Post-Operative Support

Post-Operative Support: A Complementary Approach to Recovery.

(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).​

After undergoing surgery, post-operative support is critical to recovery. In Western medicine, post-operative support generally involves pain management, monitoring for complications, and physical therapy to help restore function. Pain medication is typically prescribed to manage pain, and physical therapy in the form of physiotherapy and occupational therapy is often used to improve range of motion and strength. However, there are complementary approaches to post-operative support that can be used in conjunction with Western medicine, such as Chinese medicine.

In Chinese medicine, the approach to post-operative support involves addressing imbalances in the body’s energy flow, or qi, and promoting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. According to Chinese medicine, surgery can disrupt the flow of qi and blood and cause imbalances in the body, which can lead to pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

One approach in Chinese medicine for post-operative support is acupuncture, which involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of qi. Acupuncture can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, all of which can support recovery. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed to address specific symptoms and support overall healing.

Another complementary approach to post-operative support in Chinese medicine’s herbal medicine to regulate the underlying conditions by Chinese medicine. Energetics of the herbs have the capacity to tonify relating organs invigurate blood and Qi according to CHinese medicine, further, Chinese dietary therapy may also be adopted. Certain foods are believed to have healing properties and can be used to support the body’s natural healing processes. For example, foods that are warm and nourishing, such as bone broth and soups made with ginger and garlic, are believed to promote healing and support the body’s energy flow. of course each patient is diagnosed in an individual way with Chinese Medicine and there is no one way to treat all.

It’s important to note that Chinese medicine is not a substitute for Western medicine when it comes to post-operative support. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms after surgery, it’s important to seek medical attention from a Western medical provider. However, incorporating complementary approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy can provide additional support to aid recovery.

In summary, post-operative support is critical to recovery after surgery. Western medicine offers pain management and physical therapy to support recovery, while complementary approaches such as Chinese medicine can address imbalances in the body’s energy flow and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. A complementary approach that combines both Western and Chinese medicine can offer a comprehensive approach to post-operative support.

References:

Wang, H., Liu, X., & Guo, S. (2021). Acupuncture for Postoperative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2021, 8891499. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8891499

Li, S., Liang, F., Li, Y., Xie, Y., Zhang, F., Lu, S., & Liu, X. (2021). Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Postoperative Ileus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2021, 6663479. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6663479

Lai, H. C., Chang, C. M., & Lee, H. Y. (2019). The efficacy of acupuncture in post-operative ileus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 14(4), e0214937. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214937

Maciocia G. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015.

Kaptchuk TJ. Chinese Medicine: The Web That Has No Weaver. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Lu DP, Lu GP. Integrative Medicine in the Management of Postoperative Pain. Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(5):755-771. doi:10.1142/S0192415X15500416