Why Chronic Pain Isn’t Always Where It Starts: Understanding Channel Theory

When pathways are blocked, signals don’t reach their destination. Meridian theory helps us trace the detours and reopen the lines.

The Complexity of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be perplexing. It often seems to arise from a specific injury or condition. However, the truth is more nuanced. Pain may not originate where we feel it. Instead, it can be a manifestation of deeper emotional or energetic imbalances.

One of my patients came in with persistent neck pain radiating through her shoulder and along the inside edge of her scapula. Structurally, everything lined up. But the tenderness around BL 42—the outer Shu point of the Lung—kept catching my attention.

The Hidden Layers of Grief

She couldn’t pinpoint anything she was grieving. Yet, week after week, the point remained tender. The pain persisted. Something about it nudged me to circle back to the idea of letting go.

She had recently sold the house she lived in with her ex-husband. A new marriage, a new chapter, a forward-moving life. But that house held years of memories—both sweet and complicated. Her body hadn’t skipped over the weight of that transition, even if her mind had.

Each week, I reminded her that grief doesn’t always stem from something negative. Sometimes, it’s the life we loved, the version of ourselves that lived inside it, that we still need to say goodbye to.

A Shift in Perspective

Then one day, something shifted. After needling, she felt a sharp ache low in her back—nowhere near the channels we had worked on. I placed my hand over the area, asked her to breathe deeply, and she started to cry.

The neck pain never returned.

The Language of Pain in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, pain doesn’t just arise from injury. It emerges from where the body is holding something. Most of the time, this “something” isn’t purely physical.

I map pain by channel and location. I also track what the body might be trying to say through the language of the meridians. For instance, if someone has persistent hip pain, I might look to the Gallbladder channel. I would ask where they’ve been stuck between decisions. If it’s rib tension that won’t resolve, I might consider the Liver’s role—not just in the smooth flow of qi, but in unprocessed anger or frustration.

The Role of Stagnation

Sometimes pain shows up where a system is weakened or overstressed. Here, the tendons and muscles lack the nourishment to recover easily, causing injuries to linger. Other times, pain results from stagnation. When emotions haven’t moved, the qi can’t either.

When qi doesn’t move, pain manifests.

Acupuncture as a Pathway to Understanding

Acupuncture provides a way in—not just to relieve pain in the moment, but to ask it something. Why here? Why now? What’s the story your body is telling that your conscious mind hasn’t fully heard yet?

You don’t need to have an answer on the table. You just need someone willing to listen with the right map.

The Integrated Approach to Healing

I offer an integrated approach to care—rooted in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. This approach is informed by an understanding of how stress, pain, and emotional patterns affect the body. Every session begins with what’s most present, whether that’s physical discomfort or a deeper imbalance that needs attention.

Over time, this approach allows relief to hold, supporting both immediate symptoms and the roots beneath them.

Understanding Your Body’s Signals

Recognizing the signals your body sends is crucial. Each ache and pain can hold a deeper meaning. By understanding these messages, you can begin to address the root causes of your discomfort. This understanding can lead to profound healing.

The Journey Towards Healing

Healing is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience and a willingness to explore the depths of your experiences. Each session is an opportunity to delve deeper into what your body is communicating.

As you engage in this process, you may find that the pain you thought was isolated has connections to other areas of your life. The journey may reveal insights that transform your understanding of yourself.

Conclusion: Embracing the Process

In conclusion, chronic pain often has layers that go beyond the physical. By exploring these layers through acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, you can uncover the truths your body has been carrying. This integrated approach offers a pathway to meaningful, root-level healing.

If you’re ready to explore this journey, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can uncover the connections within your body and support your healing process.

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For more information about my services, please visit Prism Acupuncture & Coaching.