Rhomboid muscle pain is a common form of back pain that occurs in the rhomboid muscle – located in the upper central back and connecting the scapula to the spinal column.
From a western medicine standpoint, there are many types of injury and overexertion that can cause rhomboid muscle pain. Chinese medicine practitioners also note a pair of pathologies – wind and dampness – that can cause rhomboid muscle pain. These pathologies are treatable using herbs like Qin Jiao.
What Causes Rhomboid Muscle Pain in Chinese Medicine?
Chinese medicine often attributes rhomboid muscle pain – and many types of muscle pain – to “wind” and “dampness.” These refer to a pair of pathogenic states that Chinese medicine practitioners observe – states that mimic the nature of wind or dampness. For example, conditions caused by wind may present suddenly and sweep through the body like an unwelcome wind – like pain.
When wind and dampness emerge in the body, they can interfere with muscle function and block Qi (the body’s essential life energy) from flowing into muscle tissue like normal.
How Can Chinese Herbs Like Qin Jiao Help with Rhomboid Muscle Pain?
Qin Jiao is a cool herb that’s used to treat a variety of health conditions, including those caused by wind, dampness, or heat. When administered, Qin Jiao enters several channels, including channels that travel close to the rhomboid muscle. There, it dispels excess wind and dampness, restoring balance in the body and ensuring proper Qi flows in the body.
When integrated into a larger herbal formula, Qin Jiao can reduce the severity and frequency of rhomboid muscle pain for patients.