Compartment Syndrome
Exertion Compartment Syndrome and Chinese Medicine
Each muscle and organ of our body is covered with fascia. Facia is an extraordinary substance that is strong but pliable, helping to contain our bodily structure while allowing for the free flow of blood and fluids. Fascia was once used to make the strings for tennis rackets, so it helps one imagine the tenacity and strength of fascia.
Problems occur when strain or trauma induces inflammation in a muscles and/or nerves that are contained in a fascial compartment. The fascia can expand to a point, but when too much pressure builds up and the fascia reaches its' extension limits blood flow is blocked to the muscle (or organ).
Aroma Acu-Therapy Protocol for Compartmental Syndrome
Learn How to Effectively Activate Acupressure Points Linked Here!
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point San Jiao 5
Easy Does it Using Chinese Medicine for Compartmental Syndrome
It is believed that Qi flows between fascia of the body as the Acupressure Channels follow fascial pathways. Fascia is an amazing conductor of Piezoelectric energy and as there is a bit of fluid separating fascial planes. This is why acu-point stimulation is one of the few non-surgical modalities that can produce effective results with this condition.
However, it should be noted that suction cupping therapy, heavy point stimulation, and deep or dry-needling can aggravate compartmental syndrome and should be avoided. Cupping should be performed on the opposite limb during acute phases. Point stimulation should be above or below the muscle, distally, or on the opposite limb when inflammation is present. This differs from myofascial release techniques which can be more aggressive. Dit Da Jow can be applied directly to the area or foot soaks can be used on the affected limb to break-up Blood and Qi Stagnation.
Compartmental Syndrome Patterns of Imbalance and Chinese Medicine
While there are several types of compartmental syndrome, the most common type that is appropriate for self-care is leg or arm exertion-type compartmental syndrome caused most often by running or heavy lifting exercises. Sports injuries result in Blood and Qi Stagnation which cause pain according to Chinese medicine.
However, plenty of folks run long distances, get injured, or lift heavy weights and never develop compartment syndrome. This begs the question; why were you susceptible to compartment syndrome? Resolving organ-level imbalances and deficiencies is necessary to insure that this condition does not become a reoccurring condition.
Kidney Imbalances and Compartment Syndrome
Kidney Yin Deficiency can result in dryness in the body. Fascia relies on interstitial fluid constantly bathing the areas between fascial compartments to keep it pliable rather than brittle. Therefore, Yin Deficiency may make one more susceptible to this type of injury.- If compartmental syndrome is accompanied by cold limbs, Kidney Yang Deficiency may be at play and should be addressed for best outcomes.
- The Jing, or Kidney Essence of the body is associated with embryonic development of the human body. When there is insufficient Jing at conception, the matrix of the body can be damaged resulting in birth defects and abnormalities. Fascia is a component of our body matrix and abnormal or slow healing of damaged fascia may point to Jing Deficiency that has developed due to poor lifestyle habits or because one has a genetic predisposition.
Liver Imbalances and Compartmental Syndrome
Liver Qi Stagnation can influence Qi Stagnation anywhere in the body. Fascia and tendons have a similar makeup as they are both dense in collagen. With tendon strains, Liver imbalances are addressed. Chinese medicine does not assign fascia to a specific energetic organ system, but some speculate that the Liver Yin would have the most influence over the elasticity of fascia following trauma.
Spleen Qi and Compartmental Syndrome
Muscles are associated with the Spleen energetic organ system of Chinese medicine. Weakness or susceptibility to injury of muscles may be related to Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Triple Burner
The Triple Burner, or San Jao energetic organ system of Chinese medicine is responsible for communication and regulation throughout the body. Fascia plays a similar role as it is intelligently designed to integrate all components of the body. Fascia is a connective tissues crystalline matrix that works like a fiber optic network that carries Qi throughout the Acupressure Channels of body reaching both the biological and neurological systems via its semi-conductive properties. The Sanjiao is responsible for facilitating and complex communications in between the cellular tissues, as is the fascia. Theoretically, the fascia could be seen as one of the physical manifestations of the San Jiao.
Channel Theory for Compartment Syndrome
Effective self-care of compartment syndrome requires that one becomes familiar with the acupressure channels. This is so that one can apply Aroma Acu-therapy to acu-points distally on any channel that traverses the affected muscle.
- Find Specific Muscles and Related Channels Here!
- Find Photos and Diagrams of Acupressure Channels Here!
- Find Acupressure Points With Videos and Photos Here!
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