Sciatica refers to a condition of the sciatic nerve, characterized by pain along the nerve pathway, which includes the lower back, buttocks, back of the thigh, the lateral side of the lower leg, and the outer side of the foot. The vast majority of cases of sciatica are secondary to local and surrounding structural changes that irritate, compress, and damage the sciatic nerve, known as secondary sciatica; a minority are primary, which is sciatic neuritis.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, sciatica is categorized under "Bi Syndrome." Moxibustion is used to treat this condition, where 2-3 acupoints are selected each time, and additional points are added based on the diagnosis to achieve the effect of soothing the meridians and activating the collaterals.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.
(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Avoid prolonged sitting and develop the habit of getting up and moving around every hour. This is especially important for people engaged in professions such as IT, secretarial work, and media editing.
2. Reduce the practice of sitting with your legs crossed to prevent continuous strain on the back muscles and ligaments.
3. Avoid wearing high heels for long periods and get into the habit of wearing flat shoes. If high heels must be worn, limit the heel height to below 4 centimeters, and avoid running or dancing in high heels to prevent damage to the waist.
4. Engage in more stretching exercises. Persist in 15 to 30 minutes every morning and evening.