese views the body as an interconnected whole and it is only natural that our minds and emotions effect our state of health.  We do not divide "real body pain" from the patient's experiences, rather the condition is just what you are experiencing.  To diagnosis, we look at a constellation of symptoms and how they fit together, such as pain and sore throat, we do not see it as isolated from the entire picture, but part of it to understand what is going on.

The basic idea is that disease happens from imbalances.  Once the imbalance is corrected, your body can work to heal itself. As I mentioned, each person's overall symptoms are weaved together and creates a wholistic picture of what is going on with the patient.  From what you tell me, pain and sore throat, it could be a number of imbalances.  

I would also recommend trying to find a tai chi or qi gong class.  Tai chi and qi gong are slow moving exercises, that are believed to boost your body's natural energy, or qi.  Many people have used them for improving health and strength while decreasing pain with great success.     

I can't diagnosis or treat over the internet. I recommend finding an acupuncturist in your area to discuss possible treatments. You can find an acupuncturist in your area through acufinder.com or nccaom.org.

Best,
Joe