You’re Probably Reading This Because Something Hurts.
Back pain. Neck pain. Headaches. Knee pain. Joint pain. The “I can’t turn my head, and now I drive like a robot” kind of pain. Maybe it’s new, maybe it’s been around longer than your youngest child.
Either way, you’re over it.
Most people come to acupuncture because they’re in pain. But here’s what makes Chinese medicine different: we don’t just treat where it hurts. We treat why it hurts.
Pain is a symptom. But in Chinese medicine, it’s also a story. Your story.
In Chinese Medicine, Pain Has a Personality
It’s not enough to say something hurts. We want to know how it hurts. Because we treat people. Not conditions.
📌 What Kind of Pain Is It?
- Sharp, stabbing, fixed pain? That’s often Blood stasis. Old injuries, post-surgery, trauma—the kind of pain that lingers and feels “stuck.”
- Dull, achy pain that feels better with pressure or warmth? That’s usually Qi and Blood deficiency—your body doesn’t have enough fuel to nourish the area.
- Heavy, swollen, dragging pain—worse in damp weather? Welcome to Dampness, where it feels like your joints are wrapped in wet towels.
- Tight, crampy, comes and goes with stress? That’s Liver Qi stagnation, AKA “I’ve been clenching my jaw for three years straight.”
⏰ When Does It Hurt?
- Morning pain/stiffness → often Damp or Cold stagnation that accumulates overnight
- Nighttime pain → could point to Blood deficiency (your body’s trying to repair, but has nothing to work with)
- Worse with cold or weather changes → likely Cold or Wind invasion—yes, Chinese medicine tracks the internal climate
📍 Where It Hurts Tells Us Even More
- Low back, knees, and ankles? We’re looking at your Kidneys—the root of vitality.
- Neck, shoulders, jaw? That’s often Liver/Gallbladder channels—especially if you’re Type A and don’t like being told what to do.
- One-sided pain? Gallbladder meridian.
- Wandering pain? That’s Wind in the channels (yep, it moves around).
🪡 So What Does Acupuncture for Pain Relief Actually Do?
Acupuncture stimulates your nervous system to:
- Release endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers)
- Calm inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Relax tight muscles
- Rewire chronic pain pathways in the brain.
Herbal formulas might include:
At Six Fishes, we treat pain with a whole toolbox: acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxa, herbs, lifestyle recommendations, and more. Because you deserve more than temporary relief.
You might feel better after the first session. Most people need a few visits to create lasting change. The point isn’t just to make the pain go away.
It’s to get your body back to doing what it’s designed to do: heal.
👂 Real Talk From Real Patients
“They made a treatment plan for my back pain and I’ve recovered completely after the 5 sessions! I have been to other acupuncturists in the area but six fishes is the only place I would recommend. – C.J.
“I started going to Six Fishes about 5 months ago for some specific pain. I had noticeable relief from my pain, well within my first few sessions.” -C.M.
“Acupuncture helped me when cortisone shots didn’t. I wish I had come in sooner.” — K.R.
📍 Based in Philadelphia? Come See Us.
We’ve been treating pain in Philadelphia for over 40 years. Whether it’s new or old, sharp or dull, we’ll help you decode the pattern—and start healing it.
Pain may be part of your story—but it doesn’t have to be the ending.
👉 Book your appointment now
👉 Learn more about how we treat pain
👉 Meet our team
